Recommendations - For all applications, this air ride kit is based on the vehicle already having a Type 1 or 3 IRS conversion the vehicle, nothing else will be needed.
Kits Contains the following - Upper airbag mounts. Firestone airbags, Doetsch Tech shocks, hardware, Fittings, and Instructions. It will not work with a type 1 swing axle or factory reduction gear box set as well.
Applications - The Type 2 Bus, Double cab, single cab, panel or camper, 1955-1967 have a Type 1 or 3 rear IRS suspension.
Why an Air Ride Kit? - Are you tired of the stiff ride? Are you looking to have an adjustable suspension with a flip of a switch? Are you dragging you car everywhere you go? Can?t get into your driveway? If any of these questions pertain to a need that you have, then the Complete Air Ride Kit is your answer.
Should I install them or have a licensed mechanic install them? - If funds allow, have a trained technician install them. Better to have them make sure everything is right and you will not be second guessing yourself. If you are educated and have the correct tools, a back yard mechanic can install them but we do recommend you have a professional take a look after you are done.
I want to Air Ride my Classic Type 2 Volkswagen. What products and or kits do I need to do the job?BASICS
Will this kit fit with a stock reduction gear box (RGB) transaxle?No, the bus will need to be updated to a Type 1 or 3 IRS transaxle along with an IRS Conversion. Airkewld offers both.
Will my stock brakes work on this IRS Conversion?Maybe.
If your Type 2 Bus is equipped with a 36mm axle nut in the rear, then
the brakes can be swapped out with a couple modifications. If you want
to update your drum brakes to Disc Brakes, we can help. You can find
details here.
Will this set up lay the vehicle on the ground?No.
This will allow you to lay the tires in the wheel wells with out any
cutting. We want you to keep your investment so we try to alleviate all
the cutting to the bus.
How much lift will the give me?7.5" up front, 6.5 in the rear. No other kit comes close.
Is there welding involved in the fitting of this kit?Yes. Check out the install PDF's below.
Does this kit have auto leveling?No.
We don't recommend ANY auto-leveling kits for the Volkswagen
applications. They are too problematic and we want out clients to Smile,
not Frown.
Will I need anything else when doing this kit?Maybe.
To elaborate on this, we need to understand that this is a big
undertaking. We are providing the custom parts to install Air Ride on
your Type 2 Bus. But we are not providing the parts to restore the
bottom half of your bus. So there will be additional investments in
small parts, should this include, while you are in there, scenarios.
What size tires should I run after installing this kit?14" - P185/60r-14's -
Link15" - P185/60r-15's -
Link16" - P195/50r-16's -
Link17" -
P205/45r-17's for all the same size tire front and back or staggered
P205/40r-17 front,
P215/45r-17 in the rear.
What kind of ride quality can I expect after this kit is installed?Great
question. If you use the saying, let's throw it against the wall and
lets see what sticks, probably not good. If you follow the install
guides, understand the limits, take your time and do the little things
(4 wheel alignment, grease your zerks, dot your iii's and cross your
ttt's), you will have a smile from ear to ear. The ride will be smooth
and enjoyable for the entire family.
Can I run the 17" wheels like the ones you have on your website?Yes, all of them will fit. Check them out
here.
COMPLETE PARTS LIST
INSTALL GUIDES
Front Air Ride Install -
LinkAir Management Install -
LinkRear Air Ride Install - LinkIRS Conversion Install - Link
PRObuilt Drop Spindle Install - Link
Transaxle Disclaimer -
Link
DO'S & DON'TS
When deciding on going with air ride, you made a decision that you are building a cruiser. What does that mean you ask?
Basically, the opposite of a high-performance application....and I
don't mean a race car. If you have a large cc engine, you are going to
want to use it, play with it, E V E R Y O N E wants too! If you go this
route, don't AIR RIDE YOUR BUS. You need this instead.