Front Suspension

Page 1 - Thunderbird Airbag Suspension
Page 2 - Air Supply
Page 3 - Front Suspension
Page 4 - Rear Suspension
Page 5 - More Bagged Birds



Click on thumbnails for larger images


Air Ride Technologies Shockwave Airbag units feature a Hal Adjustable Billet Shock through a 2500 Airbag.



Brackets had to be made for the Shockwaves to bolt up the same as the factory struts. The ears on the lower bracket are exactly the same width as the ones on the strut. A slot has also been cut into the pipe for the shock adjustment knob.



The brackets mounted onto the Shockwave, using original bolts. After the assembly has been bolted in place of the strut, the top plate is shifted so the bags will not rub against the body of the car or spindle when fully inflated.


In these pictures, the Shockwaves were installed with air lines running to the rear of the vehicle, to find out if the suspension will touch the ground. Otherwise, adjustments would have to be made to the brackets.


3/8" Airline is ran up through the top plate surrounded with 1/2" Airline to protect it. The SMC Valves are mounted directly above the Shock towers inside the engine compartment. A supply air line comes through the Firewall, and is ran across the engine to the driver side Valve.


Although the Shockwaves are limited to 3.5" of travel, about 5" of lift is achieved when inflated above 100 PSI. The Catalytic converter downpipes make sparks underneath the car while driving, and rest on the ground when parked and fully deflated.

Credit for the Thunderbird Shockwave Bracket design goes to Scott Mckeeman; Thanks for the help and information. Link to Scott's Bagged 89 Thunderbird.


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