64 Chevelle air bags?

[Rob64]

Hey all, forgive me as I searched through some current threads checking to see if I could find my answer and I was not successful. Please also bear with me as I am not as technically advanced as many memebrs I am sure.

I have a 1964 chevelle SS clone with what looks to be the factory suspension - factory spindles, springs sway bars etc on front and chevy 4 link in the rear. I would like to obtain a look similar to what Jeff Skelton has on his 64 seen here: https://lateral-g.net/members/skelton/
(nice ride Jeff!)

Wheels/tires: I am looking at 18x8's in the front and 20x10's in rear

My question is I have been looking over my options for air bags and was wondering if it is possible since I already have a 4 link rear end to simply put air bags in place of the springs that are there now with something like this (front and rear): http://www.opgi.com/product.asp?topc...3065&prodcode=

So in other words... although it would be ideal, is it necessary to replace all bushings, upper/lower control arms, sway bars etc or did Air Ride really make a direct bolt on kit that will essentially achieve the ride height I am looking for without spending $5k and replacing the entire suspension?

I realize it's a somewhat a vague question but if anyone can lead me in the direction it would be appreciated. Thanks

[marolf101x]

You don't have to buy all the "goodies" to get a car low. We offer many different variations for a wide range of vehicles. Lucky for you the A-body is extremely popular!

Basically what you want is a "Level 1" kit:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspen...y-level-1.html

Here's the individual parts:
You can start with our Cool Ride kit; just air springs you put in place of the stock coil springs and shocks:
Front:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspen...nt-system.html

Rear:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspen...ar-system.html

You can use what you have or rebuild your stock parts and everything will work.

However, you will encounter a few things you may want to consider:
On the front:
-a Cool Ride will place the shock absorber behind the control arms. If you run a wide tire the tire can rub the shock and decrease turning radius (which is why we run the Shockwave on our 66:http://www.ridetech.com/garage/1966-chevelle/)
-stock control arms may experience ball joint bind in the lowered position (this is why we use our Strong Arms as they have revised geometry for better handling and corrected ball joint angles)
-our 66 also uses taller spindles for increased camber gain and MuscleBar sway bars

On the Rear:
Now, to get that low with 20's on the rear may require some custom work (like PhillipM was saying on ProTouring). You'll likely have to cut and raise the driveshaft tunnel at a minimum. Then you'll need to check where the rear end hits (it'll hit the frame) If it's not low enough and you want to go lower you'll have to C-notch the frame. Then you'll have to check and make sure your control arms have enough clearance. If they don't you'll have to move the trunk floor (or at least parts of it).

Any of the control systems will work for what you want to do:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/muscle...ems-musclecar/

Once you get everything going you can always upgrade at a later date.
Say you like the ride, but you don't like the loss of turning radius. . .next year you can purchase Strong Arms and Shockwaves. Almost everything is interchangeable and scalable. So build what you want and what you can afford, and if you need help let us know!

[Rob64]

All great info! Thanks

[marolf101x]

That's what I'm here for. . .
If you need anything else please feel free to post them here, send me an e-mail, or call our tech department (812-481-4787)