Question about adding rear airbag suspension kit

[GLP]

I have a 2004 4WD Limited with Bistein 5100s all around and stock springs. The fronts are on the 2.5 setting and the rear sags when I haul my motorcycle so I want to add load capacity in the rear. I've read that the best way to do this is to add airbags in the rear but I am wondering if this would be a good time to also put FJ springs in the rear or would that be redundant with the airbags on there? It seems like putting FJ springs on only with no airbags wouldn't had much if any load capacity, right?

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

You have to remove the springs in order to install the bags so I would say it's a good time. Weather it's redundant or not depends on how much lift the FJ springs will give you vs. how much sag you get when hauling your bike.

I'd guess it would be worthwhile :thumb:

 

[Powder_Hound]

You have to remove the springs in order to install the bags so I would say it's a good time. Weather it's redundant or not depends on how much lift the FJ springs will give you vs. how much sag you get when hauling your bike.

I'd guess it would be worthwhile :thumb:

This is not entirely true. If you let each rear spring go to full droop you can stuff the bags between the coils without removing the springs. The FJ springs are stiffer which might help when towing your motorcycle, but you would not have the flexibility the airbags offer. I run my Airlift 1000 bags at 5psi when empty or not towing and with my old stock suspension I ran about 25psi when towing my PUP. I upgraded my suspension to an OME/Toytec rcc2.0HD in Jan. and I have not towed with this new set up yet. I did reinstall my airbags in the event I need to add a little help to my stiffer springs so that I don't sag when carrying a load.

Also...you can get the Airbags for about 100 bucks to see how they work. If you find you want stiffer springs after the fact you can re-use the airbags in your upgraded system as well.

 

[MudPie]

This is not entirely true. If you let each rear spring go to full droop you can stuff the bags between the coils without removing the springs. The FJ springs are stiffer which might help when towing your motorcycle, but you would not have the flexibility the airbags offer. I run mine at 5psi when empty or not towing and with my old stock suspension I ran about 25psi when towing my PUP. I upgraded my suspension to an OME/Toytec rcc2.0HD and I have not told with this new set up yet. I did reinstall my airbags in the event I need to add a little help to my stiffer springs so that Indont sag when carrying a load.

Also...you can get the Airbags for about 100 bucks to see how they work. If you find you want stiffer springs after the fact you can re-use the airbags in your upgraded system as well.

Agreed.

Jack it up, stuff them in. Done.

I added the Wireless Air system to my bags so I can make adjustments rolling down the road.

http://www.amazon.com/72000-Wireless-Air-Leveling-Compressor/dp/B001OMVCN2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459467076&sr=8-1&keywords=wirelessair+72000

 

[riceandpho]

get the firestone , its easy to install, plus get a t fitting, i got all my gear at sdtrucksprings.com and they work great.

 

[blackoutt]

I've ran firestone bags in stock springs, FJ springs, with and without a 1.5" daystar spacer on top, and now I have them in my 2" Icon springs although it's recommended to get longer bags for 2" lift springs. Yes they can be installed without taking the springs out, but it's only bottom shock bolts and sway bar links to take off if you have them. Then tilt the axle one way for one spring, and then the other. Working the fittings in nicely to make sure they don't leak!

I run mine at 5psi for normal daily driving and 30-35 psi when I haul a dirtbike on a hitch carrier, tow a trailer, or load up the camping setup. Keeping the springs and shocks in their intended normal working range makes a world of difference when hauling. I do not have mine T'd together since I think that takes away the added sway bar effects when one side gets compressed and pushed air to the other extending side. I mounted my schrader valves in the sheet metal bracket on my trailer hitch next to the trailer plug. That compressor system would be slick though!

 

[GLP]

I decided to get some used FJ springs for $50 at the same time I get the air bags. I am going to get the Firestone Coil-Rite kit. Good tip on the T-fitting. Thanks all.

 

[ARunner]

For all those claiming no need to pull the coil out, are you not cutting down the isolator as instructed?

 

[Powder_Hound]

For all those claiming no need to pull the coil out, are you not cutting down the isolator as instructed?

It will be easier to cut the isolator with coil out, but a good hack saw can cut down the isolator between the coils as well.

 

[ARunner]

I suppose so. FWIW I'd be prepared to remove the spring and if you get lucky maybe you won't need to. I didn't find the isolater simple to cut through even removed. I couldn't imagine trying to do it within the coil, but I suppose it's not impossible. As has been stated, removing the coil is really easy. Just make sure you seat it back where it was.

 

[olegrad]

You guys know where is cheapest to find Airlifts? Not that pricing on Amazon is bad, just looking to see if there are better deals out there. Thanks!

 

[kevinpt]

are people installing there bag with the air line on top or under. also can people post photos with the bags in and on the ground so i can see how the coils look like on the top and bottom? are the bags touching the top and the bottom?

 

[ARunner]

Airline must face upward. Bags will rest on the lower spring perch. I'll see if I have a pic and post if so.

 

[kevinpt]

Airline must face upward. Bags will rest on the lower spring perch. I'll see if I have a pic and post if so.

that would be great if you could. im running fj coils and thinking about getting airbags and might get some daystar rear spacers to go along with it as well. like the idea of being able to air up on long trips with the gear in the back

 

[Powder_Hound]

Airline must face upward. Bags will rest on the lower spring perch. I'll see if I have a pic and post if so.

My Airlift 1000 bags have the lines going down through the bottom spring seat. I have a couple of pics showing this from my suspension swap picures. The bags have not fully seated at the bottom of the spring, but you can see the lines running down through the bottom of the spring seat. It's my understanding that both options are acceptable, but Firestone recommends up and Airlift recommends down.

Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - Powder_Hound's Album: XREAS Removal and OME install

 

[kevinpt]

My Airlift 1000 bags have the lines going down through the bottom spring seat. I have a couple of pics showing this from my suspension swap picures. The bags have not fully seated at the bottom of the spring, but you can see the lines running down through the bottom of the spring seat. It's my understanding that both options are acceptable, but Firestone recommends up and Airlift recommends down.

Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - Powder_Hound's Album: XREAS Removal and OME install

do they touch the top?

 

[Powder_Hound]

do they touch the top?

No, and they didn't before my suspension swap. These Airlift and Firestone bags are designed like "helper" springs vs. an air bag for an air ride suspension. The mounded bumper (isolator) worked like a bump stop before it was cut out, and now the airbag is doing this work. When the springs compress under a load the airbag will start "helping" increase stiffness. With my new set up (taller springs) I am expecting to see more sag before the airbags begin to "help".

I've heard that you should increase height of the springs to match taller springs, but I called airlift and they indicated that if the airbag fit the ID of the new springs it was good to go.