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Originally Posted by 525iT_Feen
The car rode like absolute ass like this and definitely wasn't safe for the lively hood of the suspension. I had no choice because I was running around like a mad man (in NY) Sunday morning and had to go to Manhattan for hotel check out at 12. By the time I got back on the road to go home my friend had left his shop so I rode it out. I didn't drive it today to avoid damage and raised it at a different friends shop right after work. The front doesn't seem to really be an issue but the rear is a visual 2 inches higher then in that picture and the car now drives great. Most of my experience with lowered cars comes from trial and error and this one is no different. I drive on shit roads in Boston everyday and the bit i've driven today (after raising the car) hasn't bottomed out anything.
Removing the accumulators doesn't seem that difficult. Is there much to it? Pros and cons? I was admiring your build earlier. Seems like you've done alot of cool stuff.
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Its been a while since I've studied all parts the diagrams.... Since I did a complete to-air conversion the only thing my set up shares with the factory system is the bags and struts. The rears are an easy fix, pull the springs out, stick them in a vise up-side down; and very carefully with a bit of grease on a 1/4"NPT (if I recall correctly) tap, tap out the inside of the inlet. You'll be able to use a standard DOT push in fitting after that. The problems you're going to run into is with the lines....I won't be able to help you much on that as I used 1/4" DOT air brake line (I think BMW used 3/16" for the air lines). I don't see it being an overly complex task provide you have access to all the proper tools and skills needed.
As far as pros and cons go.....I'll bring in Skyline's previous statement about the generally accepted path of the need to increase spring rate because of decreasing suspension travel. Removing the ping tanks when you lower the truck is sort of the same idea....but still preserves the ride quality because of an air springs slightly different characteristics. As far as pros & cons though; I would list it as more of a necessity to not backyard botch an X....
You mention you drive on rough roads....our roads up here are pretty grotesque as well. Take a look at the pic below, this is my truck in the "low" setting. You can go about a maximum of maybe another 1/4" before the factory bags rub on the wheel carrier with daily driving....but IMO thats REALLY pushing it.
Hope this helps.