For the last few years we've debated the superiority of hydraulics over airbags. After a few years of trial and error, and seeing for ourselves some of the developments, and witnessing some things that are just amazing on both sides of the debate, we've revised our opinion. Now we know that some of you are asking, "How can you compare airbags to hydraulics?" Well, we did and the bottom line is that the choice has become a matter of preference. One of the things that bags and hydros have in common is that both require some wrenching. Be ready to be a member of the busted knuckles club as nobody said that it was going to be easy to work on your lifted or bagged vehicle when repairs are needed.
One of the first things done to most new project vehicles is a suspension modification. If you dished out all of your money for a new project car or truck, and don't have the funds to add hydraulics or airbags, or if you just want to lower your vehicle and have a sportier, better handling suspension, then a lowering kit will gain you the same look at an affordable price.
If you want to lower your ride, you should look into the right kit, from springs to spindles. Speaking of spindles, it seems that they're not just being used to lower vehicles anymore. Some people are using them to clear 22- to 30-inch wheels on their "G-bodies," as well as their "donk"-style rides. On the subject of wheels, wheel fitment and wheel clearance when lowering or lifting a vehicle should be an issue, because if you lower your vehicle too much, it might give you problems in the future. These problems can include bottoming out, and rubbing and scraping; all unwanted scenarios that arrive when you least expect them.
There are many choices or combinations as to how your ride will sit or lay when parked on that busy boulevard or flossing on that car show floor. Do you stick with tradition and do a hydraulic hookup or do you take the "new school" route that mimics the hydraulic movements using airbags? Some of the traditionalists or the hardcore used to flip out at the idea of using anything but hydros (or "juice"). Now, the technology has gotten better and members of all lowriding generations are split on what they will use for their suspension.
No active suspension system is perfect, but as we've mentioned, owning a custom car isn't easy either. The choice of your suspension should be up to your needs, from the amount of room in the vehicle to the type of suspension that you have. Airbag suspensions are known for their smooth, spongy ride vs. the stiff, bouncy ride of hydraulics. If you opt to have airbags and you want the car to mimic hydraulics, a fast-valve setup is the one for you.
As with everything, there are always some consequences, or, as some people believe, you sacrifice one thing for another. Some of the disadvantages of airbags include air leaks and the problem of supplying adequate power to the air compressor. Compressors have a hard time filling up the air tanks quickly enough if you're heavy on the switch. There are also compressors that can fill your tanks while driving. They operate from your engine and are belt driven.
If you're into tradition, you should look into hydraulics and find the right kit for you. If you want to learn to work on hydraulics, you should buy a basic kit, which tend to need regular maintenance. If you're not into wrenching on your hydros and you can afford a better quality setup, you should invest in something that requires less maintenance. Some upgrades that you can do to hydraulics include using Adex square dumps for accuracy and reliability, and Optima sealed batteries for power. People have even started to tube their hydraulic systems in pressure-rated tubing to avoid leaks in their setups, as well as avoiding popping hoses during normal wear and tear.
 CCE's switch handle will let...  CCE's switch handle will let you hold the grip comfortably while hitting the switch on your ride. |  The Adel square dump from...  The Adel square dump from AH-2 Hydraulics has been fine tuned and is available in a show-quality polished and chrome combination finish. This hydraulic valve will separate you from the rest. |  CCE Hydraulics' Fuerte pump...  CCE Hydraulics' Fuerte pump will make sure to flow massive oil volume through your hydraulic system. |
 Universal Air's complete line...  Universal Air's complete line of airbags will be sure to find a fit for your needs. From a traditional style airbag to a strut bag, the name says it all. |  CCE Hydraulics's FBSS kit...  CCE Hydraulics's FBSS kit comes with two Viair 450 compressors, 5-gallon multi-port tank and 10 switches that will allow you to make all of the moves. |  CCE Hydraulics introduced...  CCE Hydraulics introduced their limited edition Lowrider Series hydraulic pumps just in time for the magazine's 30th anniversary. This hydraulic setup will be all you need to get the attention at your local shows. |
 Currie Enterprises upper and...  Currie Enterprises upper and lower control arms for '59-'64 Chevy full-size/Impala models. The lower arms feature bucket-mounted coil spring, and a full-length gusset on the bottom of the arm. All arms are semi-gloss black powdercoated and are constructed of 131/44-inch heavy wall round tubing. |  HiJacker Hydraulics' 1-inch...  HiJacker Hydraulics' 1-inch ported competition blocks will be sure to get your ride off the ground by pushing oil through its port. |  MIC's complete front/back...  MIC's complete front/back air suspension kits for '59-'64 Chevy Impala models come with four Firestone 2,500-pound air springs, front and rear bag cups, 400-psi valves, 5-gallon air tank and chrome air compressor. |
 Baer Brakes tie rod ends for...  Baer Brakes tie rod ends for G-bodies will help your suspension perform better with its adjustable ends. |  Eaton Detroit Spring's new...  Eaton Detroit Spring's new Go Low springs are made in the USA from high-alloy 5160 spring steel and enable you to lower your '48 to '78 American car or truck up to 3 inches. Eaton will also manufacture springs for your specific ride height and load rate without sacrificing ride quality. |  The square design of the latest...  The square design of the latest creation from AH-2 Hydraulics allows you to be different. This custom whammy setup will set you apart from the rest of the competition. |