Would Air Ride Four link framework hurt or help overall frame stability

[calicraig]

The Air Ride system looks like it could give some extra frame to frame reinforcement. Are there other concerns that this four link system would present for my convertible. Or do the benifits outweigh any problems?

I am only looking at rear system,,,not the front. I plan on standard Global West with coil overs in front.

I plan to drive this car on weekends, to shows and i am looking at some sort of 400 HP 383 as a motor.

[PTAddict]

The primary area of torsional flex in a convert is between the cowl and the rear frame rails. The first gen convertibles are incredibly flimsy in this area, hence the "cocktail shakers" in the four corners of the vehicle to damp the cowl shake. An AirBar won't help this, since it doesn't do anything to reinforce the primary area of weakness. IMO, you want to get some good subframe connectors - Global West, or DSE. They really make a difference in how tight the car feels.

[Steve1968LS2]

I agree.. on a vert I would try and tie the frames together. But I don't see how the rear air bar system would hurt stiffness and we know they do reduce weight..

[EFI69Cam]

I agree.. on a vert I would try and tie the frames together. But I don't see how the rear air bar system would hurt stiffness and we know they do reduce weight..


The total of all the tubing and brackets is less than a pair of leaf springs? Can't be by much then.

[DonQuehotey]

pt is right. The four bar out back and the connecting bridge will help stiffen the rear laterally and cross load but the biggest cause of flex on that car is going to be the front sub frame. Get that fixed up with connectors or a new clip and add what you want to the rear and you are going to be good to go.

[calicraig]

I definitely had those in mind,,,The DSE's look like a nice option.

I hadn't considered the weight savings. So it sounds like it gets a general approval rating????

[Travis B]

The total of all the tubing and brackets is less than a pair of leaf springs? Can't be by much then.


leaf are very heavy especially if they are multi leafs there are only 3 added brakets and the biggest one is sprung weight. the air springs are light as well

[PTAddict]

I hadn't considered the weight savings. So it sounds like it gets a general approval rating????


IMO, if you're not trying to get the nth degree of performance on AutoX or track days (and if you are, you need to do more on the front suspension first), the AirBar is likely to be a choice you'll be very happy with. Just don't forget about those frame connectors.

[calicraig]

IMO, if you're not trying to get the nth degree of performance on AutoX or track days (and if you are, you need to do more on the front suspension first), the AirBar is likely to be a choice you'll be very happy with. Just don't forget about those frame connectors.


Yea, I want it to be capable in the occasional twisty,,,safe at least when I may want to challenge some 5.0 on a Saturday afternoon. But mostly it will see more show time than romp time. Thanks for the input.