Date: Tue, 23 May 2000 09:19:11 -0700
Reply-To: "Buettner, Peter" <PGB@DOLBY.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Buettner, Peter" <PGB@DOLBY.COM>
Subject: Air Suspension Meeting
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
Hi all,
On Saturday, 5/27/2000 we'll have a chance to meet with Jason McWilliams.
Jason is designing AirLift's (airliftcompany.com) air suspension systems for
VW applications. So far full suspension kits are available for the Bug and
the Split-Window Bus. Jason is currently working on a full suspension
systems for the Transporter (68-79) and the Vanagon (2wd and hopefully 4wd).
An auxiliary air suspension system is already available for the Transporter
and the Vanagon (rear axle only).
There has been some discussion on the list about air suspension systems in
recent weeks. So far I was only aware of the auxiliary system for the
Vanagon. The fact that there are plans for a full system is new(!!!). So
what's the difference?
Full air suspension
This system replaces the coil springs with air bags. The pressure in the
air bags can be controlled by a compressor that's installed in the vehicle.
Pressure gauges and control buttons are installed on the dash board. With
the full air suspension the ride height and the stiffness of the suspension
can be changed by adjusting the air pressure in the air bags.
Auxiliary air suspension
This system does not replace the coil springs, instead air bags are
installed inside the coil springs. The pressurized air bag adds to the
stiffness of the coil spring. This is great for loaded traveling
(additional load capacity) and for people with trailers. It also helps with
worn/sagging coil springs. For this system a compressor is optional. The
air bags can be pressurized with a regular tire pump or at the gas station.
Jason will bring a bug that has the full air suspension installed so we can
see what it looks/feels like. I will bring my Syncro Westy that has the
auxiliary air suspension incl. compressor and dual-gauge controls installed.
It should be quite an informative meeting.
If you can't attend but have a question or would like to provide input to
the design of the air suspension, pmail me and I will compile a FAQ from the
responses.
The meeting will take place on Saturday, 5/27/2000 sometime in the morning
in San Francisco, CA. Exact time and place will be announced on Friday. If
you're interested please mark your calendars and stay tuned.
Peter Buettner's "Air Suspension Tests" article:
http://vanagon.com/syncros/technica/airlift-test/index.html
Otmar "The Stretch" Ebenhoech's "Suspension and Wheels" article:
http://www.evcl.com/vw/SuspensionWheels/Frame.html
Air Lift web site: http://airliftcompany.com/
Best,
Peter
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