I've searched, but maybe you folks can make the solution more concise.

What I'm trying to do, in order of priority:

#1 Be able to have 500lbs in the back without too much sag
#2 Get better handling when empty, it feels very loose and bouncy now in the back
#3 Get a small lift out of the process
#4 Offroading is not a priority

 

Performance Products coils for 1" of lift.
Old Man Emu HD coils (881/891) for 2.5" of lift

Your call.

 

What are the average prices for either one retail and used market?

Also I assume with the +2.5" coils stock shocks will go kaput pretty quick?

 

Air bags inside the coils and good shocks like Bilstein. Pump them up when you need them, let them down when you don't. Doesn't change ride height when deflated, adds about 1.5 inches when fully inflated and unloaded.

Mine will take 35psi max which adds 700lbs or so of carry capacity. I usually run 10 psi when unloaded as I like the firmer ride.

 

And no need to take apart the strut and everything else?
That would be ideal!

Are there any good FAQs on bags?

I just got done driving about 1450lb of tile evenly distributed in the back with seats down and the stock springs left only about 3" between the tire and the fender

 

Air bags actually go inside the coils. Basically, you disconnect the rear antisway, jack up the truck with two jacks, one under each spring seat, then lower one jack. The lowered side spring just pops out and you install the airbag. Depending on model year, the axle bump stop has to be cut per the instructions which came with the airbags. It's not a difficult job, took about 1.5 hours (I work slow) to get the airbags in, and another hour to route the hoses. Just behind the rear mudflaps are holes in the bumper, a most convenient place for the air valves.

Mine are TRD (Firestone) air helper springs from RomaniaToyotaParts.com

 

The airbags will only help the rear of the vehicle, it does nothing for the front.
New springs are a more longterm solution but for price you can't beat the airbags.

 

I debated going to different springs as well. What I really wanted was a stiffer spring with unchanged ride height. Couldn't find any, so I took the airbag and HD Bilstein shock route. Been working for 2 years, and I like them.

 

inline

 

Ordered them. thats a good price

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/trd.htm

Should I get a pair of "Bilstein Yellow Rear Shocks, TRD Tundra: 71.90/pr" too while I'm in the wheel well? 84k miles on originals I think.

Toyota parts are almost free in comparison to German

 

84K on original shocks???? No wonder it bounces back there. Toyota shocks were crap when new. Mine would never settle in a turn until I put on Bilsteins.

My Yellows came from a local Autozone for $65 each or so. ICBW, but my understanding is that TRD Bilsteins are softer valved than normal HD Bilsteins. I went with the normal HDs. Can also get them from Shox.com.

Fronts install easily. Rears are a pita. There is a write up here somewhere.

 

Ohh man. I ordered some 265/75/16 Revos too while I have the card out :cry:

Btw, how often do 4Runners need an alignment?

 

Anytime it steers strangely or you see tires cupping. They are pretty good about holding an alignment, takes a significant whack to knock them out.

 

YES! I got them in without dropping the car on myself

Unhappy, in your professional opinion how long would these things last? Given they are made by Firestone in a TRD box So far by the feel of them they are exactly what I wanted.

The manual recommends 5-35psi. Think 35 has a built in safety buffer? I tried 20psi and the walls don't seem that thick.

 

Well, I decided to order a pair as well until I can upgrade to OMEs.
I am not sure if they will fit my 1996 or not but at $50 I can afford to try.
The price on them is just amazing.

Thanks for the install pics too!

 

I got a 7/8" lift by the way at only 10psi, which feels just right when empty.