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