Equipment Tests > Airbag Man Suspension

There were no precise suspension travel figures available at the time of our test, but the articulation is impressive to say the least. Airbag Man has two kits available for GQ and GU Nissans. One is basically designed to run at the standard height, while the other allows another two inches of lift, with a similar increase in articulation. A full airbag suspension kit involves the replacement of existing shocks and springs and the installation of a Thomas air compressor, along with two air tanks. Airlines are all certified air brake lines with pneumatic push connect fittings. There are air pressure gauges and switches for all four corners in the cabin, and these run through a solenoid panel in the engine bay. The pressure in the airbags is fed from the tanks, controlled by the solenoids, and the compressor is used to top the tanks up when they get down to a pre-determined level. An optional airline is also available so you can utilise the compressor for the more conventional purpose of pumping up your tyres. To dump all the air out of the bags then re-inflate to raise the vehicle is a simple matter of pressing a button and takes only seconds to perform. So you can have virtually instant control over the height of the vehicle. If you already have a compressor on board, Airbag Man will use it to save you the cost of a new one providing the compressor is suitable for the job; most of the leading brands are.

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The major concern of many people will be that of damaged airbags. The only bags used are made by Firestone and are of the same quality as found in heavy road transport vehicles. Only a large stick with a sharp point will have any chance of penetrating the bag. Each bag has a couple of layers to penetrate before any real damage can be done, so flying stones are not going to be a problem. Bear in mind that most of the road trains carting cattle over gravel outback tracks use this sort of suspension with great success. As to the air tanks, they are mounted up high on the inside of the chassis rails, and will stand up to just about anything you can throw at them. The lines are all run up high to keep them as far as possible out of harms way.

At the time of writing the only full kit available was for the GQ and GU Patrols. There are also kits for the rear of 80 and 100 Series LandCruisers and Land Rover Discoverys. You can contact Brett Curtis at Airbag Man on 07 3889 6556, or fax him on 07 3889 6557. The company has a website at www.airbagman.com.au.


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