Bags for Coilovers: Can We Help?
We’ve recently noticed a surge in inquiries about air bags for coilovers. While this is a question we’ve been asked occasionally in the past, the recent spike in interest appears to have coincided with the closure of a competitor that previously supplied these products.
The Short Answer
Can we help? The short answer is no. In most cases, it’s easier, more reliable, and more cost-effective to invest in a dedicated air suspension kit rather than trying to adapt coilovers with air bags.
The Longer Answer
Air bags for coilovers present several challenges that make them less than ideal for road use:
- Ride Quality Issues: Coilovers paired with air bags often have spring and damper rates that are too stiff or unsuitable for comfortable road use. Our focus has always been on achieving excellent ride quality alongside adjustability for lowering, which coilover setups rarely achieve when combined with air bags.
- Threaded Coilovers and Reliability: Many coilovers have threaded bodies for height adjustment, which can be problematic when paired with air bags. Over time, these threads can become unreliable, leading to leaks or alignment issues.
- Space Constraints: Vehicles often lack sufficient space for the proper diameter air bags that would provide a comfortable ride. Narrow or undersized bags may fit, but they won’t deliver the performance or durability needed for real-world driving conditions.
- Universal Air Bag Option: While we do sell a universal air bag that doesn’t rely on sealing to coilover threads, this option is highly limited by space constraints. It’s rarely a practical solution for most vehicles.
Our Recommendation
If you’re considering adding air bags to your vehicle, we strongly recommend converting to a full air suspension system. Air suspension kits are purpose-built, offering benefits that retrofitted systems with threaded bodies cannot match.
- Matched Air Bags: The air bags are specifically matched to the application, ensuring the correct size, durability, and performance for the vehicle.
- Calibrated Damper Rates: The damper rates are designed for air bags, not coil springs, providing optimal ride quality and adjustability.
- Compatible Mounts: The bag mounts are designed to seat securely against the damper body, ensuring compatibility and proper function.
By contrast, retrofitting air bags to coilovers is often a hit-and-miss process. The original components were not designed for air bags, leading to unreliable sealing and inconsistent performance. In addition, the limited compatibility of bag sizes can compromise both ride quality and safety.
Converting to a purpose-built air suspension system delivers superior ride comfort, reliable performance, and full adjustability for both height and handling.
Need Help Choosing the Right Kit?
Our team is here to guide you in selecting the best air suspension solution for your vehicle. Call us or email us - we’ll be happy to assist you!
