Air suspension for 1st gen

[dieselhead59]

I have an 88 4runner and the rear suspension is saggy like normal. Does anyone make an airbag kit (overload style) for the 1st gen? If so anyone have any likes or dislikes? I had one on my 2009 Tacoma double cab and i loved it. I air'd it down when i was empty and it was smooth, but when i was loaded up ~ add a few lbs of air and it help out with the load. I cant find one that fits the 1st gen 4runner.

 

[Bad_Vision]

I have an 88 4runner and the rear suspension is saggy like normal. Does anyone make an airbag kit (overload style) for the 1st gen? If so anyone have any likes or dislikes? I had one on my 2009 Tacoma double cab and i loved it. I air'd it down when i was empty and it was smooth, but when i was loaded up ~ add a few lbs of air and it help out with the load. I cant find one that fits the 1st gen 4runner.

All you need to do is get new leaf springs and it will help a lot.
Since you have like a 3000 pound capacity tow weight he really don't need the air system.
Your money is better spent on new leaf springs in new shocks.

 

[RAD4Runner]

All you need to do is get new leaf springs and it will help a lot....
Your money is better spent on new leaf springs in new shocks.

THIS^^^

Air-bag is too fancy, too high-maintenance. Defeats the purpose of buying a reliable, simple, robust first-gen.

 

[dieselhead59]

Thanks. Should i get a whole new set of leaf's or just a rancho add-a-leaf and some new shocks?

 

[Bad_Vision]

Thanks. Should i get a whole new set of leaf's or just a rancho add-a-leaf and some new shocks?

I recommend skyjacker soft ride leafs but I'm not sure they make them in stock height anymore I know they have 5" lift and 3" lift springs. Ether way any new leafs will automatically be better then the old stock ones.

Get new leafs as the original are prone to sag. And for less then $400 you can get new leafs and shocks so that's the best you can do for your truck.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

 

[Bad_Vision]

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/sja-tr20

Here you go 1" lift will help when you store stuff in the back or people. And it won't change the look very much.

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[jkCOtoy]

All you need to do is get new leaf springs and it will help a lot.
Since you have like a 3000 pound capacity tow weight he really don't need the air system.
Your money is better spent on new leaf springs in new shocks.

Agree

 

[txlonghorn85]

Unless you are really on a budget, skip the budget springs like Skyjacker, and get yourself a set of old man emu springs. They'll give you a couple inches of lift but also way more load carrying capacity. Quality is top notch.

 

[RAD4Runner]

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/sja-tr20
Here you go 1" lift...

I'd LOVE 1-inch lift above stock. The website does not mention it, though. Maybe I just didn't look hard enough.

...get yourself a set of old man emu springs. ...Quality is top notch.

No doubt about the quality of OME's. But .O.P. needs to research more...
Many people HAD sworn by it, but:
1) More recently, I've been hearing complaints about them being too stiff - both here and at Yotatech. Could be just because of varying personal tastes and application.
2) The two-inch lift would also require lifting the front - another thing to consider.

 

[txlonghorn85]

I'd LOVE 1-inch lift above stock. The website does not mention it, though. Maybe I just didn't look hard enough.



No doubt about the quality of OME's. But .O.P. needs to research more...
Many people HAD sworn by it, but:
1) More recently, I've been hearing complaints about them being too stiff - both here and at Yotatech. Could be just because of varying personal tastes and application.
2) The two-inch lift would also require lifting the front - another thing to consider.

I agree with everything you've said. The springs have a double overload setup that makes them stiff if you are running empty. They need weight to settle the shackle angle and to soften the ride. Pulling an overload from the pack is pretty common and is what I recommend people who don't carry a constant load to do. I've been through a few packs of OME springs.

 

[89FourRunner]

OME rear springs are going to give you about 4" of lift, and the rear end will be way above stock.

Get a rancho long leaf add a leaf (or any long and soft style add-a-leaf).

You will get around 1.5"-2" and it will look perfect.

Many here have attempted to lift sag with OME springs and wound up then needing to lift the front. The add-a-leaf will strengthen the pack enough for load, trust me.

 

[ccunningham83]

https://skyjacker.com/shop/leaf-springs/tr20s/

Looks like the soft ride springs are still available.

Pair that up with some ball joint spacers and it should be pretty level.

 

[Griswald]

I recently installed an add-a-leaf on mine.
Parts&L wasnt too bad
rides better, stance is way better.
It may settle down a bit over next few months.

otherwise stock height with 31" tires, which is fine for me

A couple attached pics to give you an idea