Big Red Valve Backorder?

[MMCustomworks]

Will there be any further delays for this part? I purchased my kit 1/27/11 and am still waiting for the valves to have it shipped.

[britt@ridetech.com]

what kind of car are you working on?

[MMCustomworks]

1999 F-150 Lightning, I ordered a BigRed MAX LevelPro System (ARC4800L) from Truckshop.com.

Already have the front bags.

- 97-03 F150 Ford Truck & 98-02 Expedition Front ShockWave (12172400)

[britt@ridetech.com]

My question is, why do you want the larger valves?
We use the 1/4" RidePro valves in 99% of the kits we sell. The larger the valve, the more difficult it is to control, thereby making it more difficult to reach the proper ride height.

Ian Schwartz has a pretty bad ass Lightning with all our parts and is using 1/4" RidePro valves and loves them. You can see some shots of his truck here:
http://www.ridetech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4099

Maybe better to back down to the smaller valves which will give you a better performing system, and save you a few bucks!

[MMCustomworks]

I plan on installing fill controls to deal with this if needed. So, are you telling me the LevelPro system won't work with the Big Red Valves? I thought the whole reason for the new air management systems from you guys is there was little chance of crossing loading with the Level Pro System?

I want speed, accuracy and adjustability in my air management system. I've talked with Ian and he wishes he had gone with larger valves and lines.

I plan on getting the adjustability by installing Parking brass mufflers/dump valves and line control valves. I will adjust both of these to dial in the system once installed.

Still not a answer to my question on when these valves with be in? It's going on 3 months.

Every video I've seen of a Lightning with your 1/4" system is waaaay too slow.

Do you even still sell the 1/2" Big Red Valves? I only see 3/8 valves on your website...

http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-components/components-hardware/compressor-system-components/valve-bodies/4-way-big-red-airvalve.html

I don't even see mention of the system I ordered 3 months ago, do you still sell ARC 4800L?
I ordered a BigRed MAX Compressor System

[MMCustomworks]

At this point I might be persuaded to purchase my order to a AirPod set-up. If I change my order and go with the 3/8" Big Red valves, are they currently in stock?

[britt@ridetech.com]

Control System:
The e3 control system was designed around both the 1/4" RidePro and 3/8" BigRed valves. It will control both without any issues.

My only concern is the rear of the that truck. If you manually press the inflate or deflate button as fast as you can possibly push it, and the truck moves 1-inch, that is the best performance you can get out of the e3. It cannot overcome simple physics.

Flow controls would help the rear, but are overkill. The e3 actually calculates how fast the system is and adapts to this. So if the front is really slow, and the rear is really fast the e3 will open the front valves first, then open the rear valves later so both ends of the vehicle reach Ride Height at the same time.

BigRed valves:
The BigRed valves have ALWAYS been 3/8" ports. The 4800 kit just added 1/2" airline and a second ViAir compressor.

We do still offer the BigRed 3/8" valves, however we redesigned them to be a single manifold design (just like the RidePro valves) which is why we are out of stock while we are waiting on the new version to arrive.
They are scheduled to arrive April 15th.

Airline:
I would use 3/8" airline maximum. The 1/2" is a pain to install for the very little additional flow (remember, the valves are still 3/8" ports).

AirPod:
The AirPod can only accept the Thomas compressors. If you want ViAir compressors you have to use the "loose parts" kit.

[MMCustomworks]

The rear of my truck is a custom 4-link similar to Ian's (the oem suspension is all gone). Will be ordering 17" ride height shocks for the rear. I have adjustable rear lower mounts that will allow me to run these shock. I'm not looking to body drop the truck, just have my rear wheels touch the fender wells. You make a good argument, I think I will call Truckshop today and change my kit from the 1/2 to 3/8ths.

Do you see any further delays on getting your new supply of Big Red valves?

[MMCustomworks]

I recently had my truck weighed, the rear is:

Left Rear = 1064
Right Rear = 1039

Am I right to go with the 8000 series ShockWaves?

I went with the 1000 series ShockWaves you sell for 97-04 F150's because the weight of my front was only 18lbs off your valving for these shocks.

Left Front = 1393
Right Front = 1375

Total weight = 4870 lbs
Cross = 50.06%

[MMCustomworks]

What is the size of the exhaust port on the new Big Red valves?

[britt@ridetech.com]

At those rear weights, depending on angle of shock and motion ratio, you'll be running just over 100psi in the 8000 Series air springs, which is fine.

All ports on the BigReds are 3/8NPT, except the "gauge" ports which are 1/8NPT for our pressure transducers.

[MMCustomworks]

Angle of rear shocks will be close to vertical.

All ports on the BigReds are 3/8NPT, except the "gauge" ports which are 1/8NPT for our pressure transducers.

Thanks!

[MMCustomworks]

Did the Big Red Valves arrive today?

[britt@ridetech.com]

not that I know of. Purchasing was trying to figure out where they were.
We'll let you know as soon as we know.

[MMCustomworks]

Any update would be appreciated, trying to schedule a install date soon.

[britt@ridetech.com]

Just recieved word from the supplier that the valves are back from the laser etcher. They have to assemble and ship.

We'll keep you posted

[MMCustomworks]

Any chance they are being delivered this week?

[darren@ridetech.com]

We received a partial shipment earlier this week. Hope to have the rest by the end of the week.

[MMCustomworks]

Will this shipment be enough to fill all your current backorders?

[MMCustomworks]

My system just confirmed as being shipped. :D