Technical Traditional air suspensions?

I know I've heard something about air systems on here before I'm just kinda wondering what they looked like and how they worked.
I imagine ifs wasn't all that common back then so how'd they do it with straight alxes?

Thanks for help in advance.

 

Ala Kart had air on a solid axle. Google it!

 

Besides commercial trucks and busses, some of the luxury cars had them. And although not technically air suspension, back in the day AirLift rear "assist" shocks were made for tow vehicles but were popular with drag and stock car racers. Gary

 

http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=Ala_Kart

 

And don't forget the cheap ass tin foil covered jack stands when you display your car! Those were the days. Gary

 

The double-convoluted air spring, nearly identical to what you find today, was invented and patented by Firestone, and placed into automotive service in 1933.

 

GM offered air suspension as an option in '58. I was told by dealership mechanic that they were not very reliable back then due to leaking down fairly often.