2018 4runner sr5 Airlift 1000 PSA and height check

[dadrunner]

A number of people here (and other forums) have successfully installed the Airlift 1000 Air Spring Kit in order to firm up the rear axle for towing/hauling applications.

Across many posts, people suggest various install techniques, including how many sections of the OEM bump stops to remove.

I wanted to share my experience with a kit recently purchased from etrailer.com (part # 60804).

First, it seems that the instructions are actually accurate in suggesting how many sections of OEM rubber spring to remove. I originally removed 2 sections (as suggested by many forum members/youtube), and realized that there was no way to even fit the DEFLATED bag properly without removing the spring. The bag was touching the rubber stop even with axle dropped completely.

I then removed another section (for the total of 3), and the spring was able to fit.

Also, there is no longer a "puck" included with the air bags, and the instructions suggest to install the bags with airline facing up and through the hole in the OEM bump stop, similar to some youtube videos/posts here.

Here's my dilemma. I stupidly did not measure the stock ride heights before installing the bags. After lowering the vehicle and inflating to the minimum pressure (5 PSI). It seems that the rear is jacked up quite a bit. The bags are in contact with the rubber stops with the vehicle unloaded.

I know this is a super long shot, but is anyone able to measure/knows of what the wheel well height should be for a 2015 SR5 with stock suspension?

I am trying to validate what I'm seeing, and whether I need to redo the setup to return to stock (or close) at 5 PSI.

Here are some pics from the updated manual:

My install (with the axle dropped all the way, 0 PSI).

 

[Glenn Goodlett]

Lower your air bags to 0psi. That should be the same as stock ride height.

I have the same air bags installed as per the instructions, inflated to 7psi and I have not noticed a change from the stock ride height.

I didn't measure before and after either on my 2020 Pro.

 

[dadrunner]

I have the same air bags installed as per the instructions, inflated to 7psi and I have not noticed a change from the stock ride height.

Except I did not follow the instructions, instead kind of went with the tribal knowledge heh.

Looks like with airbags around 6PSI it's maaaaybe 1/2" higher in the rear vs stock (0 PSI). Not enough to matter IMHO, though I could have sworn it's a bit stiffer now going over speed bumps etc. Probably not worth it to redo anything per the instructions, unless I notice any actual issues.

Interestingly, the left side of the car is a bit lower than right, I assume that's due to the gas tank being on the left.

 

[Pedro367]

I just went through the same, but with the #60809 kit that everyone uses here. Mixed reviews on how much to cut, so I cut off 2 rungs of my bumps. It noticeably higher in the back and rode like I was riding on an air bag. Very floaty even when aired down to 5psi. Like you, I didn't measure ahead of time. I went back in and cut off the 3rd rung. 100% better and rides normal again even with the bag contacting the bump sitting on it's own weight. I should have measured before that too, but I forgot again. However, I did it one side at a time and they were an inch apart with one side cut down to 3. So, I'll call it 1/2"-1" of lift.

I bet I could get away with cutting the 4th, but it looks impossible without dropping the axle which I'm not going to do. Cutting the 3rd out was hard enough. Also, if I ever lift in the future I'll be glad I kept that rung.

I'm honestly not sure how much different the bags are between the two kits. But, mine came with the pucks and I ran the air line down through the axle. I'm towing tomorrow for the first time with them and excited to feel the difference.

 

[dadrunner]

I just went through the same, but with the #60809 kit that everyone uses here. Mixed reviews on how much to cut, so I cut off 2 rungs of my bumps.

Now the previous posts complaining about the instructions all make sense! Looking at their site, the #60809 is for 4th gen 4runner 4WD, as well as 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser. The kit I did is listed for 2010-2021 4runner and Lexus GX460. Seems to me the bags are the same, just no puck, and obviously different mounting instructions.

I am with you when it comes to taking apart the suspension. I was not comfortable with it first time around. I'll see what the rear passenger say and if ride's too bumpy, maybe I will revisit. The install was definitely more of a pain in the butt than some post made me believe. If I was comfortable with dropping the axle, it honestly would have been much less effort to get those put in.

 

[Glenn Goodlett]

I took the springs out of mine. It was not too much trouble. Just got to make sure you don't stress the electrical wires and brake lines.

Cutting the rubber springs when installed seems way harder than pulling the springs out.

 

[dadrunner]

Cutting the rubber springs when installed seems way harder than pulling the springs out.

Indeed it is. I was motivated by the cool weather we've been having, and also came across this guide for taking out the springs that is simpler than the official instructions.

I should have totally done it the first time around. It was 10x easier to get the lines hooked up properly, the setup is way more solid now with lines fully seated on the barb fittings.

I probably could have left it either way, but I like the piece of mind it's done per the spec.