Suspension replacement/upgrade for towing

[melikou1]

I know there's a ton of information regarding set-ups for lifts, off-roading etc. but I didn't see anything that addressed what I am asking about. Of course, I didn't try every keyword possible.

I have a 2007 Sport V8 with 130k miles. 7k tow capacity with WDH. X-REAS system that has now leaked. So the ride is getting rough.

I previously towed a little rPod camping trailer that was only 16.5' long and a dry weight of only 1972 lbs. Even though it was really light, I still used an E2 WDH with capacity of 450/4500, which helped with sway if I was running interstates and carrying fresh water, as the tank was behind the axle. And as I'm sure you know if you tow a decent sized trailer, the wheelbase on the 4Runner isn't as good as a pickup.

Just upgraded to a Wildwood FSX 179DBK, about 22' long, dry wt of 3800, GVWR of around 4800. So plenty of truck for the trailer. I have already upgraded my WDH to a 600/6000 series E2.

I am not planning on replacing with X-REAS. Not really looking to lift, but if I can add a bit using the shock, will consider that if advantageous, especially if leveling out the front would help tow better.

The Bilstein 5100 series seems to be highly recommended, but is there a better set-up I should be looking at since I will be towing? I am also considering putting on Timbren (or similar) Bump Stops as the tongue weight of this trailer is significantly more than my previous trailer.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Taking a fishing trip with the trailer into the mountains of Western Maryland in about a month, and I'd like to have this done by then.

Thank you!

 

[OSSGuy]

I installed rear airbags when I replaced my springs and shocks a few months ago. I lifted and leveled it (2" front/1" rear), and didn't want it to sag too much when towing or loaded up. I've got the Firestone airbags, but they're pretty much identical to the AirLift bags JA installed (only difference I can tell is that they're blue, not red): 2007 Toyota 4Runner Air Lift

The install was pretty easy, especially since I was replacing the springs at the same time, but the rear springs are pretty easy to get out so it's not a big deal either way. Total cost was around $100, so if you aren't looking for a lift it's probably a better option than new springs. Probably still worth getting those 5100's, since your OEM shocks are leaking...

One thing to keep in mind is that the airbags need a minimum of 5psi, so they'll always slightly stiffen your rear springs. But if you combine them with 17-year-old OEM springs that have 130k miles on them, they're probably going to feel more like the stock suspension did when it was new.

 

[ArthurKotb]

I have a 2004 SE V8, 4WD, XREAS. I pull a 23' Airstream, 6500 lbs. loaded. I have been to Florida, Texas Oregon, Minnesota and just outside of DC. I have never had a problem with towing. I don't use airbags, which do not increase your towing capacity.

If you have your WDH set up properly you don't need anything else. My hitch is an Equalizer and my rig is level when the Airstream is hooked up and loaded. I followed the Airstream forum for several years and the biggest mistakes people make are not having the WDH dialed in correctly and speeding.

If you are using a WDH and your rig is not level I think you should contact the manufacturer to find out what is wrong. A well set up WDH moves weight from the rear axle to the front axle and back onto the trailer. Properly done, it's all level and stable.

 

[melikou1]

I have a 2004 SE V8, 4WD, XREAS. I pull a 23' Airstream, 6500 lbs. loaded. I have been to Florida, Texas Oregon, Minnesota and just outside of DC. I have never had a problem with towing. I don't use airbags, which do not increase your towing capacity.

If you have your WDH set up properly you don't need anything else. My hitch is an Equalizer and my rig is level when the Airstream is hooked up and loaded. I followed the Airstream forum for several years and the biggest mistakes people make are not having the WDH dialed in correctly and speeding.

If you are using a WDH and your rig is not level I think you should contact the manufacturer to find out what is wrong. A well set up WDH moves weight from the rear axle to the front axle and back onto the trailer. Properly done, it's all level and stable.

Not quite sure who you were answering, me or OSSguy. But I'm not having any problem towing.

I do have a proper WDH and do know how to set it up and adjust it as needed. I guess I'm really asking about replacing my leaking XREAS system with Bilsteins. From doing more searches, it sounds like I can level out the front end (when not towing) by dialing a little lift into the 5100. From what I have read, since I'm planning on keeping the rear at stock height, I can use the 4600 series on the rear.

I'm replacing the XREAS system not because I don't like it. It worked great, until it leaked. But I'm not going to spend $2-3k to fix it.

And I probably would wait to see if the Timbren Bumpstops are necessary. I haven't towed my new trailer more than a 25 miles as of yet, so I really plan on just making the shock change now and see if I'm satisfied with the performance.

 

[OSSGuy]

I have a 2004 SE V8, 4WD, XREAS. I pull a 23' Airstream, 6500 lbs. loaded. I have been to Florida, Texas Oregon, Minnesota and just outside of DC. I have never had a problem with towing. I don't use airbags, which do not increase your towing capacity.

If you have your WDH set up properly you don't need anything else. My hitch is an Equalizer and my rig is level when the Airstream is hooked up and loaded. I followed the Airstream forum for several years and the biggest mistakes people make are not having the WDH dialed in correctly and speeding.

If you are using a WDH and your rig is not level I think you should contact the manufacturer to find out what is wrong. A well set up WDH moves weight from the rear axle to the front axle and back onto the trailer. Properly done, it's all level and stable.

Good info, thanks. The main thing I tow is a 1200lbs popup camper so I haven't needed a WDH yet. Airbags seem to fit my situation pretty well, my rig is level without any load so it really doesn't take much to get the rear end to sag, and the bags make it easy to correct that.

And I guess I misread melikou1's post, the question is about front suspension, not rear. I'll see myself out...

 

[ArthurKotb]

Not quite sure who you were answering, me or OSSguy. But I'm not having any problem towing.

Sorry, I misunderstood your post. I too am happy with the XREAS and hope they last the life of the car. I've never even considered airbags to level the car since the WDH does that for me and when I'm not towing the T4R is level. I have had great towing performance with my '04. I hope you find a good solution for the replacement.

 

[ArthurKotb]

Good info, thanks. The main thing I tow is a 1200lbs popup camper so I haven't needed a WDH yet.

Sorry, I misunderstood the OP's post. I didn't mean to shift the direction of this thread to towing.

I also tow a 17' bass boat, weight is about 2300 lbs. I don't recall the tongue weight, maybe about 200 lbs. The Airstream tongue is 730 lbs. which the WDH will shift to the front axle and trailer. The XREAS do a good job of leveling when I tow the boat so I just use a regular hitch for that. If they every go bad, if I still have the Airstream, I'll probably have them repaired/replaced. If not, well, I'll have to give it a think. Maybe by then I can move up to the turbo V6 Sequoia.

 

[melikou1]

Sorry, I misunderstood the OP's post. I didn't mean to shift the direction of this thread to towing.

I also tow a 17' bass boat, weight is about 2300 lbs. I don't recall the tongue weight, maybe about 200 lbs. The Airstream tongue is 730 lbs. which the WDH will shift to the front axle and trailer. The XREAS do a good job of leveling when I tow the boat so I just use a regular hitch for that. If they every go bad, if I still have the Airstream, I'll probably have them repaired/replaced. If not, well, I'll have to give it a think. Maybe by then I can move up to the turbo V6 Sequoia.

Yep, the new Sequoia looks really nice. But way out of what I would want to pay.

When my son-in-law was looking for a boat and didn't have a vehicle to pull it with yet, I towed around a couple boats we looked at...one that the boat and trailer were probably right about 5000 lbs, and the 4Runner handled it flawlessly. And it has been great towing my little rPod. And it did great pulling the new trailer home. Would be nice to have a little longer wheelbase though...

After all the reading research, I decided to just replace with shocks that maintain the factory height...Bilstein 4600 all around. I'll be towing more than running off-road, so that is more important to me, like you. And there are a lot of people on this forum that say they feel replacing the XREAS with the Bilstein 4600 or 5100 series was an improvement over the XREAS. Well, if your XREAS has leaked out, of course it is. Anyway, I think it will be a good solution.

 

[ArthurKotb]

Yep, the new Sequoia looks really nice. But way out of what I would want to pay.

I'm retired from Toyota and I can't get a discount on them. Even so, I agree that it's more than I would want to pay. I think when this T4R wears out I'll just sell the Airstream, maybe buy a used Tundra. Decisions, decisions...

Would be nice to have a little longer wheelbase though...

I had the '89 pickup with 3L V6. That had a nice wheelbase and I towed my bass boat with both vehicles. I noticed no difference in handling, which I was expecting. The Airstream is twin axle so it doesn't sway at all. For me, having a shorter wheelbase makes it much easier to turn around or back up than the small pickup. 89 pickup - 112.2", 04 T4R - 109.8"

Here's an interesting video on trailer sway from U-Haul
Towing a trailer can be dangerous with the wrong weight distribution - YouTube

After you make the conversion to Bilstein be sure to come back and post your results; I'm curious

 

[MikeinNH67]

Lots of options for suspension including budget friendly takeoffs from a new 4Runner that someone lifted.

As for Timbrens, I had them on a plow truck and did not like them as they were too bouncy. I have had Airlift airbags on a van I towed a camper with and I loved the adjustability. Close to max PSI for loaded van with camper, maybe 20 PSI with a loaded van and 4 bikes on the tow hitch, 10 to 15 pounds with 6 adults etc. They were worth every penny.

 

[AndroT100]

I have and 03 SE V8 4x4. I replaced my XREAS with a Dobinsons IMS set-up with just about 1.5" of lift all around. It is a great suspension. You can do the same and I believe you could keep close to stock height as mine is, and you can select a set of rear springs that can handle more weight than stock. For mine, I pretty much stayed at stock tolerances. I purchased via Exit Offroad

Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" IMS Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009