Air Shocks, anyone ?!?

[1800AskMatt]

I have already lifted my '01 4x2 SR5 and still have a little sag in the back.

When I put anything in the back of the truck the suspension drops. If I take more than 1 passenger it drops more.

If I have a load in the back and 3 passengers and my little trailer on the back, I am really looking funny!

So, I was wondering if anyone has found or even installed "Air Shocks" on the rear of their 4Runner?

I am cool with a much stiffer ride, as my Dually is REALLY stiff.

I really want to be able to support some basic weight and I am thinking it might even help with the rear sway.

Any thoughts or comments on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

 

[fishin4]

Yes I just installed the firestone coil-rite air bags(is this what you mean) And after having to re do one side because of a leak, I am very very pleased with the results. I followed another members tip about only cutting two of the rings on the bump stops instead of three like in the instructions. This does help prevent over inflation, however there is a very positive side effect... when at full (30 psi or so) you get a 2 inch lift. The ride at this pressure is like driving a one ton pick up which I also like. If you do get these you can cheat on the install and do the job in 20 mins or less. lift the truck so the rear tires and axle hang(leave the shocks connected) the coils will open up enough for you to cut the bump stop pieces out without removing the coils then just stuff the bags into the coils. this is how they do this job at most shops I guess. otherwise you will have to disconnect shocks and pan hard bars etc, as we all know trucks of our age... the bolts dont just come apart. so avoid the stress. So for 100 bucks i gained a lift and the ability to adjust my ride height for towing and or just loading.

 

[jdmidwest]

Air Shocks are so 70's, I had them on my ole 67 Cougar with Cragers and 60's on the back end. If you did not air them up, the tires would rub.

Looks like they still make them, Gabriel HiJackers on Jc Whitney. They were always good for adjustable ride and towing.

 

[kball]

Here's a good write up for the load leveler bags.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/63963-diy-load-leveler-air-bags-3rd-gen-t4r.html

 

[123GO]

Very old post but wth?

Ran several air shocks in my day, just not on my 4runners (yet).
My favorite were also Gabriel Hijackers because they made them with the bag down inside the casing (why the Hijacker name) and not put around the outer edge of it were it expands too much losing height & exposed to elements and road carnage. This made them last many yrs longer than other brands like monroe, ect...
The problem most guys had with tires rubbing & very harsh riding was an easy fix to get around and avoid.

First step, as mentioned get Gabriel Hijacker branded as leaks are much rare.

2nd, make sure the rubber washers/grommets & hoses are all fitted correctly on install.

3rd, if your maxed out on the shocks air pressure (150psi) and still rubbing and most definately riding very ruff at this point then please buy shock extensions for the bottom of the shock before breaking something.
Extensions allow the shock to be about 4" longer reaching thus allowing the air to be greatly reduced. I was maxed on my old 64 Ply Sport Fury but with my added extentions I ran 60-70psi and it rode stock shock smooth & cleared my N50's with ease. Rarely needed air, in spring after cold weather like tires?

If I needed to level out the rear of my 4runner for towing Id buy a set of Hijackers in a minute before going through the trouble of puting coil spring bags on that are in the elements all the time. Hijackers will last much much longer and are cheaper too boot.
Ran them for decades.....Great shocks!!




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[UnderFire]

If you've got a lot of miles, that could be the sign it's time for some new springs, instead of band-aiding it, why not spend the money on some OME 891's for a stiffer spring?

 

[96LTDrus]

I run Monroe air shocks in the back of my '96 with stock height Moog springs, 30psi for "normal" loads, and 50psi when camping and hauling a bunch of people and things. Truck stays nice and level. Without a load, 50psi is about 2 inches of lift in the rear. Pretty easy install, with the schrader valve mounted in the driver's side corner of the rear bumper. I think the setup is probably inferior in damping and control to something high quality like Bilstein or even a set of new OEM springs and KYBs or something, but I manage just fine.

 

[cp99sr5]

I just installed some HiJackers in the rear this weekend, yes very old school but effective for what I need. I tow a small aluminum boat and with my gear I get just a slight drop of the rear/lift of the front. I thought about air bags but the cutting of bump stops kind of made me go the air shock route instead. I have used Gabriels in the past with good results, I was told to stay away form Munroes due to the issues mentioned and the experience of others who used them in the late 70's at the garage I worked at. I used to have the KYB gas-a-justs in the rear and the Gabriels at minimum PSI ride equal to or a bit better than the KYB's but I have yet to put a load on to see what happens. Springs could be an issue at 183K miles but without the boat and regardless of passengers and normal loads, the truck runs level so I am going to wait a bit longer. They are called HiJackers because it was an easy way to lift your rear end higher (jack it high) without other mods giving the vehcicle the forward rake the owner desired.

 

[JayRolla]

Holy thread revival!!

 

[rudogg760]

I just installed some HiJackers in the rear this weekend, yes very old school but effective for what I need. I tow a small aluminum boat and with my gear I get just a slight drop of the rear/lift of the front. I thought about air bags but the cutting of bump stops kind of made me go the air shock route instead. I have used Gabriels in the past with good results, I was told to stay away form Munroes due to the issues mentioned and the experience of others who used them in the late 70's at the garage I worked at. I used to have the KYB gas-a-justs in the rear and the Gabriels at minimum PSI ride equal to or a bit better than the KYB's but I have yet to put a load on to see what happens. Springs could be an issue at 183K miles but without the boat and regardless of passengers and normal loads, the truck runs level so I am going to wait a bit longer. They are called HiJackers because it was an easy way to lift your rear end higher (jack it high) without other mods giving the vehcicle the forward rake the owner desired.

What size or part number did you use? Would it work if I had a 3 inch spacer lift out back? Would the air lift bags work with my spacer lift?

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