I got an Airlift 1000 kit with a Load Controller II from ravencr and finally got everything installed.

I went this route cause I really like the rate on my downey springs when unloaded, but they are a tad soft with alot of weight. This way, I have control over how stiff the rear ride is at any time.

I'm adding a custom rear bumper and aux tank in the next couple months, so this was the first step in that progression.

First, I mounted the Load Controller II in the cab in the Ashtray slot. I pulled out the center console, removed the ashtray hardware, reused the screws and clips, and mounted the contorller in the slot. very easy.

Next, I mounted the compressor up next to the brake master cylinder up by the firewall. this should protect it during water crossings. if it get's soaked, then i've much more important things to worry about than a $40 compressor.

Yesterday, i finally got the bags in the springs and everything plumbed up. i pulled the downeys and trimmed the lower two pucks off the conical bumpstops, sprayed some WD40 on the bag, slid it down into the spring, and then reinstalled the spring w/ bag and the trimmed conical bumpstop over it. it works GREAT. at 0 psi, i'm sitting perfectly level. at 8 psi, it has a slight rake, but barely noticeable. at 30 psi, it has about a 1/2" rake, as you can see. they can handle up to 100 psi for extra heavy loads.

these things work great and feel great so far. unloaded, i just unplug the lead to the fuse box and leave the system turned completely off. when i add the rear bumper, i'll just leave it hooked up all the time. it has a pressure switch that's adjustable that will maintain a minimum pressure in the bags by turning on the compressor automatically when needed. on the control panel, it has a toggle switch to activate the compressor to increase the pressure as desired. it also has a bleed valve with push button to drain off the pressure when you want to air down.

overall, it's a very slick setup. i'm looking forward to my next trip in the runner to try it out!
PIC 1: 8 PSI.................PIC 2: 30 PSI.............PIC 3: Controller.........PIC 4: PShop Comparison

 

Nice deal, I just saw a thread on Mud where Spressomon was looking to do the same on his 100 series.

Gonna post a linky over there for him to see.

Repost after you've put it to the test.

Doug

 

will-do.

 

i love your 4runner

 

Looks complicated... Don't pop anything!

 

Nice man, so how do you let air out? Is that the other button on the panel? Looks really nice.

Hey Dexter totaly off subject but I see you're into Mtn Bikes, any chance some of those shots are from Mt. ? I ride too, and I seem to recognize alot of those places espescialy the Mountain/ski area shot.

 

Flat out nice.

 

I have been running the Airlift 1000 kit in mine for over a year or so and it works great I don't have the load control setup but I just manually fill up and air down as needed (small air compressor) I used it several times to take my bike with me on vacation or to just take in in to service. Its about 500lbs give or take of extra wieght on the hitch when I use the Moto-Tote. You will notice teh truck still sits level, which is why I got this setup.
Here are a few pics with the bike loaded and aired up to about 30lbs,
hope this works....

 

AWESOME!

yeah, that little silver button the bottom right is the air pressure release valve.

it's a nice setup, and it's only about $220 or so new. you can get the bags w/ manual setup for about $80 and sometimes less online.

 

And you stole it from me! J/K, I'm glad you like it Andy!

Chris

 

Hey Andy -

Does the auto-level feature 'work' even when the ignition is off? I guess my concern is if a small leak developed and the system had to constantly kick on to maintain a set pressure while the vehicle was sitting in the garage for a week or something. I guess that all depends on how the installer hooks things up.

That is a pretty cool set up!

 

Unless he added the new auto leveler setup, I don't think he has it with the system he bought from me. The standard Airlift Outback 1000 kit doesn't come with it. It does come with a auto pressure regulator, though, if that's what you're referring to.

Chris

 

auto pressure switch = yes - it keeps the bags aired up to a constant pressure if you have any small leaks.

auto leveler = no, but can be added and will add or release air based on a preset ride height.

once you turn the ignition switch off, the system is dead.

i aired it up and played w/ it some when i first installed it. since then i just let the compressor air it up one time and then i bumped the switch for another 1 psi to about 7 or so. the compressor hasn't come on again since then to refill the bags - meaning that i don't have any leaks worth mentioning - and yes, i've checked to make sure it's still working...

 

holy shiznit thats an a$$ load of tong weight!!!! (and guys are worried about tire carriers hanging off the back of the truck)