Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

First post here. I’m just going to drop right in and get started! I have a 40 ford coupe I’d like to maintain mostly the stock appearance and engine and drive train. I’d like to lower it and probably want to put it on air bags. Each project I do I take a little further and this one I want to do what I’ve always dreamed of. Air ride.

With that said, has anyone done air ride on a stock 40 frame? I assume I have to change the front to something like a mustang II? How about the rear?

Am I better off just ponying up for a full frame already set up (a lot of money!!!)? That seems a little like cheating to me in the hot rod world.

Any pics or advice would be helpful. Thanks for having me! I understand this topic is not for everyone and I don’t really need to hear to keep it stock. Hopefully I don’t ruffle too many feathers!

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Best to ask this over on the HAMB. JMO
Paul in CT

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

WHOA!:eek: That is worse than asking it here! Best to go to a "Street Rod" or even a "Low Rider" forum for that kind of information. This is probably the second worst place to ask!

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Not sure why some folks continue sending folks with oddball or bizarre requests over to the H.A.M.B. The H.A.M.B.is not a catch-all for whatever doesn't fit-in here on the 'Barn. The H.A.M.B. specifically deals with "TRADITIONAL" hot rods & customs before 1965. See "TUBMAN's" post just above!

Coop

.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Sorry y'all. I guess we can delete this post. figured I'd get the same reception on the hamb.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

You would. Both places appreciate old style cars, not modern wiz-bang stuff. I really think you should look at that sweet coupe with a sympathetic eye, not as some guinea pig to test a theory on.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

I just checked you thread on the H.A.M.B. You have a great car there. I believe putting bags on that car would be a big mistake, both financially and aesthetically. You're lucky you didn't post this over there; those guys are not nearly as nice as we are. They might even have pulled the thread.

Listen to what those guys have already told you; you'll be glad you did.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Don’t ! Just don’t do it . Go get you a big car like a Chevy Impala or a Caddy.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Forgive me father for I have sinned.

The more I dig into this car, the less I want to get crazy with it. I’m sorry for my past transgressions. Haha. I took the front end off in preparation for removing the engine and fixing the cracks in fenders, grille etc. wow, what a cool setup and stock suspension. Loving the stock parts and frame. That said, I still want to go low. How low can I go keeping it somewhat stock? How do I get 6” Of drop with stock suspension (or happy to buy parts close to stock like drop spindles)?

I’d post photos but don’t know how (technology ain’t really my thing). Fenders and grille have been removed. Next move is to get engine out to fry and see why it won’t turn over.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Don't add air ride to a 40 Ford as you will destroy it. In order to lower a 40 Ford 6 in. you will need to install a complete Heidts frame for about $9K.
Read this:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...1367&showall=1

The one below still has the stock frame and a solid axle. The front chin pan is 4 in. off the ground and the rear could be lowered more if the "rake" was not desired. Still has the stock drive train.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

If you do choose to go down the street rod path, please offer your original take off parts here. Good luck with your project.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Now that is a perfect stance for a '40 Coupe'.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

I've had a Lincoln with air ride, and it didn't ride noticeably better than my Cougar with springs.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

lubricate the springs, there should be fittings that look like grease fittings, grease will clog the passages, spring lube is thin oil mixture with talc, about 75% oil(original is ice machine oil) auto transmission fluid is ok
well lubricated springs and good properly adjusted shocks and you will think it has air ride

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

I have a car with air ride and have assembled/driven others. I wouldn't put air ride on a 1940 Ford. Just my $0.02.

Reverse the main springs, drop the front axle. Bob's your uncle. Boom goes the dynamite. Yadda, yadda.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

You can get as low as a forty will handle with the dropped axle (have an original Ford axle dropped), a reversed eye spring which is also usually flattened a bit (and maybe have a leaf removed), and some 5.00x16 front tires. Any lower and you will be scraping the chin very often. Poke around here and on the HAMB for pointers on all these parts and the hidden tricks to get it done the best way possible. We can save you money and aggravation.

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

its your car do what you want but personally i wouldn't as the cost is ridiculous the results at best mediocre and then you have to get it accepted as roadworthy before you can licence it; keep it close to where it began its simpilar and a lot less dramas

Re: Tell me about putting air ride on a 40?
 

Check my avatar. It's a dropped axle (from Magnum Suspension) with a Posie spring . Gets it plenty low in the front and rides good. Also used a smaller tire in the front. I used the stock spindles, cut off the arms, and used dropped steering arms from Chassis Engineering. You can also send your stock axle to Nostalgia Sid in Oklahoma to be dropped and he will also bend your stock steering arms on your spindles. To get the back down you can dearch your rear spring. Lowering a '40 with the traditional method is always in style.