Finally got a front strut bag kit from AirLift last week, and installed it on Thursday night. Went very smoothly, too. I'll be putting together a step-by-step for people to check out over the next week, but here's some pictures for the moment:

http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/scion12-18-04.jpg

http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/scion12-18-04-2.jpg

Later!

-Phil and Vicki

looks real nice, how high are you off the ground?

Looking good there phil and vicki !!! Can't wait to see the boxila at the next meet! :D

oh man, that looks so good. cant wait to read the step by step

Sweet 8)

Sweet paint 8) I liked it when I first saw it in the may 04 of mini truckin
what size rims are you running ? and I sure wish i could find someone in Tn to paint like that :cry:

keep us updated on the air install as that will be my next project.

Look like 19inch wheels to me. Those look really nice. :)

i can't wait to get my bags on

mayn thats hot.. and so is the chick

whats the drop? and how is the ride? are u runnion fbss or just fb? price u can get the easy street air from fbi. help a nvs brotha out.

If you guys are wanting the easy street kit really need to consider getting it through the groub buy i'm running right now. You won't find it cheaper anywhere as we're doing this directly with airlift.

Here is a link http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36818&highlight=

Also congrats that looks great on there.

thats what I went with, I got the fron bags, and i'll get the rears after christmas. the look sweet, were shipped fast, and were super cheap. easy street has a great rep

for only makin 5. something an hour how many hours do u work a week like 70? damn bro gettin money left and right. i guess i might be in the same boat as u if i didn't need to make a car payment and two insurance payment. but damn good luck to all with this kit. it is what i want. and will have.

Was there an Xb in that picture?

yea and there still is, look past the hot asian.

for only makin 5. something an hour how many hours do u work a week like 70? damn bro gettin money left and right. i guess i might be in the same boat as u if i didn't need to make a car payment and two insurance payment. but damn good luck to all with this kit. it is what i want. and will have.

I don't work that much, I just save and save and save till I have enough to get what I want

____ dude at that much money you musta saved up like 3 months

I just got the front bags, i'm getting the back after christmas. and then the valves with the check from this and next week. its going to be about $300+

looks awesome.

all i really need for now is front bags but ya know.

what you have back bags already??

Alright, here's the scoop on these airbag setups. Although I only have one in stock right now, they're ready for shipment from AirLift. I heard there's a group buy somewhere else on the site, but I haven't seen it to go over specifics. Here's what FBI is carrying:

AirLift front strut bags
AirLift rear airbag kit
6 1/2" Blitzluft valves
40' 1/2" DOT air line
All brass DOT compression fittings
2- 2 gallon air tanks (will fit underneath the rear, unless you have a centered exhaust)
1- Thomas 337 air compressor
145 psi pressure switch
AVS 7 switch box- approx. 4" x 3", with rocker switches instead of toggles!

Retail total for this kit is about $1900, but I worked the numbers to get ScionLife friends set up for $1600.00. Kits will take approximately 1 week to get from when you order, but I have most of the parts in stock. Any questions, email me at phil@fbirides.com

-Phil

boxzila
the fuji likes your car. nice paint job. really nice setup and theme. what color is the top half of the car?

fujiz, its the original factory camo IIRC.

The top half is factory camoflauge with pearlescent ghost flames on top of that. You'll never see them in pictures, but they really show on a sunny day!

HMMM..not even with my expensive kodak camera that takes detailed pics from the airplane to the ground?

maybe some black and white shots or angel shots will see the flames. but other than that..props for the paint job....

back to square 1

Not to try and steal from FBI but we've been runnin a GB for cheaper then their 1600 that they are offering.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36818&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

your car is hot! can you hook me up with some parts that I need??? I have already started to collect the bags and stuff I need, so I can't go with your kit.

damn i missed this
i likes alot!

NICE RIDE!!!!!!!!! Oh, and the car doesn't look bad either! :D

Not to take anything from the group buy... Just different options for people out there. The AVS switchbox alone retails for $109.95, so there's your difference in prices. This is just the kit that I am personally running in Boxzila, but I can tailor kits to people's needs.

Also- FBI makes rear bag brackets that use a double-convoluted bag- a bit more lift, and no cutting of the upper spring mount.

I'm not putting any minimum requirements on our kit price- we'll actually have the kit on our website for the package as well.

Here are some pics of the parts included:

Front Strut Bags:
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/75572_01.jpg
Rear Bags and Brackets:
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/75672_01.jpg
1/2" Blitzluft electric valves (6 included):
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/bl301_01.jpg
1/2" DOT air line (Black, blue, or red):
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/fb250.c_03.jpg
Complete brass DOT fitting set (compression fittings):
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/fb715.a_01.jpg
2 Gallon Firestone air tanks (2 included):
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/9126_01.jpg
Thomas 337 air compressor:
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/bl337_02.jpg
145 psi pressure switch:
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/fb300.a_02.jpg
AVS 7 switch box- LED lighted available, too!
http://www.twistedimages-sacramento.com/Phil/ScionKit/ARC-7-CL_01.jpg

Again, let me know if there are any questions- email me at phil@fbirides.com

-Phil

thats a sweet setup....
and there is no cutting at all??
just bolt on and there... any welding???

You're right definatly completely different set ups. You guys are just runnin the air lift struts not their full kit.

Hey also please don't think i'm meaning to take away from your XB b/c honestly it's beautiful sittin like that definatly congrats.

are the air lift rears direct bolt in or is there welding/cutting involved?

it looks pretty cool slammed.. but u need some wheel spacers real bad, those wheels are so sunken in!
it looks like a s10!

it looks pretty cool slammed.. but u need some wheel spacers real bad, those wheels are so sunken in!
it looks like a s10!

The rears might look sunken in but they clear the fender lip with about 1/4 of inch and for the fronts, he already has camber adjuster and thats about 1.5 degree negetive, he wants to get the car as low as possible and thoes wheels the only option he had, right now we have problem with my car with low offset and wide rims :cry: :cry: , Sean

im looking for quality..which set should i go for quality wise?

^^^^^^^^^^^^
well he is using the air lift front struts and the fbi rear setup with a different combo of lines , valves , compressor and tanks. he's also got a super schnazzy switch box

it looks pretty cool slammed.. but u need some wheel spacers real bad, those wheels are so sunken in!
it looks like a s10! and then when he slammed it, it would rip the fenders off :shock: :roll:

Looking good

I'd really like to take her out on a date, get in touch with me.

the easy street rear kit requires slight cutting and drilling of 4 large holes on each side to bolt the brackets it. Its a pain to do on the drivers side.

bump for the BOXZILLA :bow:

Why do you need 2 two gallon tanks, can't you use one 4 gallon instead?

Why do you need 2 two gallon tanks, can't you use one 4 gallon instead?
Because the two 2 gallon tanks fit under the rear of the car. You can use other sizes, but you have to mount them inside.

Me likes this one!

http://www.jagdpanther.com/~lraven/Butt.jpg

i have got one five gallon under my rear.

hey which setup will ride better the double convuluted or the sleeves?

Thats lookin sic! Nice work!

what size are the rims? I'm guessing 18's? What about the front fender liners..did you remove them?

the wheels are 18's im told.

Bump for a great guy and great product! Im glad I went with FBI :bow:

He removed the front liners , with them installed the car will not even roll at full drop. To roll /clear/get as low as possible you must remove the inner fenders , and use a special bracket to hold the bumper.

my car sat on the fender liners at full dump. I had the stock wheels on it.

He removed the front liners , with them installed the car will not even roll at full drop. To roll /clear/get as low as possible you must remove the inner fenders , and use a special bracket to hold the bumper.



any insight on the custom bracket ? pic? or what it is ?
also to get the rear as low as possible you must change your rear shocks out

I've tried calling... I've tried e-mailing... FBI doesn't seem to want my money. No replies to my questions and calls and e-mails. Guess I'll find someone else to get my airride from. Not good business :loser:

wow phil.....your box is hot.......who painted it....was it those bastards at CA$HMAN CU$TOM$..?

I've tried calling... I've tried e-mailing... FBI doesn't seem to want my money. No replies to my questions and calls and e-mails. Guess I'll find someone else to get my airride from. Not good business :loser:



If you have called and gave them your # they will call back.

Phil is the GM there and is very busy . Im sure he will get your call back to you very soon. keep in mind phil owns the boxzilla and has put great time into this kit to make it the best it can be for you the buyer.
And when he calls you will enjoy talking to this man . he knows his stuff :bow:

He removed the front liners , with them installed the car will not even roll at full drop. To roll /clear/get as low as possible you must remove the inner fenders , and use a special bracket to hold the bumper.



any insight on the custom bracket ? pic? or what it is ?
also to get the rear as low as possible you must change your rear shocks out
It is a custom slim billet bracket that hold the upper outside fender bolt out of the way , with stock hardware at full drop the tires push the fender out. the price is said to be about 40-50 bucks for both sides. Phil is still getting them made.

i got the same kit here is mine http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/mrmcnuggett/car1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/mrmcnuggett/Picture144.jpg

here is my tankhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/mrmcnuggett/tank.jpg

yeah I saw your install up @ ride . how you like it ?

it is cool. it is fun to hit the switches when people are looking at it cause you can't tell it has bags while driving. then when it drops they are like what the f***

it is cool. it is fun to hit the switches when people are looking at it cause you can't tell it has bags while driving. then when it drops they are like what the f***


looks nice bro. what else have you done to it after the air ?
so when are we going to hook up at a show ? and where is greenbrier TN ?

I was told to e-mail cuz it was easier, Still waiting for that reply. It's been a week nas a half now. I was supposed to be contacted about pricing for this air ride setup and I had some special requests. It's been I'm still waiting for that call too. I have talked with Phil and he was quite helpful but I know the negative impact of not returning calls and keeping in touch. I tried. I need to get working on the car and I don't have time to wait. I want it done by May including bodywork and suspension. :pray:

I was told to e-mail cuz it was easier, Still waiting for that reply. It's been a week nas a half now. I was supposed to be contacted about pricing for this air ride setup and I had some special requests. It's been I'm still waiting for that call too. I have talked with Phil and he was quite helpful but I know the negative impact of not returning calls and keeping in touch. I tried. I need to get working on the car and I don't have time to wait. I want it done by May including bodywork and suspension. :pray:



man im not trying to discredit anyone..but i honestly wish you guys could see how busy FBI is and how much ALL(phil included) those guys run around that shop trying to help customers. i go up there to get parts for our shop regularly and i get to see it first hand.

I was told to e-mail cuz it was easier, Still waiting for that reply. It's been a week nas a half now. I was supposed to be contacted about pricing for this air ride setup and I had some special requests. It's been I'm still waiting for that call too. I have talked with Phil and he was quite helpful but I know the negative impact of not returning calls and keeping in touch. I tried. I need to get working on the car and I don't have time to wait. I want it done by May including bodywork and suspension. :pray:



man im not trying to discredit anyone..but i honestly wish you guys could see how busy FBI is and how much ALL(phil included) those guys run around that shop trying to help customers. i go up there to get parts for our shop regularly and i get to see it first hand.


Thats what me been trying to say ....... phil been busy busy

the hot lava is soooo hot

McNuggett- your car looks damn good.

That is one sweet-looking Box... :bow:

Aftermarket shocks will lower the rear a bit more.
In the front,with my 18" and a 40MM offset,when I lower the front all the way down,the pass side halfshaft hits the power steering belt and possibly the pulley.My fronts rest right on the inner fender wells.It lands perfect.Any lower and I would be smellin burnt power steering belt.It bulges the frontend a little bit until you get the alignment done.Once the alignment is done,it rides,handles and looks so much better.I even got just a tad lower after the alignment.Each front wheel was towed out over 2 deg.

it is cool. it is fun to hit the switches when people are looking at it cause you can't tell it has bags while driving. then when it drops they are like what the f***

did you buy the the air kit from the group buy that "project fusion" had ?

I got the kit through ride revolution in Johnson city tennessee and had them install it for me. Greenbrier is about 30 miles north of nashville on interstate 65.

What are the specs on your wheels MrMcNuggett? I want this kit and I'm just worried my wheels may not work. They are 18x7.5 45mm offset.

i really don't know the specs on my wheels sorry. i told the guy where i bought them i wanted 18's and told him the tire size and he ordered them for me from the place. All I know is they are the exact same size and offset as the TRD wheels you get from the dealer and the tire size is 215/35/18. i hope that helps sorry i am not to famaliar with offsets and stuff.

I got the kit through ride revolution in Johnson city tennessee and had them install it for me. Greenbrier is about 30 miles north of nashville on interstate 65.

well them lying mofo's they told me you supplied the kit. anyway your ride looks nice and cant wait to meet you @ the next event.

where can I get the aftermarket/shorter shocks at?

where can I get the aftermarket/shorter shocks at?
tein or ground control. I believe the koni yellows may be slightly shorter.

Sweet, thanks!

MattB

how about the reliability
my xB is a daily driver
i have NEVER seen a strutbag last very long
something about improper side loading and bag angle
these look very vertical, can they cope with high corner loads???
i do not question the quality of the kit
but, is this a "show" kit or a "driveable" kit????

im using the kit for both show and as a daily driver . and it has alot to do with you as the driver as everyone has there own style.

I drive 30+ miles a day (to and from work)
i do enjoy the "spirited drive" every once and a while

i know i can live with coilovers, these are not much more
how many miles have you accumulated on them
and would you recommend accumulators or individual valves to keep bag lean to a minimum???
I am WELL familiar with 'bagged truck setups, i know the install is easy for this vehicle
I am still not sure about the strutbags, seen too many Hondas with the unintentional 3 wheel motion (blown bag)

I drive 30+ miles a day (to and from work)
i do enjoy the "spirited drive" every once and a while

i know i can live with coilovers, these are not much more
how many miles have you accumulated on them
and would you recommend accumulators or individual valves to keep bag lean to a minimum???
I am WELL familiar with 'bagged truck setups, i know the install is easy for this vehicle
I am still not sure about the strutbags, seen too many Hondas with the unintentional 3 wheel motion (blown bag)

This is why I don't have air on mine. Mine's a daily driver and whether it's airlift, fbi, cool cars etc there's always that possibility it'll blow and I don't need that risk for now. Once I turn it into a full show car then the air will come but not till then.

my sentiments exactly

I've put over 15,000 miles on my rear setup, and about 3,500 miles on the front so far, and i haven't been under the car yet. These systems are as reliable as can be, but of course on the long term there will be more maintenance than a static suspension drop. Compressors eventually (2-3 years) wear out and need to be replaced or rebuilt, and valves may need cleaning every year or so.
But honestly, if air ride wasn't reliable, you wouldn't see it on every Freightliner or Peterbilt going down the road with 20 tons of crap in the trailer, and you wouldn't see Cadillac, Audi, Land Rover, etc. adding it to their cars from the factory!

Reasonable minds may differ.

-Phil at FBI

By the way, I apologize if I didn't get back to anyone on this forum. I have been EXTREMELY busy at the shop, but that doesn't excuse ignoring somebody. Email me at phil@fbirides.com if you want a quick response, and make sure you mention the scionlife forum.
I've seen a few people mention shocks. DON'T spend bucks on high dollar shocks for the rear! Napa auto parts carries the PERFECT shock for this application- part number 5870. It is about 1" shorter than stock and will let the bag deflate fully, giving you that "Boxzilla" drop!
As for front liners and bumper brackets, I have removed my liners, and I haven't had the time to make new bumper brackets. I put a 1/4" spacer between the front fender and the mounting bracket, and it pushed the fender out just enough so i can roll all the way down. HOWEVER, the rubber outer edge of my power steering belt is GONE! It's down to the fabric, so don't leave the engine running while dumped! Someday i may look into moving the power steering up a bit, or making a smaller pulley for it, but until then...

-Phil at FBI

:clap:
I wonder if one was to add a belt that was just a little bit longer would allow the PS pump to swing up and away a little more might be possible.
Im not sure how the belt tension adjusts as I havent looked real close yet.
That would be cool if you figure something out though!!

Hey Phil how much are those shocks from napa?

Hey Phil how much are those shocks from napa?


Im not phil but I order them from napa online store as most of the napa stores
dont have them instock . and there 29.99 each.

I've put over 15,000 miles on my rear setup, and about 3,500 miles on the front so far, and i haven't been under the car yet. These systems are as reliable as can be, but of course on the long term there will be more maintenance than a static suspension drop. Compressors eventually (2-3 years) wear out and need to be replaced or rebuilt, and valves may need cleaning every year or so.
But honestly, if air ride wasn't reliable, you wouldn't see it on every Freightliner or Peterbilt going down the road with 20 tons of crap in the trailer, and you wouldn't see Cadillac, Audi, Land Rover, etc. adding it to their cars from the factory!

Reasonable minds may differ.

-Phil at FBI

That's great that you have had that success with air but I know from expierence that for every person that has as good of success like you have there is another person who has only made it like 1000 miles before having to start replacing stuff. Everyone's expierence is different.

In my experience, the only time people have troubles with their air suspensions is when they go the cheap route. The good news with the xB is that everything pretty much bolts on, so you don't have to worry about lousy fabricators messing your system up. As long as you buy quality components and don't abuse them, you should expect years of trouble free use.
My old Datsun 521 had an FBI bag setup, and I never had problems with the parts. The installation was performed by a group of HACKS, and I had problems with broken brackets and bent frame rails because they didn't reinforce everything properly.
I'd be willing to be that almost every horror story you've heard about air ride had to do with brackets failing, bags rubbing and popping, or air line bursting because it was too close to the exhaust or a moving part. The Scion setups are so much safer because there really isn't anything to cut or weld. As long as you take your time in routing air lines and wiring, it should be as reliable as your stereo system!

-Phil

^^^^^^ what he said...

and mucho thanks for the NAPA part #..

MattB

In my experience, the only time people have troubles with their air suspensions is when they go the cheap route. The good news with the xB is that everything pretty much bolts on, so you don't have to worry about lousy fabricators messing your system up. As long as you buy quality components and don't abuse them, you should expect years of trouble free use.
My old Datsun 521 had an FBI bag setup, and I never had problems with the parts. The installation was performed by a group of HACKS, and I had problems with broken brackets and bent frame rails because they didn't reinforce everything properly.
I'd be willing to be that almost every horror story you've heard about air ride had to do with brackets failing, bags rubbing and popping, or air line bursting because it was too close to the exhaust or a moving part. The Scion setups are so much safer because there really isn't anything to cut or weld. As long as you take your time in routing air lines and wiring, it should be as reliable as your stereo system!

-Phil

Which bags does FBI use?

hey boxzila! i had a question if you didnt mind answering for me.

well i have bags in the rear, and cylinders in the front, i was wanting to know how high your strut bags lift you in the front.

my problem with the cylinders is, the stroke is like 5 inches shorter!!!!!! nothing wrong with the setup, i just dont like the fact that it isnt level

i think the rear when raised gets me 30'' off of the ground (top of wheel well to ground). and the cylinders only get me 24-25'' off of the ground.

what about yours??? i would really like some imput. here is my ride at import motion (this is where i first saw your car.....VERY VERY NICE WORK MAN!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/slyxb/IMSAC0012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/slyxb/frontlow.jpg

I really dislike , lift but oh well

??? are you talkin about mine?

sly........... you getting rid of the eai up front ?

??? are you talkin about mine?Yeah , I just hate having so much rear lif yet having barely any up front , to me it's useless is all.

thats exactly why i am asking....im looking for a new business partner. but who knows. seems like once you start to hook up your ride....people dont like you and ignore you....

and bbism...well i was going to. but EAI GAVE me their strut bags to try out and i LOVE it. i lose about a 1/2 inch on the drop, but i gain like 5 inches on the lift.... not to mention it is SMOOTH AS HELL!!!!!

hey sly , you wanna sell me your used front air lifts?

so let us in on what eai has come with

if you mean what they have to offer.....i aint gonna promote for them, but they have cylinders, bags, and strut bags.....typical things. umm they mainly use VAIAIR compressors, and 1/2 inch line. i guess thats it

Hi guys i don't know much about air bags setups yet, and i've been doing some research to find out more. i'll tell you one thing about FBI and i haven't even bought from them yet, Phil is a HUGE help he has answered all of my questions and concerns and has been very timley on his responses. This is good business and he has earned my business just from his customer service! thats the most importent thing today, i know i have a small shop up here in Mass and i survive on customer service! i just wanted to let you guys know because i read some posts bashing this guy when he actuall is one of the most helpfull business people i've ever encountered!

Hi guys i don't know much about air bags setups yet, and i've been doing some research to find out more. i'll tell you one thing about FBI and i haven't even bought from them yet, Phil is a HUGE help he has answered all of my questions and concerns and has been very timley on his responses. This is good business and he has earned my business just from his customer service! thats the most importent thing today, i know i have a small shop up here in Mass and i survive on customer service! i just wanted to let you guys know because i read some posts bashing this guy when he actuall is one of the most helpfull business people i've ever encountered!


Very well said! That is the Reason I went with FBI is PHIL the guy rocks and the product is sweeet and helpfulness is a major plus . I couldnt be happier with any else.



Sly ....... I was just wondering what they did and what you went with . I was under the impression from you that eai cylinders is where its at!

I enjoy being a FBI guy :P

umm NO!!!! i was wanting out of my cylinders!!!!!! i was trying to ask boxzila about his front setup at FBI!!! i never got a reply. but anywho, the EAI cylinders run really smooth, huge drawback though.......there is no length in the stroke. the cylinders raise up about 5" less than my bags in the rear.

nevertheless....i went down there constantly, and make a couple promises(threats) imma a big guy too. and they gave me FREE strut bags......WHOOHOO. those things ride VERY VERY soft. and i only loose about an inch to a 1/2 inch on the drop. but the whole things is level on the lift!

so i am pleased now.

umm NO!!!! i was wanting out of my cylinders!!!!!! i was trying to ask boxzila about his front setup at FBI!!! i never got a reply. but anywho, the EAI cylinders run really smooth, huge drawback though.......there is no length in the stroke. the cylinders raise up about 5" less than my bags in the rear.

nevertheless....i went down there constantly, and make a couple promises(threats) imma a big guy too. and they gave me FREE strut bags......WHOOHOO. those things ride VERY VERY soft. and i only loose about an inch to a 1/2 inch on the drop. but the whole things is level on the lift!

so i am pleased now.


Oh sorry bro I misunderstood then . Well im glad your back on the road and happy cruzing

you know what man. you are not the only one who has taken what i said a little different. i guess i worded the reply wrong. anyway, yeah i was looking to get outta the cylinders i had.....no worries though. thanks for asking man.

i really appreciate it hospitality.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/polarxb/100_0185.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/polarxb/100_0184.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/polarxb/100_0178.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/polarxb/100_0172.jpg