The last major component of the rear suspension was the upper airbag mounting plate. Referring to my initial layout, I determined the elevation of the airbag mount and marked it on the inside surfaces of the step notches. I then fabbed some upper mounts out of 3/16”thk plate, again using some 1/4” MDF templates and my plasma cutter to make them uniform and symmetric.
I welded these upper plate assemblies between the step notch and the shock cross-member as shown. So they should provide good support for the bags as well as a gusset for the step notch to shock cross-member.
After all this was in place, I bought a cheap air line kit that has a simple Schrader valve and all the fittings needed for a quick hook-up of the airbags. I also had some 2” thick pink foamboard that I used to mock-up the tire diameter that I clamped to the rear diff to get a visual on the rear suspension travel and the tire sitting in the wheelwell.
I don't have any good pics of it, but I also added some poly bumpers under the step notch. They were a little tall so I eventually had to cut them down a bit.
1949 Chevy Panel Truck A Project Journal I'm old but I make up for it by being immature.
