Adjustable suspensions? Has this been done?

[johnboy72]

Ok, I'm seeing the scale 4x4 and I'm digging that. But also noticed that there are 67-72 F100 bodies available now. I had to get rid of my last show truck when my father died. This left me with no projects. Then I started focusing on my first truck. A 72 F100. But someone decided they wanted it more than me while it was starting to look like a truck again. Agh. I hate thieves! But I had planned on dropping the truck to the rockers like my Ranger. But instead of 20's, I was wanting to drop it on some 26's. So has anyone out there seen anyone building something with adjustable suspensions? I'd hate to resort to relying on servos.
Here's my http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/BlueOvalBandit/361397.jpg
Here's my old 72. These are old pics from when it was sitting for five years while I was in the Navy.http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/BlueOvalBandit/498821.jpg

[Old Busted Hotness]

All the lowriders I've ever seen use servos. Or you could use stiff springs and winch the axles down.

Scale airbags would be cool.

[johnboy72]

Yeah, I'm thinking I'm going to have to rely on servos. I remember hearing about something on the internet forums about someone using airbags for models. But don't know. I know coming up with a compressor or pump can't be too hard...would take some thinking. Maybe something with a nitro engine piston? Airlines wouldn't be a problem. But the hard parts would actually be airbags or maybe aircylinders, and valving....I think I might just have to put another touring car together with big rims and a F100 body and leave it at that. But it will be racking my brain for awhile!

[insomniac]

servos would be just as easy/complicated as airbags, though a scale air system would be cool!

[johnboy72]

well the thing is you can set up a cantilever set up. that way when you rotate the servo, it will apply pressure and force a link to push the suspension down. Therefore lifting the vehicle's height. Then vice versa. But then you would have the boucy ride like Hydrallic equipped vehicles have had in the past. Maybe installing a shock instead of a link would help but I'd have to get some serious servos to handle the weight of the vehicle.

[RevoloveR]

I've always had my eye on this air system...just haven't had the time or cash to tinker. http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-pneumatic-parts.shtml

[camino454]

What about taking your springs off your shocks, then drill holes above and below the piston (provided you can make it seal) Ta-da! You now have air shocks! But an air compressor/contoller? Thats a whole different story.

[intelhoods]

Well I no longer have the vehicle, but back when I used to work in a machine shop I made a dancing 64 impala lowrider. I used aluminum shock bodies, drilled for an inlet and outlet(one at top the other at bottom) I then made a single piece shaft with dampner piece built in and then grooved the outside of the dampner piece for 3 rubber o-rings. I attatched a section of fuel tubing to each inlet/outlet and then using a servo I rigged up a "pump" the servo pushed and pulled fluid in and out from top to bottom of the shock making it raise and then flip the other way to lower. when the servo was in a still postion it was at ride height and i could drive it around. If you want a scematic of the system drawn up for you just let me know and ill take 5 minutes and get one posted.

[miniRaminator rules]

i like that but the the weel looks broken:):)