Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
Hi,

I would like to buy air suspension (air helper) for the rear of my Gen 3 SWB. I was thinking of buying the parts from Air Spring Suppliers, and installing myself.

I was just wondering - Does one normally route the air line to the bags through the top or bottom or the coil? I see there is a big opening at the bottom of the coil on the Pajero, and a very small hole on the top.

I'd feel happier routing out the top, so that they are less susceptible to damage... but I'm not sure what's possible.

Are the instructions that come with these kits for a specific vehicle, or just generic?

Thanks,
Greg
2008 Pajero DiDc LWB GLS
2005 Pajero DiD SWB GLS (sold)
Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
The air line must preferably be installed in such a way that it does not move when the suspension flexes. The less the air line flexes, the longer it will last, I suppose.
This to me dictates that it be done where the air bag is fixed to the chassis/body, which I presume will be at the top.
Gerhard Fourie
If you want to shoot somebody, make sure you aim at his head, not your own foot.
Me
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Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
Top would be ideal, but I have mine routed from the bottom for the exact reason that you mention regarding the space available and so far they have worked well with no damage sustained.

If you have a look at this pic I posted on the shock thread you will see where my airpipe runs and then enter the swingarm?https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/down ... rokbox.jpg Looks a bit sloppy looking at it now again :oops: , but it has survived thus far 8-)

CATS
2009 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS (Gen4) - Casper (Starting to grow on me)
2001 Pajero 3.2 DiD Lwb GLS Manual (Gen3) - Snoopy (SOLD but not forgotten)
2008 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS Auto (Gen4) - Silvester (SOLD)
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Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
Well I have installed mine exactly according to the instructions in the package and as per the discussion I had with the supplier. The tubes come out at the bottom. It is not possible to go to the top as a plastic seat (looks like a spacer) is supplied to provide a smooth seat on the rought chassis edges at the top. No more exit availablr at the top. Never had any problem since installed a year ago.
Willie from Jo'burg
White Gen 3 SWB Pajero 3.2 DID
Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
The air cussion also has a 25 mm nipple at the bottm where the pipe attaches. It needs the space in the bottom wishbone else it wont fit.
Willie from Jo'burg
White Gen 3 SWB Pajero 3.2 DID
Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
Hi,

Thanks for the feedback... I just wanted to be sure.

It looks like the air line to the bag is well protected inside the suspension arm anyway, so exiting the bottom of the coil is the way to go :) (and the only option)

I'm going to try order the kit...

Cheers,
Greg
2008 Pajero DiDc LWB GLS
2005 Pajero DiD SWB GLS (sold)
Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
Whils't on the topic, there is so something else worth noting. The instructions warn against not having the exhaust to close to an airbag. To this end they supply a metal guard that clamps to an exhaust pipe suggesting that it should be possitioned in such a way to guard the airbag from high temperature. This guard did not fit my 2004 DID exhaust layout at all inspite of the kit being specifically for this model. In my case it is the main silencer at the rear possitioned parallel to the rear bumper, that comes close to the rubber bag. As I could not use the guard supplied I manufactured a much bigger one out of galvanised sheeting and bolted that in place behind the righthand coil. Fortunately there are two 8 mm (?) treaded boltholes in the centre bottom cross member wich I could use to bolt onto. Otherwise it is as easy as pie. No tools required. In fits through the coil gaps without removing anything. Just let the suspension hang down and the coils open up. Another trick is to glue or tape that plastic seat up in possition so it stays there while you fit the bag. Connect the pipes to the nipples before you start and then thread the pipe first followed by the bag through a coil gap in the middle. Squash the bag flat to get it in.
Willie from Jo'burg
White Gen 3 SWB Pajero 3.2 DID
Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
Thanks very much.

Where did you get your kit from?

I contacted AirSpring Company in Jet Park, and they quoted R2200ex vat. So that's about R2500 for the kit. The make of the kit is "Air Lift" - apparently exactly the same as "Poly Air" in Australia.

The sales person at AirSpring Company said that I should take one or two measurements for him before I place an order... He mentioned that some later (2005/2006) CK (gen3) models need to use the BK (gen4) kit? :shock:
2008 Pajero DiDc LWB GLS
2005 Pajero DiD SWB GLS (sold)
Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
That is exactly the same place I got mine from. Same price as well. Yes I know there was some facelifting in 2005, the wheel size went to 17 inch and the sunroof came in. That may be what is worrying him. I just drove there and he looked at my car. No preordering nothing. Stock was available off the shelve.

Something else one can consider is to connect both bags via a T-piece and a tap both which they can supply. This will maintain both bags at the same presure, with the advantage that on severe off-road conditions you may not want to restrict the highground wheel from pushing up max. With the tap open air will flow to equalibriam and with the tap closed you will have the benefit of less body roll. With the bags at 2.5 bar she corners like a BM ay speed :lol: .
Willie from Jo'burg
White Gen 3 SWB Pajero 3.2 DID
Re: Air Suspension Gen 3 Installation
I found the Air Lift kits here in the Cape...
http://www.airsprings.cc/4x4/Airlift/AL1000/AL1000.htm

Anyone used them before?

It seems like the SWB and LWB use the same kit!?

They list 2 kits - MIT07.MN133.476 and MIT11.MN354.556 - seems like one is a heavy duty version (can handle more loading).

I'm going to try pick up a kit tomorrow.

Cheers
Greg
2008 Pajero DiDc LWB GLS
2005 Pajero DiD SWB GLS (sold)
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