Firestone Air Bags

5

5Sport

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Anyone install/use these? Or any other comparable bag?

I have 5100's set at .85 all the way around but would like a little more stability for the rear when I am fully loaded.

I am looking for options and I am open to suggestions. I don't want a lift and I only need the extra help for long trips when I need a lot of gear.

Thanks
 
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I have the Airlift 1000 kit, not the Firestone airbags, but from what I understand they are both good kits.

I have said it before, best $100 you can spend if you haul/tow with your 4Runner!
 
I had them on my 3rd Gen 4 runner. For towing or hauling they were great. I didn't like the ride unloaded very well. It was a bit too progressive. Stiff on big bumps. ive hauled things no one should. Like a pallet of cement 3600lbs. Towed a 8klb skid steer around (With trailer brakes). Without air bags it never could have worked.

They are cheap and easy to install so id try and see if you like them. Also FYI they have a 5psi minimum pressure so youlll get maybe .5 lift minimum unloaded.
 
Antman said:
I have the Airlift 1000 kit, not the Firestone airbags, but from what I understand they are both good kits.

I have said it before, best $100 you can spend if you haul/tow with your 4Runner!
Click to expand...

I added AirLift bags two years ago after reading Antman's post and I agree completely.
 
I have the Firestones, with 5100's including Toytec's springs all around.

Although the rear Toytec's are much firmer I still air them up when hauling trailers, boat etc. Makes the ride much better including keeps it level. Inexpensive addition in my opinion
 
I've had them on another vehicle. They eventually blew. One side first then I'm sure because it was so unbalanced the other side went too. Firestone did replace them but I never put them on again. I was probably at the limits in terms of weight.

Mine were rated only to help weight in the range of 500-1000 lbs.
Also you have to keep minimum air pressure of 5psi in them. This is important.

Tips - try and have as much tubing as you can. Makes it easier to fill in small increments. Also I found using a shock pump for mtn bike easier to fill it than the air compressor method.
 
Airlift 1000s on my 3rd Gen
Airlift 1000s on my FJ Cruiser
Airlift 1000s on my 5th Gen (2015)

They haven't been "tested" from manufacturer, that is why they are not listed for 14-15, but they fit just fine!
Airlift 1000s, and the 2 valves mounted:
IMG_3554.jpg


IMG_3555.jpg


IMG_3556.jpg
 
Thanks all. It looks like either Airlift or Firestone.

With the minimum amount of air in the bags will it change the ride or rear height of the vehicle?

Thanks
 
I had a very slight lift in the rear with about 20lbs. As you go up to 35lbs, you see the rear raise slightly. When deflating, you see it drop very slightly, but still a bit higher than without the bags installed. For me, it gave the level look with weight still in the rear I wanted. The ride is a little more rigid, and firm, and going over speed bumps the rear kicks down harder if I cruise over a bump. We did the necessary measurements, since I have a lift, to cut less bump stop in the rear, to compensate for the lift.
 
There are some other options to bags if you are considering other options. Like Timbrens which only come into affect when loaded, or Roadmaster Active Suspension which supposedly greatly improves handling as well load capacity. Back when I had a Tacoma, I added Firestone Air Bags and did not like the ride when the bags had low psi in them. I eventually took them off and ordered a Roadmaster Active suspension but ended up trading the truck before I installed them.
 
bcb97 said:
There are some other options to bags if you are considering other options. Like Timbrens which only come into affect when loaded, or Roadmaster Active Suspension which supposedly greatly improves handling as well load capacity. Back when I had a Tacoma, I added Firestone Air Bags and did not like the ride when the bags had low psi in them. I eventually took them off and ordered a Roadmaster Active suspension but ended up trading the truck before I installed them.
Click to expand...

Roadmaster Active Suspension is only an option for leaf spring vehicles... I am also looking to reduce sag with my 2015 TEP as I tow a small (3000#) camper. I was hoping that a spring with an increased rate would do the job without an air-assist device, but it looks like that will not be the case...
 
Photi said:
Roadmaster Active Suspension is only an option for leaf spring vehicles... I am also looking to reduce sag with my 2015 TEP as I tow a small (3000#) camper. I was hoping that a spring with an increased rate would do the job without an air-assist device, but it looks like that will not be the case...
Click to expand...

Good point.
 
Photi said:
Roadmaster Active Suspension is only an option for leaf spring vehicles... I am also looking to reduce sag with my 2015 TEP as I tow a small (3000#) camper. I was hoping that a spring with an increased rate would do the job without an air-assist device, but it looks like that will not be the case...
Click to expand...

This is why I added the Airlift on my 3 vehicles listed. I tow a 2800# trailer, which improves the ride and handling a lot!
 
itsdchz said:
This is why I added the Airlift on my 3 vehicles listed. I tow a 2800# trailer, which improves the ride and handling a lot!
Click to expand...

Is Airlift better than Firestone? or just a brand preference? Also what model are you using? The Airlift application guide does not list our machines...
 
See my post a little higher. The Airlift 1000s.

I called airlift to see why 14-15 was not listed. They simply said they have not tested it on those years yet to see if something has changed. It hasn't and all is fine on mine.

I did have Firestone on one vehicle before as well. Either is fine. I just know the Airlift works, and I like the metal fittings of the fill valves. Price was very right as well.
 
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