Bilsteins set at 2.5 and airbags in the back...

Hey all. Need some advice. I bought a 2013 4x4 TRD off road double cab and it didn't take long until I wanted to modify it a bit.
I have a small lifted travel trailer that I tow as well (~2000 lbs). The trailers sits about 2-3 inches higher than my hitch, so naturally i decided I should lift my truck I really like the look of the slightly lifted Tacoma with larger tires and wheels, plus I wanted a little bit extra clearance for a little light offloading.
I started with a call to the dealer. They wanted to do a spacer lift and rear block for $1200. So I thought I would shop around- went to a local 4x4 shop; they suggested a revtek 3" inch spacer and a 1.5inch AAL. They said I could squeeze in some 28570R17 on a 17inch wheel with a 5inch backspace. This all sounded pretty great to me. They said that Toyota warranty loves the revtek kit.
After doing some research on TW, I decided I didn't want to do the spacer kit and decided on the bilstein 5100s all the way around and keep the stock springs. Set the fronts to 2.5 so I could squeeze the tires in. I was also going to add the 1.5 AAl, but the guy at the shop said it would make my truck look ass high and that I should do nothing in the back (seems weird to me after reading everything on this forum). Was going to do the 1.5 aal anyway, because I tow and need a little height and stiffness. The main install guy said the solution was to add some airbags and then I can add a little height and stiffen the back when needed for towing. This seemed to be the perfect solution.
Had it done last week. I get the tires and wheels tomorrow.
My experience driving on the bilsteins set to 2.5 is actually pretty good. I don't know how I feel about the airbags. I have them set at about 20 psi to make the truck look level and not have the bro-lean. It rides reasonably well, and I like the feel of the truck better than stock. I just don't think I should be using the airlift bags to jack up the back though. Also, everything I read about offroading with them is that you should put them down to 5 psi. I did that and bottomed out on the bottom stops like crazy when off road. I actually thought I tore the bag on my first trip, turns out it was just crushed and when I inflated it back to 40 psi, it came out of its deformity.
Anyway, I am getting the wheels and tires on tomorrow. I am going for 28570r17 on a fuel wheel with a 5inch backspacing, which I am told won't rub if the front mud flap is removed. I'll post some pictures when it is done, but I really feel like I am going to do something more with the lift and back end. What do you all think about adding a 1.5 aal along with the airlift ride control airbags I already have installed. The guy at the shop said it would be too stiff with both, but if the airbags are sitting at 5 psi will they even affect the ride?
-picture taken after lift with bilstein 5100s at 2.5 and airbags at 5 psi (no lift in the back).

-picture taken before the lift, obviously I need a few inches to level this gem of a trailer. I will gain about an inch with the larger tires, and can gain another inch or two with the airbags, but I wonder if I should add a 1.5 aal too?

 

Good looking truck. Are you going to have to get UCA's with them set at 2.5 or did your alignment come out ok? I would do a progressive leaf pack v an aal. Just not sure if that works with airbags as I am not to familiar with them.

 

Thanks! Not sure about UCAs yet. They didn't do the alignment yet, going to get it done today when I get my new wheels and tires. I am going to ask for a copy of the alignment. Probably will eventually get new UCAs because I can see they are stretched to the limit! I don't like the idea of something being stressed on my brand new truck. I have a feeling I am going to end up replacing the coils or doing a coilover next, in which case I will definitely do the UCAs. Thanks for the advice on the leaf springs. Are the progressive a leaf replacement option versus an aal?

 

Subbed for pics of new wheels and tires!

 

be careful in putting an AAL or higher height leaves in the rear, there are bag spacers to be installed so that they are not over stretched, or daystar makes these landing pads that allow the bags to float when not in use, and then when aired up, or the truck squats, they sit down on the pads.

daystar cradles I think they're called, i'll try to find a link for them for you

edit: http://daystarweb.com/productdetail.php?productID=1232

 

Here is my truck with my travel trailer. I'm not sure how I feel about the airlift airbags in the back. I have to pump it up to 40 psi to level the truck without the trailer and about 50 psi with it. I'm thinking about doing a 1 inch block, and then I can keep the bags at 15 psi and still be level. Not sure, might even do a 1.5 aal, I actually like a little rake. I am just afraid I will have too stiff of a rear suspension with both a 1.5 aal and the airbags.
I like the idea of the cradles so I can still go romping without fear of tearing a bag. Thanks HighTQCummins, I'll check those out!

 

Got a 1.5 aal put on my truck today, while still keeping the airlift bags! Much happier with the look and ride! I'll post pictures later. I have about .5 inch rake again, which I like.

 

...looking good!

 

Hey OP- any updates to this post?

I have the same setup. 5100s all around. Progressive AALs in rear, firestone ride-rites but I complete disconnected the bags from the lower plate but put some rubber roof flashing on the lower plate so when the bags hit they don't slide off. This has worked remarkably well for 20,000+ miles. I also connected my bags with a T valve.