Air Suspension Removal Questions

[blkexp98]

Im debating on replacing my rear air suspension with coils and was curious for those of you that have done it would you do it again? I really dont have any problems with it but the bags are getting old and I live in AZ now so that isnt going to help the rubber last any longer. How does the ride change after doing the swap? Ive watched some videos on the swap as well as the conversion kits and it looks pretty simple so im not concerned about the work itself. The bags are nice for towing but and the leveling feature has come in handy. I know I can add helper spring air bags to get that back if I wanted to but just dont know the other changes ill discover.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Crikeymike]

Most people just leave it in place if it's working fine, unless you want some lift or need better load support. Coils would feel firmer (in a good way) with less body roll, but you do lose that cool features you have now.

 

[shastaliu]

Most people just leave it in place if it's working fine, unless you want some lift or need better load support. Coils would feel firmer (in a good way) with less body roll, but you do lose that cool features you have now.

Thanks for the information. It really helped me!

 

[KrazedJD]

After removing my air suspension and replacing it with toytec lifted coil springs I will say I did not initially miss the air ride. Over time I felt the ride was similar without load to the air ride. where I notice the biggest difference is under load. Towing or carrying a full truck with people and tools or bags, the coil springs are not as good. I have had to spend a little extra to add airbags to the coils to resolve the sag under load.

Side note, the air system Toyota chose is top notch and similar design but not size to the air system found in commercial trucks with a redundant overlap design and heavy reinforced rubber. After removing mine I admired the design used compared to the GM crap I have seen in the past.

 

[Crikeymike]

After removing my air suspension and replacing it with toytec lifted coil springs I will say I did not initially miss the air ride. Over time I felt the ride was similar without load to the air ride. where I notice the biggest difference is under load. Towing or carrying a full truck with people and tools or bags, the coil springs are not as good. I have had to spend a little extra to add airbags to the coils to resolve the sag under load.

Side note, the air system Toyota chose is top notch and similar design but not size to the air system found in commercial trucks with a redundant overlap design and heavy reinforced rubber. After removing mine I admired the design used compared to the GM crap I have seen in the past.

I've had a lot of people come back and buy helper air springs to add into the coils, after they switched from OE airbags to coils. It sounds like most people really do notice the difference big time compared to the old setups.

 

[Flash Runner]

I've had a lot of people come back and buy helper air springs to add into the coils, after they switched from OE airbags to coils. It sounds like most people really do notice the difference big time compared to the old setups.

Crikeymike! I'm about to pick up an '08 with the OEM RAS, and plan to replace it with a Dobinsons Kit to get a lift and better off roading.

I've been doing some searching but it seems a lot of old links are broken. Do you think I'll have any major problems doing this swap, or finding certain parts to do it? Do I need too (or should I) rip out the whole system (i.e compressor, tank, motor and dryer) or just replace the shocks and coils?

TIA

 

[Crikeymike]

Crikeymike! I'm about to pick up an '08 with the OEM RAS, and plan to replace it with a Dobinsons Kit to get a lift and better off roading.

I've been doing some searching but it seems a lot of old links are broken. Do you think I'll have any major problems doing this swap, or finding certain parts to do it? Do I need too (or should I) rip out the whole system (i.e compressor, tank, motor and dryer) or just replace the shocks and coils?

TIA

Hey bud

When you shop for a full kit on our site, it gives the option to add the airbag conversion kit. That with the coils and shocks is all you need.

Dobinsons Lexus Airbag Conversion Kit for Lexus GX470 GX460

And no, you don't "have to" rip out all the other stuff, but if you're removing the bags with no plans to go back, you may as well remove it, as you're just carrying dead weight.

Here are the kit options: Full Kits - 4th Gen 4runner Archives - Exit Offroad