Suspension Air Bag Lift ?

[Shogun]

Looking to help my new 2013 LE tow my 21' Bass Boat. Thinking about installing an Airlift 1000 kit or the similar Firestone product. I am comfortable doing a few things but just wondering if it is worth the extra $150 to have somebody install it for me. The kit is like $90-$100 but the install appears it would have me pulling off shocks, coils and cutting the bump stop inside the coil. Has anyone with just basic auto knowledge installed one of these systems themselves ? Is it just as easy as removing parts and then putting them back the way the were after installing the bags? Any concerns about cutting off the bumpstop inside the coil?

Thanks

 

[Jeremy556]

It's super easy. No need to remove shocks, just unbolt bottom bolt and sway bar. Pull the springs out, and the bump stop is just a piece of rubber that sits on top of and in the spring. You just pull it out and cut it off with a hacksaw.

 

[AQH4Runner]

While it did seem like a fairly straight forward installation, I decided to have mine installed by a local 4x4 shop as I needed to get it done fairly quickly. They warrantied their work on the installation for as long as I've got them so it made sense. That and it only took them a little over an hour.

For what it's worth, I was concerned that cutting the bumpstops (which you have to do) and putting the bags in there was going to significantly change the ride of my LE when we weren't towing, which I didn't want to do. At first I thought maybe the ride was slightly firmer, but not harsh by any means. After having them a few months now I can honestly say that they were a very good investment. For us, inflating them to about 30 psi levels the truck perfectly with our horse trailer attached and loaded. I leave about 10 psi in there when I'm not towing and honestly I don't even notice them which is what I was hoping for.

 

[jsketoe]

where are you guys finding the airlift kit? I had one on another vehicle and it was awesome.

 

[barryhiram]

It's super easy. No need to remove shocks, just unbolt bottom bolt and sway bar. Pull the springs out, and the bump stop is just a piece of rubber that sits on top of and in the spring. You just pull it out and cut it off with a hacksaw.

X2, yeppers it's super easy! Took more time to install the Load Control option. My third vehicle with'em, must have for towing and keeping headlights properly aimed to prevent blinding oncoming vehicles :hiding:

Got mine from Amazon with free shipping :biggrin2:

 

[Shogun]

Thanks for the info Jeremy556 & AQH4Runner. I think I will probably just elect to have someone install it for me. Sounds pretty straight forward on the install but I think I will have someone else install it mainly because I went to jack up the vehicle and found that my Hyd. Jack died : (


jsketoe Just do a search on airlift 1000. there will be several come up. They are available in a bunch of places on the web. I know that Truck Parts & Jeep Parts - Lift Kits, Winches, Tonneau Covers, Tires, Wheels, Bumpers, Performance has them for $88.

Air Lift 1000 - Suspension Load Leveling Kit - Load Leveling Kits & Components - Towing - by 4 Wheel Parts

I called airlift because they didn't list a specific kit for the 2013 4Runner and they said that part # 60809 would work.

Hope this helps.

 

[Antman]

Here's a link to my airbag install:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92013-antmans-thread.html#post806239


Best $100 you will spend on your truck.

 

[reelamin]

It needs mentioned that air lift strongly suggests you get internal measurements for diameter and height as the vehicle sits before ordering your bags!!! Call them and they will tell you what kit you need for proper fitment and results!!

 

[Granth77]

My father in law and I installed mine. Prett straight forward install. If you have a friend that is somewhat mechanically inclined, you'll be fine.

 

[Friggin Idiot]

The only thing you need to remove are the rear wheels, everything else can remain in place. Sure it's easier to access the bump stops to cut them if you drop the rear axle, but if I can do it, anyone can.
The Idiot Thread - Air Lift Install, more info on air lines on page 2.

 

[jpachard]

Here's a link to my airbag install:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92013-antmans-thread.html#post806239


Best $100 you will spend on your truck.

This.

Keeps the truck plush when you have no load but firms it up nicely while towing or extra loads!


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[CaptE]

Lift when unloaded?

Would it raise the rear 1/2"-1" when unloaded? And if so would it make ride super harsh?

I put Bilsteins all around and set fronts at 2.5" on my TEP (rear fender was 2 3/4" higher from ground before), and now I have a very slight rear rake. Its unnoticeable as rear fender is still higher but I'd like to lift rear slightly to help with gas and make stance a little more agressive. I can try airbags since I'll probably tow eventually and want them anyway but curious if I should be looking for spacers or coils in the meantime... Thanks!

This.

Keeps the truck plush when you have no load but firms it up nicely while towing or extra loads!


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[jpachard]

Would it raise the rear 1/2"-1" when unloaded? And if so would it make ride super harsh?



I put Bilsteins all around and set fronts at 2.5" on my TEP (rear fender was 2 3/4" higher from ground before), and now I have a very slight rear rake. Its unnoticeable as rear fender is still higher but I'd like to lift rear slightly to help with gas and make stance a little more agressive. I can try airbags since I'll probably tow eventually and want them anyway but curious if I should be looking for spacers or coils in the meantime... Thanks!

No, you won't get any lift out of airbags. They will only help maintain current ride height when an increased load is added.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, James


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[Jhalko]

Would it raise the rear 1/2"-1" when unloaded? And if so would it make ride super harsh?

I put Bilsteins all around and set fronts at 2.5" on my TEP (rear fender was 2 3/4" higher from ground before), and now I have a very slight rear rake. Its unnoticeable as rear fender is still higher but I'd like to lift rear slightly to help with gas and make stance a little more agressive. I can try airbags since I'll probably tow eventually and want them anyway but curious if I should be looking for spacers or coils in the meantime... Thanks!

I think you want to check out these.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-4runner-suspension-options-lots-choices.html

 

[CaptE]

Awesome, thanks I'll call and talk with Mike. I like that they have the KDSS specific ones to combat the lean (although I thought all 4runners had lean, but it was just to different side with KDSS).

Do you have experience with these coils?

I think you want to check out these.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-4runner-suspension-options-lots-choices.html

 

[Jhalko]

Awesome, thanks I'll call and talk with Mike. I like that they have the KDSS specific ones to combat the lean (although I thought all 4runners had lean, but it was just to different side with KDSS).

Do you have experience with these coils?

I have no experience, several folks have ordered them, look for them in that thread and pm. Seems like a great option, especially for those looking for a low lift in back.

 

[Granth77]

Contrary to what some are saying, you will get lift when airing the bags up. When we first put air in mine, you could watch the rear end rise. I run 25-28 psi at all times (max is 35 psi). When the camper is hooked up, I go up to 30 psi. Without going out and looking, I'd say I gained about .75" of lift by leaving them like they are. I have my front Bilstiens set at 1.75" and the rear is stock except for the bags and I am dead level.

Regarding the ride, it does get more harsh if you leave air in them all the time (you need to leave at least 5 psi in them at all times so they don't distort). I don't mind the ride and have just gotten use to it. I'm very happy with them. Towing feels much more firm and the truck barely squats when loaded (I pull a large pop up camper with about a 350# tongue weight and just under 4K lbs when loaded.

Grant

 

[CaptE]

Interesting, thanks for the input. I think I'll give them a try before ordering new coils. I like this idea because my "KDSS lean" changes based on how much fuel is in my tank. I swear it leans left with a full tank and right with an empty tank (or vice versa?). Basically, I'm not confident running a taller rear coil on one side will completely fix my lean. It seems it would exacerbate it depending on how much fuel is in it.

Contrary to what some are saying, you will get lift when airing the bags up. When we first put air in mine, you could watch the rear end rise. I run 25-28 psi at all times (max is 35 psi). When the camper is hooked up, I go up to 30 psi. Without going out and looking, I'd say I gained about .75" of lift by leaving them like they are. I have my front Bilstiens set at 1.75" and the rear is stock except for the bags and I am dead level.

Regarding the ride, it does get more harsh if you leave air in them all the time (you need to leave at least 5 psi in them at all times so they don't distort). I don't mind the ride and have just gotten use to it. I'm very happy with them. Towing feels much more firm and the truck barely squats when loaded (I pull a large pop up camper with about a 350# tongue weight and just under 4K lbs when loaded.

Grant

 

[Granth77]

Interesting, thanks for the input. I think I'll give them a try before ordering new coils. I like this idea because my "KDSS lean" changes based on how much fuel is in my tank. I swear it leans left with a full tank and right with an empty tank (or vice versa?). Basically, I'm not confident running a taller rear coil on one side will completely fix my lean. It seems it would exacerbate it depending on how much fuel is in it.

My non-KDSS Trail leans to the driver's side when it has a full tank of fuel. Seems like a common issue. It starts to level out as the fuel tank runs down.

 

[Az Camper]

where are you guys finding the airlift kit? I had one on another vehicle and it was awesome.

I have a camper and my car dropped about 2 inches when loaded on tongue. Would an air bag work for something like this??