I ask this because I think it would be the best option for my "Baja" fiero. I was going to use air shocks all the way around for more lift in the baja mode, but I think I would break them with the harsh terrain. Also the air bags would be a more enjoyable ride. I am wanting to replace the front springs totally and use it as an assist on the rears (still trying to figure out how). I need to know before anything though if they are legal for the road.

------------------
carpe diem

i know in missouri its leagl, and im pretty sure its legal anywhere but im no expert and i dont want to cost you a ticket.

Here's a thought: torsion bars. Check several rod & suspension places for lotsa options. They're adjustable, & very compact.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

To resist the influence of others, knowledge of one's self is most important.

quote Originally posted by Tha Driver: Here's a thought: torsion bars.

A chassis really needs to be specifically designed to take the different loads generated by torsion bars. The Fiero chassis is really designed for the loads imposed by coil springs, and the linear loading from air springs would be similar.

I don't know about the legalities, but I assume that air springs would be no more or no less legal than any other suspension modification.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 10-25-2007).]

I would seek out a set of long travel 4x4 style shocks with reservoirs before I would go with air bags. Actually if you are building a baja Fiero (which is cool BTW) I would get away from the factory fiero design and totally rebuild the suspension and add some lift with coilovers and a relocated spring assembly.

I don't know alot about 4x4's but do a search for the "trophy truck Camaro" and post up the pics. Some guys built a baja racer out of a 68 Camaro and it's cool as hell. You would likely have to go tube chassis and just use what parts of the fram that you can. The space frame is pretty heavy so you might just consider a tube chassis and fab up some panel mounts. Keep up posted !!!


p.s.- in drag racing the NHRA rules are that they are legal so long as they are not adjusted during the pass from burnout to final trap. How they enforce it I'll never know.

i do not doubt the legality. Take a SEARCH through the Technical section & archives ... there's a build-up thread about someone putting airbags in his coils. ( i think he called it "airbag suspension"). it had a lot of pics but i don't know if he ever finished it. Seems like it would be good 1. to raise and lower the car at-will and 2. give a super smooth ride

Here's another opinion from the kit car forum (for what it's worth because they're talking about a mustang-based kitcar):

http://www.kitcarsforum.com...pension-t8775.0.html

[This message has been edited by PaulJK (edited 10-25-2007).]

Oh does he mean the legality in racing rules or the legality of driving on the road ? Becasue really......nobody's going to give 2 chits about a Fiero having air bags on the highway.

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: A chassis really needs to be specifically designed to take the different loads generated by torsion bars. The Fiero chassis is really designed for the loads imposed by coil springs, and the linear loading from air springs would be similar.

Yes & no. All you would really need to do is mount them properly, & you'd be fine. Sure a little re-inforcement would be required, but it's really no big deal. If I can put Fiero running gear/suspension & SBC in my VW Cabriolet (think Rabbit convertible), you can put torsion bars in a Fiero.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Guy: "You look familiar - have we met before?"
Girl: "Jerk! I had you arrested for exposing yourself!"
Guy: "Well...you'll have to be more specific..."

I would say yes too. Their OEM on some Lincolns, Crown Vics, Grand Marquis....not to mention RVs and semis.

technically, this also goes for exhaust too, in most states as long as you dont change the oem style of part its legal. this allows for any exhaust system made by anyone as long as you dont violate the sound laws, in va this is like 90db which is like a rocket ship in your house. a ricer can muffler, is technically illegal because the internal baffle is at the exit of the muffler instead of at the front like an oem muffler. as for suspension as long as you keep the same style you can run any company strut/spring assuming its not leaking and the body isnt dragging on the ground on a flat surface. once again in va the inspectors couldnt care less as long as you meet these requirements but state troopers give the import crowd a hard time for everything.