Is bagging for the everday driver?

 

i would have to say no, but i am sure there are tons of people who do. i just bought a $500 beater truck to rock everyday. only take the scion out when its nice.

 

Well I guess what I am asking is does bagging give you a nice ride or is it pretty rough?

 

well the xA I have is baged and i drive it everyday. It's not the best ride in the world but it will not beat you to death. If you do use one for a daily driver allways allways carry spare parts and some tools with you!

 

Why, do the air systems break down alot? And is the ride better or worse than the stock springs?

 

well like the old saying goes sh*t happens. In a air ride system you have more parts and more things that can go wrong. Air lines for one can get hit by stuff off the road and rubed. Air bags can get holes in them. Air compresors can go bad and so can vales. Air leaks are the big thing but once you get the bugs worked out it's not that bad.
As far as the ride goes it will not ride like a Cady but it will not ride that bad about like lowering springs.

 

i would have to agree, rides like its got lowereing springs. i had all my problems in the first week, with valves and leaks. knock on wood, havent had any problems since ( and its been 7 months and 2000 miles)

 

Mines been driven about 80 miles a day since early 2004. It was one of the first scions to Longo Scion. The owner brought it back to their shop, bagged it, and its been driven that way since 2000 miles. It now just turned 40k, and its only had minor issues.

Things like compressors burning out ($200ish), valves going bad ($50), and a new bag or so for a few hundred and its all good.

It rides better than springs Id have to say. I opted for adjustable shocks, and I ride with them pretty loose. It gives a nice boating feel...caddy like. On the other hand when I want to rally it around corners (what rallying you can do on 19's) I know where the struts need to be at..and i can get it stiffer than springs.

I love my bags. I hate sticky valves. But I wont go any other way.

 

What is a good bag kit? Or would I be better off parting one together? Also, how hard is it to install an air bag system?

 

Since I havent installed this, but have just maintained it...
This kit was put together with the Air Bag brand. Pieced together. If i remember what they said, Maxima front air struts, generic bags in back, 2 4 valve setups...not their bigreds..but the step down...2 thomas 100% duty compressors and a 3 gal tank. Tank and compressors are mounted underneath the trunk. Valves are mounted behind the top grill so I can get them easy to clean. 3/8 line. Bags are setup atm front/back. Front is controlled by drivers side rear window switch, Backs are passenger side window switch. To roll the windows down I just click off the valve main switch located by my right knee. Bags or Windows.

I will be switching this around here soon. I am tired of one side inflating a tad bit more than the other, so I am going to go F/B with an independent to each corner for minor adjustments. Probably just gonna do a switch box and lose the stealthy switches.

 

Airride is fine for a daily. Its all about the install and the preventive maintance. Dont cheap out on the components and carry a roadside repair kit. For a daily I would mount as much as possible inside as to not expose it to the elements.

 

Airbags can absolutely be installed on a daily driven vehicle. But what you have to remember is that two things must be done right. First and foremost is part selection. If you choose junk, don't expect it to perform flawlessly. Second, you have to have a quality install. Most of the bag kits for the Scion are so easy to install that the average shade tree mechanic with no airbag experience can get it done. Unfortunately, with no experience they probably don't know any of the finer points of air suspension.

And sure, airbag suspensions can be problematic. But it isn't really the nature if the beast. The problems that develop usually arise from by skimping one of the two areas listed above. Sure a bag can blow and kill a bus full of nuns and orphans on their way to church if it is poorly installed. But it can also perform without issue for hundreds of thousands of miles. Just look at tractor trailers. The majority of those on the road today are suspended by air.

And for Fuzzman... your first stop should be the sticky up at the top. https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=106196

You can save several hundred, or even thousands by piecing your kit together. And the added benefit is that you get exactly the parts you want. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

^^^^ agree with all of the above
as far as the ride quality it comes with the territory
customizing is about the bigger picture its a give and take

good luck with your ride and post pics if you do it

 

Well, I don't even have my xb yet. I am still trying to sell my truck, so if you guys know anyone that would want my truck (the one in my sig) tell me and them. I am just planning for when I do get it.