Those of you with air bags...

[Granth77]

I have a set of air lifts that I'm ready to install. However, I was curious that since these have to run a minimum of 10 psi all the time, does that increase the rear ride height when empty?

The truck has the normal rear high rake to it now, which is fine. However, if it gets any higher, I'm going to bite the bullet and install some 5100's up front to level it out.

Thanks,
Grant

 

[Jetboy]

Yes. If you leave them at 10psi it will increase your empty ride height - and you will notice an increased spring rate as well.

I had them in my last 4runner and usually left them at around 5psi, and that gave maybe 1 inch of lift on a 3rd gen, but the 3rd gen tended to sag a bit, so it was a welcome improvement.

 

[Muddy Duck]

I went with a different install and made it so I can hook up straight to my compressor with a built-in pressure valve and gauge. At 10 psi there is little to no lift, just firmness in the rear suspension. Mine starts to lift (if unloaded) past 10 psi. You'll be glad you put in airbags if you carry much weight. I just spent two weeks on the road with a few hundred pounds of gear inside my 4Runner and a 3800lb boat in tow. My mpg dropped to 10-12, but at least my ass wasn't dragging. The airbags make the vehicle much more stable when loaded and help it retain a comfortable rake.

 

[Granth77]

Thanks for the responses. I tow a pretty heavy pop up camper (~3800 lbs loaded) so I'm looking forward to getting rid of the sag, which is significant. But, 99% of the time, the truck is empty, so I thought I would compensate with some 5100's to make it all nice and level. Sounds like that's what I need to do.

Thanks again

 

[Antman]

Thanks for the responses. I tow a pretty heavy pop up camper (~3800 lbs loaded) so I'm looking forward to getting rid of the sag, which is significant. But, 99% of the time, the truck is empty, so I thought I would compensate with some 5100's to make it all nice and level. Sounds like that's what I need to do.

Thanks again

FWIW:
One of my lines had rubbed very slightly on the spring perch causing a hole and subsequent leak. I noticed the leak when it was friggin' cold out this past winter. I didn't get around to fixing it until the spring and figured I would need new bags because I drove around for months with zero air in them...

Patched the line and they still work perfectly and hold air 100%. Very durable!

 

[Granth77]

^^ good to know!

 

[badhabits]

Another thing with the air bags is if you cover the tubing with split wire loom this will cut down on the possibility of wearing a hole in them.
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Connecti...UTF8&qid=1439923865&sr=8-9&keywords=wire+loom
This or something similar.
:thumb3:

 

[Zeder]

FYI - I have had two Firestone's split where the bottom spring perch contacts the bag. (different sides at different times). I ended up cutting the top 2" off the damaged bags. Then I cut the centre tube coupler out, then rolled them inside out. Basically made an airbag perch for the replacements (which Firestone sent me no questions asked, just a photo) to sit inside. I RTV'ed the inverted airbag cradles onto the spring perches and no more issues!!! I drive in -30 deg and colder temps and I think the bags can't handle these low temps because they looked like they cracked under that type of cold situation.

 

[Moroney167]

Sorry to dig up old topic but I'm on fence of going with bags. Running SAW 1.5" coils now and very happy with normal daily use for ride stiffness and all. Standard empty truck and someone's a few people or bicycles on hitch isn't a thing. Maybe 5x a year I'll be towing an actual heavy load or fully loaded truck.

Would it be worth it still? I worry keeping bags at 5 psi minimum as they need to be will increase rear stiffness. Which I really don't want. Also don't want any higher while empty.

Thanks for input

 

[meltdown]

I don't notice any added stiffness at 5 psi or any extra height. Very glad I have them when towing a heavy trailer.

 

[delloro]

I picked up 0.5" with 10 psi in coil-rite airbags in my 5th gen. I cannot tell if the ride changed.

Sorry to dig up old topic but I'm on fence of going with bags. Running SAW 1.5" coils now and very happy with normal daily use for ride stiffness and all. Standard empty truck and someone's a few people or bicycles on hitch isn't a thing. Maybe 5x a year I'll be towing an actual heavy load or fully loaded truck.

Would it be worth it still? I worry keeping bags at 5 psi minimum as they need to be will increase rear stiffness. Which I really don't want. Also don't want any higher while empty.

Thanks for input

 

[Titanpat57]

Sorry to dig up old topic but I'm on fence of going with bags. Running SAW 1.5" coils now and very happy with normal daily use for ride stiffness and all. Standard empty truck and someone's a few people or bicycles on hitch isn't a thing. Maybe 5x a year I'll be towing an actual heavy load or fully loaded truck.

Would it be worth it still? I worry keeping bags at 5 psi minimum as they need to be will increase rear stiffness. Which I really don't want. Also don't want any higher while empty.

Thanks for input

I doubt at 5 your going to notice any difference what soever

 

[Raven]

No discernible difference in ride height or stiffness with 5-10 lbs. in mine.
Sure do appreciate them when towing the camper.

 

[96r50]

No discernible difference in ride height or stiffness with 5-10 lbs. in mine.

Sure do appreciate them when towing the camper.

Same here. Mine are between 5-10psi most of the time and I haven't noticed any negative effects on the ride.

 

[Keith_PDX]

My personal opinion is people worry too much about the minimum pressure. For a point of reference...when you lift the rear hatch of my 4Runner you'll see a small leftover fuse holder box with two schrader caps and valve cores in it in the storage tray area next to the jack cubby. If you look directly down next to where the hatch latch is on the bumper skin you'll see the fill locations for the air bags with the aforementioned items missing.

I have done this in a couple vehicles with coil spring type airbags. No matter what air you have in them unloaded they can be harsh on big hits and they do change the spring rate. I leave the valve cores and caps off so they can naturally flex and move without trapped air pressure. Never been a problem.

 

[Moroney167]

My personal opinion is people worry too much about the minimum pressure. For a point of reference...when you lift the rear hatch of my 4Runner you'll see a small leftover fuse holder box with two schrader caps and valve cores in it in the storage tray area next to the jack cubby. If you look directly down next to where the hatch latch is on the bumper skin you'll see the fill locations for the air bags with the aforementioned items missing.

I have done this in a couple vehicles with coil spring type airbags. No matter what air you have in them unloaded they can be harsh on big hits and they do change the spring rate. I leave the valve cores and caps off so they can naturally flex and move without trapped air pressure. Never been a problem.

Not worst idea I ever read but I could see downsides to it in long run.

Otherwise appreciate everyone input. I do enjoy wheeling a lot and any extra height or stiffness would probably drive me nuts. I know timbrens are not very popular with most people but I used for years in front of my plow truck with luck. I am aware they ride like dog shit when heavy loaded but. I ordered a set for runner. I like that I can just bolt them in very quick for when I tow which is very rare. And then unbolt after a trip so I'm back to as I was right after. Not worried about a couple bolts.

Appreciate all the answers so quick on an old topic!