Just about every sport truck enthusiast knows the only way to lay frame is with an airbag suspension. However, to actually get the vehicle low enough to sit on the ground, some serious engineering needs to take place, especially in the rear. AIM Industries, of Mesa, Arizona, has taken the guesswork out of making your late-model Chevy a ground-pounder with its latest four-link airbag system. Up front, the stock coil springs are replaced with AIM's trick Air Wave airbag/shock combo. Out back, the rear suspension in completely, re-engineered, using a trick four-link setup. The crowning touch of the AIM system is an engine-mounted air compressor to keep the system pressurized.
For this install, we wanted to use a set of fast 'bags, a four-link rear, and an engine-driven compressor. Forever changing the look of the truck, we wanted the install to be completed by a professional installer, and after a quick call to The Custom Truck Shop in San Dimas, California, the truck was on its way from a factory Silverado to a 'bagged Bow Tie custom. Read along as we take you through the install.
1. AIM included every piece...
1. AIM included every piece needed for the complex install, including billet-topped airbags, engine compressor, four-link, brackets, lines, and hardware.
2. With the bed off the frame,...
2. With the bed off the frame, Tommy at The Custom Truck Shop measured the rear frame for the bolt-on C-notch.
3. The C-notch was test-fit...
3. The C-notch was test-fit before the frame was cut, to ensure the proper measurements were taken.
4. Tommy then used a plasma-cutting...
4. Tommy then used a plasma-cutting torch. The frame was cut and prepped for the C-notch.
5. The C-notch was held in...
5. The C-notch was held in place by vise-grips and marked for the holes to be drilled.
6. Tommy then drilled the...
6. Tommy then drilled the marked holes for the C-notch mounting bolts.
7. After the holes were drilled,...
7. After the holes were drilled, Tommy bolted on the C-notch.
8. The rear bracket was then...
8. The rear bracket was then mounted for the four-link setup.
9. Tommy tested the rear axle...
9. Tommy tested the rear axle for fitment by supporting the axle with a jack. Here is a shot before the four-link was installed.
10. The passenger-side bracket...
10. The passenger-side bracket for the panhard rod was welded in place and tested for proper fitment.
11. This is the completed...
11. This is the completed version of the Panhard bar install.
12. Then the team bolted on...
12. Then the team bolted on the four-link. The guys made sure the driveshaft had the proper angle, and that the setup was perfectly straight.
13. This is what the rear...
13. This is what the rear axle looked like completed, minus the 'bags and valves.
14. With the rear almost completed,...
14. With the rear almost completed, the guys moved to the fitment of the engine-driven compressor. The custom-fabricated bracket was installed after several measurements were taken.
15. Tommy bolted on the compressor...
15. Tommy bolted on the compressor to the bracket and tightened accordingly.
16. The engine-driven compressor...
16. The engine-driven compressor looked like OEM and was ready to fill the 'bags faster than a 12-volt compressor.
17. The team then shifted...
17. The team then shifted its attention back to the rear for the 'bag, valves, and line install. The valves and solenoids were mounted on custom brackets and attached to the rear axle.
18. With the valves and solenoids...
18. With the valves and solenoids in place, the custom upper airbag brackets were welded into place and the billet 'bags were then mounted.
19. After the lower 'bag mount...
19. After the lower 'bag mount was fabricated, the team welded in the bracket and was almost finished with the rear system.
20. The air tank was mounted...
20. The air tank was mounted and the 1/2-inch lines were run to finish the rear.
21. This is the completed...
21. This is the completed rear airbag system.
22. With the rear completed,...
22. With the rear completed, the team focused on completing the front airbag install. Here is the front suspension before the 'bags went on.
23. After prepping the front,...
23. After prepping the front, the front airbag was checked for fitment.
24. With the front brackets...
24. With the front brackets fabricated, the 'bags and brackets were welded into place. After checking for proper fit and function, the front lines were installed and the compressor lines connected.