spork Posted September 4, 2005 Share Posted September 4, 2005 I've got an 83 280zxt that I drag race. As many of you know, there aren't a huge amount of options for suspension upgrades for the 280zx. I could go with coil overs but that would be expensive. I'm looking to decrease rear squat (not elminate it) when launch hard on slicks. I currently have new springs and shocks in the rear, which helped some, but is still far from ideal as I just about put the rear bumper on the ground when launching (1.6-1.5 60fts) My idea is to use some airbags I have (from a semi-truck sleeper) and mount them to the rear control arm by making a perch and then cutting the floor where the storage compartment is just enough to get things flat and have adequate clearance on each side of the air bag. This way I can adjust air a little at a time till I get it where I want it, anot have to worry about altering spring rates, and could deflate the bags completely to get normal ride when driving on the street. Below is a picture of the rear control air with a deflated bag just sitting about where I was thinking about mounting it. Anyone done anything like this before, or have suggestions on a better way to do it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsCoupe Posted September 5, 2005 Share Posted September 5, 2005 im not sure if this would work, but it probably would. the mustang guys with the stock IRS are using an airbag that goes inside the coil srping. this DRAMATICALLY reduced the wheels hop and squat from what i have read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spork Posted September 5, 2005 Author Share Posted September 5, 2005 the rear springs go right around the shock....how would you put an air bag in there? Maybe they are setup with shocks mounted elswhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsCoupe Posted September 5, 2005 Share Posted September 5, 2005 could be. well then, i guess my suggestion wont work here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbc3 Posted September 5, 2005 Share Posted September 5, 2005 I ran air bags in my Camaro for years. (springs and shocks are separate) The air bag was stuffed inside the rear coil springs. Separate air lines run so each side can be "tuned". Once I upgraded to the QA-1 12 way adjustable shocks I thought I would ditch the air bags, but I kept them since it allowed me to keep the car launching straight. The air bag manufacturer suggested a minimum of 4 lbs be kept in the bag at all times. I ran about 6 in the driver side and 12 - 14 in the passenger side. I suppose if the separately mounted air bag (separate from the coil/strut) allowed the suspension to travel properly without binding and it did not interfere with full travel, it may work just fine. I would guess that in an IRS car, the pressure should be the same in both sides. Good luck, sounds interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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