Rear Coil Spring - Decision Time

[simple]

Are people still loving this? I loaded up 1100 pounds in my 4R for an 800mi trip, and my truck looked like it was taking off on a flight. My bump stop was about an inch from bottoming out. And thats with the stiffer FJ shocks/springs. I'm going to be moving again soon, and will probably need a Uhaul trailer, estimating max 2500lbs including trailer weight. This seems cheap enough to be something I can do, but do you guys still see it as a worthy upgrade?.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Are people still loving this? I loaded up 1100 pounds in my 4R for an 800mi trip, and my truck looked like it was taking off on a flight. My bump stop was about an inch from bottoming out. And thats with the stiffer FJ shocks/springs. I'm going to be moving again soon, and will probably need a Uhaul trailer, estimating max 2500lbs including trailer weight. This seems cheap enough to be something I can do, but do you guys still see it as a worthy upgrade?.

Absolutely

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=56337
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=14181
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=53088


And there's many more. A few members put dirt bikes on trailer hitch racks and they work well for that too...

IMHO use a dual fill setup; it allows for right to left levelling and minimizes bodyroll when loaded.

EDIT: mmjmeade installed his AirLift the way Firestone suggests, fill at the top. I like idea a lot! If I ever take mine out/replace I may do that.
:cheers:

 

[bt216]

Are people still loving this? I loaded up 1100 pounds in my 4R for an 800mi trip, and my truck looked like it was taking off on a flight. My bump stop was about an inch from bottoming out. And thats with the stiffer FJ shocks/springs. I'm going to be moving again soon, and will probably need a Uhaul trailer, estimating max 2500lbs including trailer weight. This seems cheap enough to be something I can do, but do you guys still see it as a worthy upgrade?.

thats a lot of weight. You might want to consider the Air Lift 1000 kit for that kind of hauling.

 

[simple]

thats a lot of weight. You might want to consider the Air Lift 1000 kit for that kind of hauling.

Yeah, thats the kit I'm looking at, I think its the 60809 kit on their website.

I'm pulling the trigger on it, thanks gents.

 

[bt216]

Yeah, thats the kit I'm looking at, I think its the 60809 kit on their website.

I'm pulling the trigger on it, thanks gents.

you wont be dissappointed.

 

[simple]

These things are sweet. I didn't have to take my rear apart either. Just raised the rear and deflated and squeezed the bags in the coils. I cut 2 notches off the bumpstop.

I was surprised out how it raised my truck. Litteraly it seemed to shoot up. I had 10psi in mine and my pitch attitude while driving felt significantly different. So much so that I think I might have destroyed my rear FJ springs by carrying 1100lbs 800mis. I might replace them after my next move, next week.

Will these bags pop if I put the same weight in my truck this time?

And CJ, I want to do a dual setup, but I couldn't find a good place to route the passenger airline. Where did you put yours?

 

[TexasA&M]

Resurrecting an old thread, but I have a question about this setup on a lifted vehicle. Do the bags ever actually touch the bumpstop, or do they work by compressing against the inside of the spring and expanding it?

I currently have a set of Timbren overloads on the 4Runner, and they have worked well, but I am looking at putting a lift on the vehicle, which would effectively make the Timbrens useless (unless I found a spacer, which I haven't been able to find yet). I'm thinking of putting on the airlift system at the same time that I do the lift.

I had an airlift setup on my old Tacoma and one on my current F250 and love it. I'm looking forward to trying one out on the 4Runner.

 

[TexasA&M]

Any thoughts on this?

 

[SurfToy]

Any thoughts on this?

The Airlift springs work against vertical compression, same as the Timbrens. If you have a lift that increases the vertical space inside the coil, they won't work any longer.

(installing mine tonight, just in time to tow my 21' ski boat to the river tomorrow)

 

[T4RUSAF]

The airlift squeezes the sides of the coils so they no longer compress under heavy load. The bags *should* never touch the bumpstops assuing you cut them according the directions (which is pretty much the entire bumpstop except the top). This allows for maximum compression of the spring without hindering the overall flex of your suspension.

 

[810moto]

well, it's been over a year since this was spoke on. you guys that have had the
airlift-1000 for quite a while now, is it still the best c-note you spent? how's it holding up.

 

[bt216]

yep. especially running 35's, i can pump the air and bounce around the dunes and not rub at all. I love my airlift1000 kit.

 

[ellsworb]

well, it's been over a year since this was spoke on. you guys that have had the
airlift-1000 for quite a while now, is it still the best c-note you spent? how's it holding up.

I still love mine. Keeps the platform level when I have my 5000 lb sailboat hooked up, doesn't sag with coolers and the like hanging off the back, and I prefer the stance with 10 psi and unloaded.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[810moto]

sweet. i should have mine in about a week so stay tuned for my progress i suppose.
thanks for the great info posts.

 

[genEus]

I know I'm resurrecting a *really* old thread (shame on me) :behindsofa:

Anyways, my question is this. I still got the stock springs that came with the 4R that I just got at 155k miles. I'm planning on towing a 2500lb boat/trailer combo. Should I

a) Replace springs, add an Airlift/Firestone kit

or

b) Skimp on new springs, but add an Airlift/Firestone kit

or

c) Install new springs but skimp on the Airlift/Firestone kit

Thanks!

 

[TexasA&M]

No reason to get new springs. Just get some air bags or Timbren bump stops (replaces the factory bump stops). I towed a 4k lb boat for several years with this setup and was very pleased.

http://timbren.com/

 

[Toynaround]

RAS to Coil spring conversion and Gabriel Air Shocks!!!

I know I'm resurrecting a *really* old thread (shame on me) :behindsofa:

Anyways, my question is this. I still got the stock springs that came with the 4R that I just got at 155k miles. I'm planning on towing a 2500lb boat/trailer combo. Should I

a) Replace springs, add an Airlift/Firestone kit

or

b) Skimp on new springs, but add an Airlift/Firestone kit

or

c) Install new springs but skimp on the Airlift/Firestone kit

Thanks!

Well I just had to convert the RAS on my 2004 Limited due to system failure to coil springs and am having a set of air shocks made so I can control ride height under different towing situations. I am not a fan of air bags and there are currently no off the shelf air shock applications for gen4 4Runners. A1 suspension in Colorado is modding a set of Gabriel Highjackers for me but not cheap!!! $250 for the pair. I plan on rewiring/ plumbing the stock on board compressor with either a dash control or remote control to fill/ purge the air shocks. Back in the day I put air shocks on just about everything and I can't wait to get them in the 4Runner!

Oh yes, they will be going in at the same time with Rancho Quick Lift struts because I have to retrofit the XREAS system too! Why did I have to get a Limited with all options???????????????

I hope to end up with a more level tow anything go anywhere rig without the dreaded $$$$$$$$ repair bills and problems of the RAS / XREAS systems!