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Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
1995 UZZ31, BA XR6Turbo Ute. 2007 VE GTS.

Posts: 1821
Reg: 07-2005

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 07:06 pm, by:  Ian Johnston (Ted) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I see a lot of people on here selling, and wanting to buy airbags because theirs are leaking, and dropping.
I have just replaced mine on my 31 with a new set of KYB struts, and 2nd hand UZZ30 springs.
Now the reason for replacing was not the leaking or dropping( i dont mind warming up the engine while building up the air). The airbags have shockers built into them that eventually pack up like any shocker. As they are non replaceable, I either bought new airbags at $700+ each from Amayama plus freight, or changed out to springs.
I would love a new airbag suspension, but couldnt justify the cost with current Soarer values.

Sorry to be long winded here, but my car was banging on every bump like it had no suspension at all. I had had a similar problem with my previous UZZ30, and after new shocks, it rode like it should- great.
So what I am getting at is, do people realize that getting 2nd hand airbags is not going to fix all your ride issues.

Just an observation that some may not see.

And this is in no way meant to degrade peoples sales.
Boris Siljanoski
Goo Roo
Western Australia
LS400 + Soarer.

Posts: 2006
Reg: 11-2007

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 07:47 pm, by:  Boris Siljanoski (Z2tt) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wouldn't a solution be for the buyer to just ask the seller how the airbags were performing on the car so they don't end up buying a bad set?
Scott Vim
DieHard
Vic
Soarer (1uz) Chaser (1jz)

Posts: 641
Reg: 12-2010

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 07:52 pm, by:  Scott Vim (1uz1jz) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I've got two almost new front airbags (2years now) that ride about as good as the rears.If the rears leak I don't want to fork out for new rears but don't want to replace the system with coilovers just yet either. Would like to get another 5 years out of the current setup before moving on.
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
1995 UZZ31, BA XR6Turbo Ute. 2007 VE GTS.

Posts: 1822
Reg: 07-2005

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 08:12 pm, by:  Ian Johnston (Ted) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am not saying dont buy 2nd hand, just be aware that its not only the airbag that is the suspension.
I have never seen anyone concerned about the shock side of the system, just the leaky airbags.

And yes Boris, that would be the solution. Thats if the seller has any idea what a good suspension feels like.

And as I said, its just my observation.
James Buchan
Goo Roo
Vic
vvti single turbo

Posts: 1683
Reg: 10-2008

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 08:20 pm, by:  James Buchan (Jrbuch) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I ditched my airbags several years ago because although they were not deflating, as Ian said, the car was crashing and banging on every second bump. The TEMS button also did nothing.

I replaced them with TRD Grey Bilsteins out of an A80 Supra, which whilst certainly handled well, were not exactly what you'd call soft.

Got the best setup currently in my vvti turbo. It's got pedders shocks/springs, that the previous owner must have fitted. No clunks, knocks, leaks, and they're comfy as well as handle well. Why fiddle with what's not broken?
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
1995 UZZ31, BA XR6Turbo Ute. 2007 VE GTS.

Posts: 1823
Reg: 07-2005

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 08:39 pm, by:  Ian Johnston (Ted) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Exactly James. I had the same problem with my UZZ30, shocks were shot(not airbags), and banging.
New ones made it like new again.
And, as you, I had the same problem with my UZZ31.

I have driven Peters UZZ31(with low ks), and it rode great, so I know what they should feel like if any good.
Scott Vim
DieHard
Vic
Soarer (1uz) Chaser (1jz)

Posts: 642
Reg: 12-2010

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 09:27 pm, by:  Scott Vim (1uz1jz) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mine ride good but it is a very soft, floaty setup. It's a daily for me and so it suits its role. I plan to go coilovers one day since I prefer hard setups anyway. But the ability to adjust the height and the cruiser type feel is good for now.
Allan Langford
DieHard
Vic
UZZ31

Posts: 930
Reg: 05-2010

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 10:02 pm, by:  Allan Langford (Allan) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

i'm going to be cutting my old air bag stuts up and fitting new koni inserts to get around this problem...

fitted some jza80 bilstens and stock springs until i get around to the airbag project, while the damping is good the lack of being able to select a ride height is most annoying!
Scott Vim
DieHard
Vic
Soarer (1uz) Chaser (1jz)

Posts: 643
Reg: 12-2010

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Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 11:44 pm, by:  Scott Vim (1uz1jz) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Interesting. So you're replacing the shock part?
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
1995 UZZ31, BA XR6Turbo Ute. 2007 VE GTS.

Posts: 1825
Reg: 07-2005

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 06:55 am, by:  Ian Johnston (Ted) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, it will be interesting. Cant work out why someone hasnt already done this, unless its near impossible.
Keep us posted Allan.
Scott Vim
DieHard
Vic
Soarer (1uz) Chaser (1jz)

Posts: 644
Reg: 12-2010

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 07:55 am, by:  Scott Vim (1uz1jz) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

So will changing the shock firm up the ride?
Allan Langford
DieHard
Vic
UZZ31

Posts: 931
Reg: 05-2010

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 08:42 am, by:  Allan Langford (Allan) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

yeah I'll post photos when I start on it, should also be a bit firmer than stock...
Vincent Chan
TryHard
nsw
v8

Posts: 303
Reg: 12-2010

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 10:10 am, by:  Vincent Chan (Vincent191) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Two of my airbags were shot. The struts were leaking although the airbags themselves were fine. I bought some Selex coilovers on the Internet and this was my BIG mistake. They were stiff as hell even those I specifically mention that comfort was my main criteria. I wasn't going racing or drifting. The car was undriveable on our everyday roads. I had to buy some second hand airbags and put the air suspension back in. I wasted $2000 on parts and labour. I understand the airbags are now 20 years old and will give way one day but they are a damn sight better than unsuitable coilovers. Lesson learnt here is make sure you get the right coilovers, buying them sight unseen from a source with no guarantees is dangerous. The cost of putting them in and taking them out again is not cheap. I bought me second airbags from Myles, good guy, great service and the goods were in good condition given their age.
Scott Vim
DieHard
Vic
Soarer (1uz) Chaser (1jz)

Posts: 645
Reg: 12-2010

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 01:29 pm, by:  Scott Vim (1uz1jz) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How much were those coilovers Vinnie?
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
1995 UZZ31, BA XR6Turbo Ute. 2007 VE GTS.

Posts: 1827
Reg: 07-2005

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 02:13 pm, by:  Ian Johnston (Ted) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Vincent, I am talking about fitting factory UZZ30 suspension, not over rated coil overs.
My new struts/shockers were $500, and I had a set of hats and springs. Changed out airbags myself over a couple of days.
Vincent Chan
TryHard
nsw
v8

Posts: 304
Reg: 12-2010

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 03:17 pm, by:  Vincent Chan (Vincent191) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Me coilovers cost me $1100, I was thinking of selling them at half price but knowing that something's not right I won't sell them. My mechanics tell me there is no dampening on the struts. But if someone in Sydney is interested we can go to Peddars and have them have a look at them before doing the transaction.
Dave van Staveren
TryHard
South Australia
Soarer Limited coupe Supercharged V8

Posts: 219
Reg: 03-2011

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Monday, May 27, 2013 - 07:12 pm, by:  Dave van Staveren (Deveous) Quote hilighted text Edit Post Delete Post Print Post   View Post/Check IP (Moderator/Admin Only) Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Be interesting to see how you go Allan. I have extra air bags that i have been intending to pull apart for a look. The plan was to see if the shocker could be replaced/rebuilt and a bag setup from a newer vehicle could be fitted to replace the original bag. There are now that many different types of air ride suspension setups about that something must be able to be modded to fit?
I even looked at a complete change over to a new adjustable height air bag suspension i seen at a trade stall at Summernats, but it would work out in price the same as buying new Toyota units + the tank setup would take up to much boot space.

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