An air suspension system that uses inflatable rubber air bags in place of conventional coil springs, allowing ride height to be adjusted via a compressor and air management system.
Bagged suspension (commonly called "bags" or an "air ride" setup) replaces conventional coil springs with inflatable rubber air bellows, also called air bags or air springs. A compressor, air tank, and management system (either manual valves or electronic management with remote control) allow the driver to raise or lower each corner of the vehicle independently by adding or releasing air pressure. The result is adjustable ride height on demand.
The practical advantage of bags for street-driven show cars and stance builds is the ability to lower to extremely aggressive ride heights for shows, photos, or slow driving, while raising to functional clearance for daily driving, speed bumps, and driveways. Air management systems like Air Lift 3P or AccuAir allow height presets to be saved and recalled with a button or smartphone app.
Air suspension originated in trucks and luxury cars as a comfort improvement. The enthusiast scene adopted it from lowrider culture, where hydraulic lift systems predate air suspension. Modern air suspension kits from Air Lift Performance, AccuAir, and BC Racing Air are engineered to replace OEM suspension with calibrated shock valving and matched air springs. Properly set up, bagged cars can ride and handle respectably for daily street use.