Classic VW Bus Complete Air Ride Kit - 1003

The Best way to Air Ride a Classic Volkswagen Split Type 2 with link pin front suspension and Type 1 or 3 IRS axle rear suspension (1955 through 1967) is with a Complete Air Ride Kit from Airkewld. It converts the ENTIRE VW from torsion-sprung suspension to air-ride suspension.

The original Air Ride Kit will allow your Classic VW to lower and raise with a toggle, and the tank will auto-fill to be ready the next time you want to make a suspension adjustment.

Lay it in the weeds. Check. Get up a driveway without dragging the vehicle on the ground. Check. A lovely comfortable ride that even momma will enjoy. CHECK!! Isn't it time to finally set your suspension up correctly with a Complete Air Ride kit from the PRO's at Airkewld?

Made in the USA | Product updated 8/12/23 by Pete

Related: What ALL do I need to Air Ride my Type 2? | Drop Spindle Options | Why don't we recommend a Narrowed Beam for a Type 2

Typical time to install - 24 Hours* | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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What's included?

A Complete Air Ride kit comes with EVERYTHING you will need to Air Ride your Classic Volkswagen Type 2. Here is a detailed list of components;

Front Kit

• Weld-on Upper Shock Mounts
  
• Air Sleeve Struts
• Through Rod Set
• Delrin Seal Spacers
  
• Hardware Pack
• Printed Instructions
  

Rear Kit

• IRS Axle Bracket Kit
• 1500lb Air Bags
• Short Shocks
• Hardware Pack
• Printed Instructions

4 Valve Air Management Kit

• Viair Compressor
• Pressure Switch
• Firestone 2 Gallon Tank
• Air Lift Manual Valves with Gauges
• 1/4 inch Air Line
• Hardware Pack
• Printed Instructions

What's recommended?

• This kit is designed to work with an OEM Volkswagen front beam. The PRO's can not tech support another vendors beam with our air ride kit.
• Drop Spindles are required if you want to get as low as possible.
• Type 2 Bus IRS Axle Conversion - 2611 is recommended to convert your Reduction Gear Box Transaxle to an IRS Conversion.
• IRS Axle Core Torsion Housing Complete is needed if you need all the small parts to convert to IRS.
• PRObuilt Transaxle Freeway Flyer - IRS - 2320 - If you don't have an IRS transaxle to utilize during this conversion, the PRO's have got your back!
  

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Kewl Features

• American made
• 7.5" up front, 6.5 in the rear. No other kit comes close.

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FAQ

• Will this kit fit on narrowed beam? No, it must be an OEM beam.
• Will this kit fit with a stock reduction gear box (RGB) transaxle? No, the bus will need to be updated to a Type 1 or 3 IRS transaxle along with an IRS Conversion.
• Will my stock brakes work on this IRS Conversion? Maybe. If your Type 2 Bus is equipped with a 36mm axle nut in the rear, then the brakes can be swapped out with a couple modifications. If you want to update your drum brakes to Disc Brakes, we can help. You can find details here.
• Will this set up lay the vehicle on the ground?
  No. This will allow you to lay the tires in the wheel wells with out any cutting. We want you to keep your investment so we try to alleviate all the cutting to the bus.
• What kind of ride quality can I expect after this kit is installed?
  Great question. If you use the saying, let's throw it against the wall and lets see what sticks, probably not good. If you follow the install guides, understand the limits, take your time and do the little things (4 wheel alignment, grease your zerks, dot your iii's and cross your ttt's), you will have a smile from ear to ear. The ride will be smooth and enjoyable for the entire family.
• Can I run the 17" wheels like the ones you have on your website?
  Yes, all of them will fit. Check them out here.

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What size tires should I run after installing this kit?

14" - P185/60r-14's - Link
15" - P185/60r-15's - Link
16" - P195/50r-16's - Link
17" - P205/45r-17's for all the same size tire front and back or staggered P205/40r-17 front, P215/45r-17 in the rear.

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DO'S & DON'TS

When deciding on going with air ride, you made a decision that you are building a cruiser. What does that mean you ask? Basically, the opposite of a high-performance application....and I don't mean a race car. If you have a large cc engine, you are going to want to use it, play with it, E V E R Y O N E wants too! If you go this route, don't AIR RIDE YOUR BUS. You need this instead.

Narrowed Beam - "I love the look and my tires are rubbing when I am low."
Let's start with the narrowed beam on a Type 2 Bus. Take my advice and don't invest in one. Seriously. I did a poll and almost 3/4 of those who were polled who had a narrowed beam, and they disliked the ride. If you decide to install a narrowed beam, you are basically saying that the visual is more important than the enjoyment of the ride quality. If this is the case, you are not thinking clearly. When it comes to the tires rubbing, with air ride you are NOT driving with the vehicle super low. You have the vehicle up to a medium height to allow the alignment to be perfect, the vehicle has the ability to absorb bumps and pot holes and can dodge things in the road easily. You will literally never rub with the vehicle at this height.

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