Leveling kit with rear air bag setup?

[klennop]

I have a 08 Limited with the self leveling rear suspension/air bags. I was thinking about doing the 1" leveling kit in the front. I have searched on the forums but I haven't found out if this will work or not. Some of the manufactures state their kit will not work with the rear air suspension. Is that the same case with all of the different spacers.

I am trying to learn more about how the rear air suspension works in order to see if the 1" leveling kit in the front will just make the rear jack up more or not to try and re level things out? However there isn't much info around on the system so I finally decided to post about it. I don't want anything extreme, I just would like to put a little larger tire on without rubbing issues.

So the question is, can you put in the 1" leveling kit in the front with the rear air suspension?

Thanks

Keith

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Absolutely. I have the RAS and am running 1/2" top out spacer with FJ springs in the front. Great combo. The rear still kick on when you start up and goes to the same position as before. I've been told anything over 1" will cause issues, but I've got 1.5" and none. Which spacer are you looking at? Some advertise lift gained, others spacer thickness. On the front, you gain twice the spacer size, so my 1/2" spacers gave me 1" lift. For detailed info and pics of my setup, click the link in my sig (where is lists the lift/tires). If you have any other questions, let me know and I'll do my best to answer them.

 

[klennop]

First off, thanks for the info and answers that I wanted to hear!!

I haven't really decided on what spacers to go with since I wasn't sure if it would work or not. I am just looking to level the truck out, any suggestions? Some easier to use than others?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I absolutely love the setup I've got. The FJ springs really helped the ride, it's a good bit smoother in the front. Plus, I found them for free, just had to pay shipping, and it was well worth it. You have a few options. IMO, 1.5" lift is just right. There aren't any spacers that I'm aware of that'll give you this, which is why I chose the FJ springs and 1/2" Toytec spacer. This landed me 1.5", just what I was after. Just the 1/2" spacer wouldn't look bad, but I'd go for more. Daystar makes a spacer (it's listed at 1"-1.25" depending on where you look) but it gives nearly 2" of lift. There is a way to adjust the rear to gain some lift. If you want, you can do the Daystar for ~2" in the front, then adjust the rear up to level it out. Otherwise, I'd advise the same setup I've got.

 

[klennop]

By the way, here was one of the places that mentioned not being able to use spacers with the auto leveling. Read near the bottom.

Burtman Industries

I guess I wouldn't mind a little rake but not as much as I have now so I may stick with just 1" of lift in the front.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Yep,I talked to him in person and he said the 1" net lift and under spacer would work, it's just the bigger ones won't.

 

[klennop]

Any suggestions on who makes a better spacer? Or are any of them easier to install? I really don't want to use a spring compressor, they just scare the crap out of me every time I have used one!!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Most of the brand name spacers will do the job (Daystar, Cornfed, Toytec). If you're really wanting to avoid the spring compressors I *think* that Daystar makes one that can be done without compressing the springs. Look up the Daystar budget boost, and expect to gain about 2" of lift from it. If it sits nose high, you can adjust the rear up to finish leveling it out. Based on mine, I don't think you'll have issues with the rear trying to raise up with the auto level.

 

[810moto]

Well I guess I will chime in for the heck of it. I used the 1/2" toytech spacer with the FJ shocks and springs. I ended up with more than most do for some reason and actually rechecked again today, which has been a week and still only have 1/8" difference left to right. I used a home made spring compressor just for safety but did not actually need one at all come to find out.
click below to see some of my wonderful camera phone photos.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/71531-lift-done-finally.html

Using the topout spacers is pretty easy but I will say that a QUALITY 14mm closed end wrench is real handy for that 3rd nut behind the shock tower. I used a neighbors snap on just like this one.
XSM1314A, Wrench, Metric, Box, Short, 10° Offset, 13-14 mm, 12-Point

all in all, it's rather simple and once you get done with the 1st wheel, the 2nd one will be a snap. swamp rider helped me out with some great links also.
here is the one i printed out and took down to the garage with me.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3270

One more thing, well maybe two......TORQUE WRENCH AND TORQUE SPECS along with some loctite.