Opinions on Air Bags and Off-Road Use

DocWard · 09-23-2008, 01:33 PM

I have a 2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 CrewMax 4x4 waiting for me when I get home from deployment. I intend to make a multi-purpose vehicle out of it, fulfilling a number of needs. Among them will include the possible need for towing a horse trailer. I still want to be able to use it for some light to moderate off-road fun, such as going back on old strip mine roads and the like down in KY. They usually have some wash-offs, some ruts and puddles. Things can get interesting on occasion, but nothing I haven't seen other full size 4x4s go through. I am considering / planning on a 3" lift along the lines of the Truxxxx or Low Range Off-Road kits.

Would the addition of air bags, such as the Firestone Ride Rites, be a bad idea, good idea, or would they have no real impact on my truck's off-road capabilities? Would "Super Springs" be a better option?

I'm all for opinions, recommendations, and discussion, but please no suggestions about buying a separate dedicated off-road vehicle or selling the Tundra for something else. Thanks in advance.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

littlecommando · 09-23-2008, 01:37 PM

That is a good question, i have been thinking about air bags too

mjwalfredo · 09-23-2008, 02:00 PM

I don't think they really make a difference. I don't do any real wheeling myself either but when I do go offroad, I air my bags down to 5 psi. They say not to air them down all the way because they could get pinched and create a leak. But even at 5psi, they don't seem to really have any effect whatsoever on the suspension.

DocWard · 09-24-2008, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjwalfredo

I don't think they really make a difference. I don't do any real wheeling myself either but when I do go offroad, I air my bags down to 5 psi. They say not to air them down all the way because they could get pinched and create a leak. But even at 5psi, they don't seem to really have any effect whatsoever on the suspension.

Thanks for the input. In those instances when you do go off-road, what kind of off situations do you typically find yourself in?

DIHOWARD · 09-24-2008, 04:45 PM

I have been waiting 2 months for Summit to ship my FIRESTONE coil-rite airbags. they are on indefinate back order. They have some by AIR-RITE bags that will fit.
anyone have these? should I just wait for the Firestones

09-23-2008, 02:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
mjwalfredo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Blythewood, SC Posts: 621	I don't think they really make a difference. I don't do any real wheeling myself either but when I do go offroad, I air my bags down to 5 psi. They say not to air them down all the way because they could get pinched and create a leak. But even at 5psi, they don't seem to really have any effect whatsoever on the suspension. __________________ -Marcus 1997 4Runner Limited 4x4, E-Locker, Bilstein HDs, Air Springs, Deckplate Mod, 265/75/16R Bridgestone Deuler A/T Revo

09-24-2008, 04:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
DIHOWARD Contributing Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: WAUCONDA, IL Posts: 293	who makes your air bags? I have been waiting 2 months for Summit to ship my FIRESTONE coil-rite airbags. they are on indefinate back order. They have some by AIR-RITE bags that will fit. anyone have these? should I just wait for the Firestones __________________ 2003 4RUNNER LTD V6 FUSION LIFT/COOPER ATR/CAI/MAGNAFLOW/IPF LIGHTS

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Air Lift Ride Control Air Bags-95-04 Tacoma	Tacotex	The Classifieds GraveYard	3	02-22-2008 08:39 AM
rear air bags??	lexustech	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	9	10-30-2007 05:45 PM
first 4runner air bags	bktaco	86-95 Trucks & 4Runners	4	04-29-2007 08:46 PM
air bags	runnerboy97	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	1	06-09-2003 09:28 PM
bed on air bags	Javin028	Off Topic Talk	2	06-02-2003 09:34 PM