DIY : Load Leveler Air Bags - 3rd Gen T4R

[Skinfaxi]

I installed the Airlift 1000 bags on my 4Runner two years ago. I have the 99 tall coils and Bilstein HD shocks in the rear. I can haul several hundred pounds in the rear of the vehicle, or pull my 3500lb trailer full with two face cord of firewood without sagging.



When I installed the bags I cut down the jounce cushions by three rings each, and did not use the oversized hockey puck spacers included with the kit. I ran the air lines through the top of the bags, up to the vehicle frame. The job took me about two hours, but I was taking my time.



The cost is less than $100 from several online vendors. I've had very good luck with autoanything.com.



1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner Air Suspension Kits - Air Lift 60743 - Air Lift Air Bag Suspension Kit

Power-wise, how well does the truck handle 3500lbs?

 

[Riceye]

Power-wise, how well does the truck handle 3500lbs?

We're fairly flat here in SE Wisconsin. I've often had over 2/3 cord of moist oak in my trailer and hauled several loads 30-40 miles in highway and urban conditions with no concerns. I have the 3.4l mated to a five speed trans with well adjusted OE brakes. No problem if your rear brakes are functional. The bell cranks need annual attention here in the rust belt.

The five speed is a joy for pulling the trailer.

 

[Skinfaxi]

We're fairly flat here in SE Wisconsin. I've often had over 2/3 cord of moist oak in my trailer and hauled several loads 30-40 miles in highway and urban conditions with no concerns. I have the 3.5l mated to a five speed trans with well adjusted OE brakes. No problem if your rear brakes are functional. The bell cranks need annual attention here in the rust belt.

The five speed is a joy for pulling the trailer.

Yep, I've got the 5 speed & tundra brake upgrade. It just seems slow without towing anything, so I've always been concerned with putting any real weight back there. I have a boat & trailer that's about 3500, but haven't towed it yet. Also want to pick up a utility trailer, possibly enclosed. It's flat here too, so I guess it'll be OK.

 

[One Sick Puppy]

I tow a ~3200lbs with my trailer/buggy setup. This setup tows very well. I'm about level or a little rake when unloaded, but with the trailer on, I'm sagging a bit but the 4runner (5speed) tows great. No problems. The tongue weight, balance and COG on my trailer is pretty good. My 2200lb travel trailer not so much - will be working on that.
Came to this thread to see what's involved in putting some of these airbags in.

 

[thebrandon]

Sorry to revive a dead thread, figured it was better than making a new one.

Will this specific air bag kit work with a roughly 3 inch lift with no cones in the springs?

 

[XLJIAN]

Just found this thread..... sorry to try and bing it back from the dead but..... I’m in West Africa doing some NGO work and picked up a 3rd gen.
She’s sagging in the back and I’m interested in airbags to solve this problem.
New coils and shocks aren’t a possibility where I am.

Any long term thought on how this solution has worked for you guys?

Thanks so much!

 

[Cvett95]

Just found this thread..... sorry to try and bing it back from the dead but..... I’m in West Africa doing some NGO work and picked up a 3rd gen.
She’s sagging in the back and I’m interested in airbags to solve this problem.
New coils and shocks aren’t a possibility where I am.

Any long term thought on how this solution has worked for you guys?

Thanks so much!

Highly recommend [MENTION=311189]XLJIAN[/MENTION]. I think these would be ideal for your situation.

Did you get them?

-C

 

[XLJIAN]

Yes.... installed them over a month ago. Huge difference
Well see how they hold up to the ‘roads’ here.....