Confused about air bag suspension

[Kaprice]

I keep seeing recommendations to use air bags in the rear when towing anything heavy.

I did a bit more surfing and it seems the air bags have to be inside the spring coils.

But, these aren't supposed to REPLACE shocks, right? And don't shocks go inside the coils?

How do you do an air bag and a shock with one coil?

 

[RonJR]

Air bags go on the rear. The rear shocks are outside the coil springs, so there is room inside the coils for the air bags.

Front suspension uses integrated coils and shocks, so air bags could not be used there. Nor is there any real need, since the load on the front doesn't vary much. You just need to size the front springs for whatever aftermarket weight (winch, bumper, etc.) you've added to the front.

 

[Kaprice]

Air bags go on the rear. The rear shocks are outside the coil springs, so there is room inside the coils for the air bags.

Front suspension uses integrated coils and shocks, so air bags could not be used there. Nor is there any real need, since the load on the front doesn't vary much. You just need to size the front springs for whatever aftermarket weight (winch, bumper, etc.) you've added to the front.

I have a lot to learn about how a vehicle is put together. Scary how little I know. Thanks for that.

 

[NZDZRT]

Good way to learn...

I install my own mods, typically. I was amazed how much I learned just by being under the vehicle. Yes, I "know" how cars work, but nothing beats simply observing the interface between parts. There are some great "how to" pictorials on the forum, but just looking for yourself is huge. And for the most part, these vehicles are nice to work on, with the high ground clearance.

Stay Safe, always use multiple jack stands! :reddance::reddance:

NZDZRT