2012 Tacoma Suspension Air Bag Installation

I just purchased a set of Firestone Ride Rite air bags for my 2012 Tacoma. The install instructions direct you to cut the rubber jounce bumper off level with the spring attachment U-bolts. Taking a sawsall to my new truck, even though it is just a rubber jounce bumper, makes me cringe.

Am I risking an alignment problem or other issues if I loosen the U-bolts and remove the rubber bumper jounce rather than cutting it off?

 

Don't know if this is the case with Tacomas, but some truck's rear axle U-bolts are "torque to yield" and are meant to be tightened once and only once; re-use is at risk of trouble.

 

Just cut it. No reason to make something small a big deal. You bought something that requires modification to your truck and is obviously designed to work correctly when the modifications are done. Worst case if you decide to put it back to stock you can pick up those parts at the dealer or online somewhere.

 

I put AIRLIFT air bags on my Tacoma and didn't have to cut anything. Just installed them in front of the rear axel and frame. They work great. Don

 

Just cut it, if you ever decide to pull the air bags out, which you won't, bump stops can be easily replaced. I know what you mean though. You are gonna love them air bags.

 

hey helibear did the bags go on with no trouble??
no one at firestone will say whether they will fit a 2012 4x4

 

They went on fine .... I cust the rubber off and cringed a bit doing so, but everything fit perfectly and went on fine. I had access to some stainless steel bolts and nuts to replace the provided steel hardware, but I only did this because it cost me nothing.