Folks Towing/Hauling -- Any input on Airbags vs. Timbren Bump Stops

[cajone5]

To the folks that tow/haul and have a lifted rig... I am up against a decision. To start, I will be installing a 3" lift (Toytech) including sway bar relocates to keep those intact and was planning to install bump stop relocates as well from Toytech. I haul/tow periodically, sometimes a trailer but more often just a bed full of heavy stuff (ex: paver stones and other heavy materials) and have had my back end sag pretty good. I know the lift and stiffer springs will help but I want to add something that will help when hauling only so I see two options...


1. Airbags. Either Firestone or Airlift 1000 are what I've seen. They run around $100, so they're pretty cheap and from what I understand the install is pretty easy as well. That said, they require some monitoring of pressure and adding/removing pressure depending on if you're hauling/towing or not.

2. Timbren "rubber springs" (fancy bump stops from what I gather) which have a higher price tag (~$200) but are more "set it and forget it".


So I'm leaning toward the Timbrens to avoid dealing with airbags. First, I think due to the lift I'll still need the Toytech bump stop relocate to get everything to fit correctly and provide the right gap between the new bump stop and the frame. Is that correct? Also, I'm left wondering which ones to get. I think the lighter duty ones may be OK but don't want to be left wanting the heavier "off road" ones. The load ratings are confusing as they are listed as 3000 and 6000 lb versions. But those may be at full compression. Anyone have any input on that and/or a recommendation of which to go with?

TORSEQ (standard ones) - TORSEQ- Rear Axle SES Suspension Upgrade ? Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

ABSTORSEQ (off road) - Active Off-Road Bumpstops ? ABSTORSEQ ? Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

Given that there is minimal price difference I'm leaning toward the heavier option. I also have no plans to install the fronts at this point but if I do more off roading in the future I could do that.

Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts on these?

 

[T4RFlinte]

I'm interested to know as well

 

[cajone5]

I know I know, use the search function...

I just read these -- no info on the ABSTORSEQ though...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/91099-timbren-torseq-rear-bumpstops-review.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/103152-air-lift-1000-timbren-ses-towing.html

Also, seems as if the timbrens would only engage with backend drop enough to close the gap since they're a bump stop where the air bags would engage earlier keeping the ride level. In addition, the Timbrens have had some comments about ride roughness (makes sense, you're bouncing on a rubber spring) where that isn't the case that I've heard with airbags. Although with airbags you'd need a compressor on hand to adjust which is a pain but may be worth it.


Anyone care to add any thoughts? eep:

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I had airbags on my Land Cruiser and I loved them. You didn't know they were there until you need them. My buddy has a set as well. He loved them, then he trashed them on the trail when his springs pinched them because he didn't have enough air in them.

Lesson, always keep 5lbs in them as stated in the install guide

I'll be installing them in my 4R.

 

[Powder_Hound]

To the folks that tow/haul and have a lifted rig... I am up against a decision. To start, I will be installing a 3" lift (Toytech) including sway bar relocates to keep those intact and was planning to install bump stop relocates as well from Toytech. I haul/tow periodically, sometimes a trailer but more often just a bed full of heavy stuff (ex: paver stones and other heavy materials) and have had my back end sag pretty good. I know the lift and stiffer springs will help but I want to add something that will help when hauling only so I see two options...


1. Airbags. Either Firestone or Airlift 1000 are what I've seen. They run around $100, so they're pretty cheap and from what I understand the install is pretty easy as well. That said, they require some monitoring of pressure and adding/removing pressure depending on if you're hauling/towing or not.

2. Timbren "rubber springs" (fancy bump stops from what I gather) which have a higher price tag (~$200) but are more "set it and forget it".


So I'm leaning toward the Timbrens to avoid dealing with airbags. First, I think due to the lift I'll still need the Toytech bump stop relocate to get everything to fit correctly and provide the right gap between the new bump stop and the frame. Is that correct? Also, I'm left wondering which ones to get. I think the lighter duty ones may be OK but don't want to be left wanting the heavier "off road" ones. The load ratings are confusing as they are listed as 3000 and 6000 lb versions. But those may be at full compression. Anyone have any input on that and/or a recommendation of which to go with?

TORSEQ (standard ones) - TORSEQ- Rear Axle SES Suspension Upgrade ? Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

ABSTORSEQ (off road) - Active Off-Road Bumpstops ? ABSTORSEQ ? Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

Given that there is minimal price difference I'm leaning toward the heavier option. I also have no plans to install the fronts at this point but if I do more off roading in the future I could do that.

Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts on these?

I ran the Ailift 1000 for about 5 years with no issues on factory springs, XREAS struts and a Daystar lift. I ran 25 psi when pulling my PUP and the load stayed level and ride was excellent. When not towing my PUP I dropped the pressure to 5 psi which allowed the suspension to work normally.

I've recently upgraded my suspension to an OME/Toctech RCC2.0hd with OME struts and I have not towed my PUP yet. I did reinstall my Airbags, but the first test will be next week when I'm heading to Moab.

Long story short. Airlift 1000 are virtually maintenance free. I check air pressure randomly when not towing to make sure I have 5 psi in both bags (never had to add pressure). I inflate to 25 lb's when towing or adding heavy loads and deflate when I'm done.

My vote would be for air bags because there more affordable, they have less impact on suspension when not carrying loads, and you can adjust the pressure for the loads your carrying.

 

[Antoddio]

Just a small add on the airbags. I installed mine two years ago, I can't even recall the psi because I haven't checked them since. I always meant to but it never happened. It jacks the rear end up about an inch or two normally, but perfectly level while towing a 6000lbs load.

Handling was night and day improved after putting them in. Much reduced the sloppy roll. Again, I never messed with inflating or deflating, but I think I originally set them on the very firm side.

 

[cajone5]

Awesome thanks for the responses. Airbags sound like the way to go. More hassle for the install but once that's done it sounds like I'll be set.

 

[gmatherly]

Glad I found this thread! Does anyone know the size or part number for the airlift 1000 that fits a 2015 Trail (stock suspension)?

 

[gm350reratliff]

I installed airbags on my slightly lifted (FJ springs, 5100's @ 1.75", Daystar spacer out back) 4th gen last month. They were a breeze to install and definitely help when loaded heavy. I can definitely feel them when unloaded, even at the minimum psi so I may remove them until I need them again. I will add that the rough ride may be more noticeable because this suspension has 100k on it and is wore out. It is nice to be able to adjust for heavy and light loads though. This is my 3rd set of bags on 3 different vehicles and they work great for towing. I never had a problem with the previous sets.

I've never ran the Timbrens so I can't help you there but it seems like they would also be a little rough since you would basically be riding on a bumpstop. It also seems they would limit articulation offroad as well.

On another note, if you go with taller springs and want to install bags, you may need a taller bag to properly "fill" the spring so it won't sag. IIRC, Tahoe/Yukon bags are taller but have the same diameter, don't quote me on that though. Steve at Sonoran Steel should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I forgot to add the all important towing proof pic.

 

[ssmd]

I only have experience with the bags. I didn't have a good tire gauge that read down to 5psi that was my one issue. The other is if you don't keep some air in them then the bags will twist and cause a kink in the air line. I kept them around 10psi and I did feel firm when empty.

For towing they were great. I had the line hooked up individually so each bag got its own filler valve.

The biggest drawback is cutting the factory bump stops for the install. If you want to remove the bags you will need buy new bumpstop/spring seat which costs $120 for both unless you can fine them used.

If you tow heavy loads frequently I recommend them. If you have the cash get the full kit with auto inflators and remote. Otherwise the basic bags are a good deal.

 

[AL407]

I just finished installing the Timbren Rear SES on my 2009 4Runner Sport. This is my third 4Runner Sport so I'm not new to the breed. That being said, the combination of the XREAS suspension and the Timbren SES has created an incredibly wonderful handling vehicle. It digs in and and handles corners like a sports car. The Timbrens were installed to handle a small camper towing job, but have now become a new improvement to be appreciated on a day to day basis. The vehicle has become especially well mannered at speeds over 80mph. I conclude that this is a function of the rear spoiler forcing the suspension down to engaging the enhancements at that speed. Best $225 I've spent in a long time. Easy to install taking about 30 minutes a wheel with the right tools.