Does anyone know a good way to put support in the rear end so it won't sag as much when towing or hauling heavy loads? I was looking at air suspension systems as they are pretty inexpensive at least for the coil support itself,but do I have to buy an air controller for this as well or is it possible to use it as a standalone system?

I could put heavier duty coils on, but I just put on new 99's. Someone has to have a better alternative....??

Thanks guys/gals.

 

Swap to leaves....there's a reason pickup trucks have leaf springs instead of coils, the real pickups at least.

 

It isn't a truck without rear leaves (for hauling at least, it's different for off-road).

 

Forget the leaf spring nonsense.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/air-lift-rear-bags-w-cab-controller-installed-69411/

But yes, you can do airbags without a controller.

 

Yeah I know leaves are superior for hauling but thats too much effort that I don't want to deal with. I don't really tow that often, its more of hauling camping equipment, firewood, etc.

Gapguy:
Do the airbags come with a separate valve or something so that you can hook up a compressor too? I just hate to spend the extra money on a controller when I could just air them up to one level and forget it.

 

Oly has some on his Tacoma. As far as I know, there are Schreader valves that you can fill them with. Check with the supplier.

 

I towed a 4,000# trailer some 20K miles over 5 years with my '98 Ltd 'Runner, and was very satisfied with the Air Lift bags I installed. Some comments:

-You can hook them up to be inflated by an external compressor (that's what I did). Air is put in thru a tire valve (Schrader valve). I mounted my Schrader valve in a pre-drilled hole at the bottom of the LR quarter panel, just behind the LR wheel.

-You'll need to remove the bump stops inside the rear coils to make the bags fit. This'll work fine if you keep 5psi minimum pressure in the bags at all times, as Air Lift recommends.

-When installing them, raise the back of your truck and support the frame on jackstands. Let the rear axle hang down to full droop. Fold up the bags and squeeze them inside the springs by stuffing them in between the spring coils. Route the air tubing through the frame and crossmember to keep it out of harm's way.

I felt the Air Lift bags were an excellent solution for leveling the truck when I towed. I never had a moment's trouble in the 5 years I had them.

 

As far as I can tell, installatin is pretty straight forward.

I was debating on the one's performance products had to offer but not too confident in the Firestone brand. What is the Air Lift brand running in terms of price, the PP's Firestone seemed too inexpensive.

 

I paid just under $100 back in '98, but I've seen them cheaper. I got mine at the factory (3 miles from my home), and paid full list because I was in a hurry. Try JC Whitney.

 

a swap probably would be nonsense....I still love leaf springs.

 

The factory? Like a stealership?

 

The factory. Like, where they're made. The parts counter thereat. Air Lift is located in a small industrial park, 2-3 miles from my home.

Go to Air Lift's web site for more info.

 

gotcha...thanks...i'll keep ya'll posted and post pics of the install

 

How about good old airshocks..................to air up when towing or hauling.

 

There's a reason why they don't put leaf springs on SUVs nowadays.

I'd go the airbag route in your case too. There are a bunch of members on here running those (Bamachem included and possibly myself soon as well). The system is very simple and you can either hook them up to an on board compressor for in-cab control on the fly or manually fill them as needed (via a standard schraeder valve....just like a bike/auto tire). The install isn't too bad and I have seen them for sale anywhere from $50-100 for a set. There are a few different makers (Firestone's are blue.....they were also the ones available from the TRD, some are red or orange).

Here's a set for sale online (TRD version):
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...con/4135T.html

.....you can see the onboard compressor/controller in the "related" section just below it.

 

khaug you mention squeezing the bag through a coil. Do the bags actually compress enough so that you can do that or do you have to physically remove the spring and go at it from the top? I would assume from the top but please prove me wrong as your way seems much easier!!!!

 

T
hat is exactly what I would recommend as well.
You can get Gabriel Hijackers.
It is cheaper and it will come with lifetime warranty from Autozone.
I am also at the point of changing shocks and I am seriously considering going this route.

 

I'd be interested to hear what you end up doing also since I may be going this route. FYI, I have the same setup as you with new 99 coils.


I have a pellet stove and need to pickup 1000lbs of pellets every month during the winter. I also have a small popup camper that I'll be towing during the summer.

 

I think I"m going to go with the airlift 1000....i think install should be pretty straight forward since i'm not going to put an "in-cab" guage or anything. They're not too expensive...only prob is finding a few hours to take apart the rear end and get it done....

 

On stock springs, even with airbags, there's no way you're safely getting 1000 lbs of pellets in the back of a 4runner without riding on the bumpstops all the way home. My OME 890s have about 1.25-1.5" of height over the fronts and it rides completely level with about 750lbs in back.....and you can definately tell there is weight back there when driving.