Buggy Disaster

iTrader: (1)

What if I lowered my car to a near slammed height, then installed drag bags in all 4 springs with no psi. Then before I load up my car with passengers I can simply put some air in the drag bags and lift the car to about stock height?

I would run the drag bag hoses/tubing in an easy to reach location, to make adding psi to the bags near hassle free.


Does this sound like a practical idea?

Without these bags and 3 passengers I would run on the bump stops all day.

I used this pic in my other thread, its just a great example of the ride height I want.


Any input is greatly appreciated

Lonnie P

Possible but you cannot run without air pressure in them...
They must stay around 5psi minimum to prevent ruining the bag.

It will give a stiffer ride & a progressive spring rate, if thet concerns you.
It will cure your bottoming problem though. You may be able to trim the bumpstops further (pending suspension clearance) to keep it from harsh bottoming on the stops.

For best results you should consider an in car controller to adjust on the fly.

83 Crossfire TA

iTrader: (2)

The rear springs are tall enough that u won't hurt the bag without air in it (I did it for years. Would only put air in them at the track. Drove around most of the time withe the shrader valves out so they would have no pressure in them even with the springs compressed)

Buggy Disaster

iTrader: (1)

Ok cool. Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I finally got an idea that might actually work.

83 Crossfire, thanks, didn't know I didn't need psi in the rears. The stiffer ride and progressive rate won't concern me. I will only be using the bags with alot of passengers in the car, and when that happens, I drive like grandma.

Lonnie P what do you mean by in car controller? I'm assuming a small portable compressor tank that has one line that splits off to a Y hose with indiviual valving for front and rear. And install this in the car?

Lonnie P

Go to any of the air ride sites & you will find in car controllers to adjust the pressure.

As for running without any air, do so at your own risk.

Atilla the Fun

I had 2 Firestone bags in the rear. The difference between 5 psi minimum and 35 psi maximum was no more than 1". You'd do better with drilled air shocks in addition to normal shocks and struts. Drilling is to drain the hydraulic oil, so drill carefully. This will remove the damping, but if done correctly, will keep the air lift. Air shocks on the rear of a '70s Camaro or '80s C1500 is typically at least 2" of height when aired up. Use separate air lines for each corner. otherwise you'll be wanting stiffer anti-roll bars. ARB makes a good on-board air compressor for mounting under-hood.