If you get a bagged ride you know the first thing you need to do is go over the air ride system. The Sonoma has a Ride Tech 4 link setup with Slam Specialties air bags. It’s an older setup with a single steel tank with GC 350 quick valves. The whole setup is connected using 0.5″ air hose lines, compression fittings are used for interconnections.
I like to get all 4 wheels off the ground when I do an inspection. I also check for fluid leaks while I’m under the truck.
When you are trying to find air leaks in your mind you’re hoping the leak is taking place somewhere that is easily accessible. Nobody wants to remove the front tires and pop off the Upper Control Arm so you can create enough space to drop the lower control arm and remove or inspect the air bag.
Rarely will you ever find the actual air bag leaking, it is usually due to a poor fitting installment or failure. There are probably professional leak testers used but I grab my bottle of soapy water and spay all the possible points of failure. If there is an air leak you’ll definitely see the air bubbles forming.
These examples are common, the more fitting connections the more chances of having an air leak in the system. That being said, having air manifold block is super convenient and clean. I’ve had great success using that hardware method. The reason why I don’t go with one on the Minitruck setup is the speed. I want a good pop going up, going down I like using valve slow downs so the frame doesn’t slam on the asphalt.
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