Airbags to fix rear sag?

[Robb235]

My '99 has just shy of 250k miles, and has some pretty bad rear sag. I don't think the previous owner has done any kind of suspension work. I'm planning on replacing all my shocks with Bilstein Would airbags work well to fix my sagging issue? How is the ride quality? Any recommended manufacturers?

 

[rn_trauma903]

New shocks/springs should fix the sag.

 

[Robb235]

New shocks/springs should fix the sag.

I'd like to avoid buying rear springs if I can... I'm wondering if airbags in the rear will be an okay substitution? Or will ride quality suffer?

 

[MStudt]

I'd like to avoid buying rear springs if I can... I'm wondering if airbags in the rear will be an okay substitution? Or will ride quality suffer?

Is your suspension stock or are you lifted? I know there are different air bags for different springs.

 

[rn_trauma903]

I'd like to avoid buying rear springs if I can... I'm wondering if airbags in the rear will be an okay substitution? Or will ride quality suffer?

www.toyota-4runner.org/.../53088-airlift-firestone-suspension-air-bags-rock. html

 

[MStudt]

www.toyota-4runner.org/.../53088-airlift-firestone-suspension-air-bags-rock. html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engines-suspension-wheels-tires-audio-accessories/53088-airlift-firestone-suspension-air-bags-rock.html

 

[nissanh]

I am in the same boat

I'd like to avoid buying rear springs if I can... I'm wondering if airbags in the rear will be an okay substitution? Or will ride quality suffer?

I like to have air bags too.

 

[Robb235]

Is your suspension stock or are you lifted? I know there are different air bags for different springs.

Stock, however I have the '99 "tall" coils all around.

The intent is to bring the rear back up level with the front, not so much to lift. I also plan on installing Tundra 5100 shocks up front, and set on the lowest perch, and install bil (5100?) in the rear as well.

 

[MStudt]

Stock, however I have the '99 "tall" coils all around.

The intent is to bring the rear back up level with the front, not so much to lift. I also plan on installing Tundra 5100 shocks up front, and set on the lowest perch, and install bil (5100?) in the rear as well.

How many miles do you have on your springs? I might be worth it to just invest in new springs to go with your shocks. If you just want to go with the air bag; you're looking at about $80 from here.

 

[Robb235]

How many miles do you have on your springs? I might be worth it to just invest in new springs to go with your shocks. If you just want to go with the air bag; you're looking at about $80 from here.

They're the stock springs, so 250k miles along with the rest of the vehicle. I'm just looking to not spend money if I don't have to. If I can use airbags (instead of replacing springs) to bring the rear back up, then I'd like to go that route, as along as it doesn't horribly degrade how the rig rides.

 

[MStudt]

They're the stock springs, so 250k miles along with the rest of the vehicle. I'm just looking to not spend money if I don't have to. If I can use airbags (instead of replacing springs) to bring the rear back up, then I'd like to go that route, as along as it doesn't horribly degrade how the rig rides.

The air bags will stiffen up the ride and raise the rear. You'll notice the difference since I'm sure you're use to a pretty bouncy ride right now. It'll still give you a good ride, you just won't be used to it.

 

[rubbertoe]

You have to take the rear springs out to put in air bags ,also the cost of the bags is probably more than new springs . just some food for thought

 

[Robb235]

You have to take the rear springs out to put in air bags ,also the cost of the bags is probably more than new springs . just some food for thought

Well, I'm planning on getting airbags anyways for when ever I tow, so I figured I could kill two birds with one stone.

 

[markaidan]

You have to take the rear springs out to put in air bags ,also the cost of the bags is probably more than new springs . just some food for thought

Yeah, if you have to remove the springs why not just toss in some new/used springs AND shocks? There are plenty of guys selling 3rd gen springs all the time, you just have to look around.

I think Yoter has some 3" OME (front and rear) and he has some (front and rear) from a 2000 w/ 25K on them. The complete OEM system was like $80: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-t4r-items/162854-fs-one-only-massive-3rd-gen-sale-thread-w-sc-bay-area.html

 

[JimG]

I got airbags put on my 99 'runner to help with sag when I have the camper hooked up. I like that they are adjustable, and I like the ride better, but then I'm used to trucks and don't expect the ride to be like a car. I don't like the way the air line attaches. It took quite a bit to get them to stop leaking. My mechanic finally got fed up and used some sort of a sealant and they seem to be holding air now. I'd have to look on the bill, but I think these are firestones.

 

[BamaDrewski]

I had the same issue with my 2000 T4R. I ordered the AIR LIFT (Model 60743) 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit from Amazon and not only did I install the airbags, but I also put in new rear springs. I did not want to have to do this job again in a few years. (Also, if the airbags failed, the new springs would still prevent the sag.) I have to say I love the AIRLIFT bags. I have the pressure set at 12 pounds and it rides just fine. I would highly recommend this upgrade to our 3rd gen 4Runners. By the way, the cost for the airbags (two years ago) was $97 delivered. Took about an hour to route the air lines and install the fill valve in the rear bumper. Well worth the money.

 

[MDTrailrider]

You probably just need new shocks. I just replaced my original rear shocks and the truck rides like new again and the sag is gone. You also don't need air bags to tow a camper if the tung weight is right.