Airbag advice!!

Ok, so I have searched and found some decent info on Airbags deep within the TW forumland but am still lacking some info I am looking for.

I have a 2011 Tacoma dclb 4x4 trd without the tsb done on the rear. Everything is stock but I do have adj Bills(1.75") on the front. I am content with my current height and rake so I am not looking for anymore lift. I'm looking at buying a camper that weigh's approx 3k lbs. I know I am going to need to do something because after loading a Honda Rancher 350 in the back of my truck it looked like I was hauling a deuce and a half the way my truck was sitting. I am doing some research into the Airbag thing and that seems like the route I should go.

1st- Should I try an AAL(or diff leaf pack altogether) first or just go straight to the airbags?

2nd- Any preferences on Airbags? Air Lift or Firestone seem to be the most popular (By popular I mean what I could find the most about on the forum)

3rd- If the "Load Capacity" on an airbag is 2,130 lbs, would that be good enough for my situation (3,000 lb camper which has tongue weight of 350)? Sorry for the amateur question but I am not familiar at all with the bags.

4th- Anything else you recommend doing to the truck beforehand?

 

Check this tread for answers to all those questions. If you can't find it, PM the OP, he seems like a helpful sort. Best of luck.

Frank

 

I used air lift on my old ranger. They were well made. Easy to install. Running them at min PSI stiffened the ride substantially with an empty bed. But they were fantastic w a load.

 

I've had them on a 2wd and 4wd Tacoma and love them.

I have a dumper trailer that is 2000 lbs and sometimes load it so it is at about 5200 lbs.

I have the firestone ride rite bags. On the 2wd it a super easy install. On the 4wd takes a lot more work but no drilling.

There is also a pump with remote for filling the bags. I got one but have not installed yet.

 

Thanks for the input! It would be nice to go ahead and get the pump etc.

 

i think your rancher weighs more than the tongue weight of that trailer. throw in an aal and i think you would be good. of course my only experience in towing is with the old boat which may have 100#s on the tonque.

 

I got the firestone ride right in my 4x4 and it was pretty straight forward. There's directions so you can't go wrong. And there's no difference in putting them Øn a 4x4 or two wheel drive. I don't have a pump on board but I use a battery jump box with compressor. I use them for towing and they make the ride more comfortable that's for sure.

 

i have a 2" Toytec AAL.. it sucks, sure it lifts the truck 2" but dosent do jack past that (other then stiffen up the rear, which i like) but towing ? Put like 10 12x12 bricks in the back and slammed the rear...



needless to say, Added Airbags as a result, havent run them much but pleased do far. No i didnt not remove the AAL, but i did get the "spacer" blocks for the bags.


went with AirLift Ride control bags.

 

Obviously you have not installed on both? I am talking about the Firestone ride-rite bags.

I installed on a 2006 2wd taco. One bolt to remove bump stop. Put air bag stud in same hole and put on bolt. Then down on the spring install two U-bolts. Then plug in air line and you are done. This can easily be done in under an hour.

On my 2012 4x4 taco it was a way bigger pain in the ass. You need to have midget/child hands to get some the 20 odd bolts in. Plus you have to remove the spare tire and use jack stands on the frame while having a jack under the pumpkin. And to boot they suggest you use a hacksaw to cut out the bump stop, Right that works well. I guess if you are 4'9" the 4x4 would not be too bad.

 

I believe Utard is referring to the 5 lug 2wd's.

I have them (Firestone Ride Rite) on my truck and love them. I tow my 16 ft flatbed with my 85 4runner loaded up and at 50 psi they keep the truck level and firm up the suspension.

before bags:



after:

 

If your happy with the trucks ride and handling when empty, install airbags. It will maintain your daily ride and help as needed when hauling.

Now for which set up to go with, I would stay away from the Airlift bags simply because they are a single bladder bag.
The Firestone bags are a dual bladder bag which will perform and last much longer, and they tend to give a better ride.

As for the weight capacity, they will support way more weight then you could possibly ever load on your Tacoma.

Good luck

 

Haha ok I guess I didn't think undoing 4 ubolts to REMOVE the bump stops is that big a deal. Oh I also had a car lift man and no I didn't take my spare tire out. I did one side while my caveman sized friend did the other. Took us abt 45mins to an hr. So I guess it all depends on what you call a pain in the ass or HARD OP.

 

So basically had two people to do the job so yes you can do it in half the time of one person and yes having a lift even cuts the time even more.

Most people do not have the convenience of a lift. Some of us have to do jobs like this in our uneven driveways.

And per the instructions it states/suggests for the 4x4 to cut the bump stops not remove.


Yes its the 5 lug that are supper easy.