Rear Airbag support for my Wagon

[niskanem]

Hey all. I'm in the process of replacing the rear spring, struts and control arm bushings in hopes to get a nice flat and proper factory ride restored.

I am guilty of loading up my car from time to time hauling landscaping goods and loading up for family trips.

I'd like to know if anyone here has expericence with basic air "helper springs" or other options. I don't want anything fancy, no built in compressors, just a way to add a little extra support (with the air compressor in the garage) when its going to be needed.

This is my 2004 9-5 Aero Wagon Auto. ~110k mi

[srmoose]

I have been wondering the same thing, also thought of slightly taller shock in rear?
I find the the Wagon can only hold 1 layer of interlocking pavers (With back seat folded down).
It really gets low once you start adding the 2nd layer of pavers.
I have also wondered about air springs for the rear.
The front are struts and I dont know how to raise them, I think bilstiens do hold it higher longer.

[priapism]

Can't say I'm familiar with the particulars of airbags or helper springs. But have you thought about the old adjustable Koni Yellow shocks? You could run full stiff in the rear and softer in front. Not sure if stiffer shocks would help.

[N.E. Swede]

These, with spacers http://www.genuinesaab.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=358

I'm sure they can recommend spacer height for your use

[niskanem]

Originally Posted by N.E. Swede

These, with spacers http://www.genuinesaab.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=358

I'm sure they can recommend spacer height for your use

Yeah, I don't really understand these... unless you are going to replace your struts and use the worn springs. Seems like this helps correct ride height but I don't see how it helps reduce load on the springs while there is extra weight in the rear. Also, I don't want to jack the rear end up (i know it's only 10 -15mm) for good.

[niskanem]

Originally Posted by priapism

Can't say I'm familiar with the particulars of airbags or helper springs. But have you thought about the old adjustable Koni Yellow shocks? You could run full stiff in the rear and softer in front. Not sure if stiffer shocks would help.

Perhaps. I'll be using the Koni FSDs. My reasoning for the airbags is to reduce some of the wear and tear on the shocks and struts while it's loaded down and hopefully that will help those componets last longer. I don't always need a stiffer ride in the rear, just extra support from time to time.

[niskanem]

Originally Posted by srmoose

I have been wondering the same thing, also thought of slightly taller shock in rear?
I find the the Wagon can only hold 1 layer of interlocking pavers (With back seat folded down).
It really gets low once you start adding the 2nd layer of pavers.
I have also wondered about air springs for the rear.
The front are struts and I dont know how to raise them, I think bilstiens do hold it higher longer.

My neighbor, a long time import mechanic put a set of these springs on a QX4 I sold him... I was amazed how much better the vehicle handled extra weight afterwards. He just had a small hose of the back gate where he could add air when hauling his boat or extra people, bleed off air for normal use. I'll try to get ahold of him and see if he has a clue if it could be added to the Wagon.

[srmoose]

The only thing I had been able to find, were bags for the rear,
and air strut for front.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/B...te-Sport-Rite/
and
http://www.jcwhitney.com/air-lift-li...60y2000g26u0j1
The FSD sound interesting.