Firestone vs. Airlift Airbags and Axle Wrap

I've had Airlift bags on 3 prior vehicles - including a 2001 Tacoma - without any issues and loved them. I installed Airlift bags on an otherwise stock 2017 Access Cab for the last 11,000 miles and I developed an extremely annoying knock that turned out to be axle wrap caused by the air bags. Even at 5 psi I was experiencing a knock, increasing the psi made it worse - loaded or empty. I removed the bags and the knock completely disappeared.

Airlift bags are installed in front of the axle. It appears that the Firestones are installed directly above the axle. Is anyone experiencing any knocking or popping with the Firestone bags installed in their stock 3rd gen?

 

I have had the firestone airbags (2018 AC-LB) for a couple weeks on stock springs with skids and a 450 pound shell. I have not noticed any popping. I do notice the stock shocks are completely incapable of controlling the bouncing of these. It takes about 3-4 bounces after a bump to settle. I have tried running from 20 - 30 lbs. Now running 30.

 

I have firestones on my 2nd gen which uses the same rear suspension as your truck. No knocking or popping regardless of what psi i run. Id highly recommend them.

 

axle wrap with the stock springs is oh SO bad, and its only amplified when the ass end is lifted and the overload spring is pulled further away from the rest of the leaf pack.

OP it has nothing to do with the airbags they are just exposing how shitty the stock leafs are.

 

I don't disagree. Are there any quality springs that solve the problem without lifting the truck? I carry widely ranging loads and airbags are the solution for me. I have not found any recommended aftermarket springs that do not provide lift.

 

Firestone's on my otherwise stock suspension, no knock/wrap issues whatsoever.

Just a little firmer in the rear, and I don't usually notice that until I take a big dip on the highway.

 

Firestone, no issue.

 

Same here. Best functional mod/upgrade I've done.

 

No problem with Firestone air shocks on my 2017 OR. If you are lifted with springs, AAL or a spacer, you will have to modify the inside part of the Firestone lower mount by extending it to rest on the axle.

 

Inside leg of Firestone air spring mount floats above axle if springs, AAL or spacers are used. One solution is to weld a extention piece to it. (Thats a Daystar cradle attached, but the mount is the original Firestone Ride Rite mount, and the OEM springs have 1 Dakar AAL).

Also, I made this to easily and quickly equalize the pressure perfectly between both sides whenever I fill or deflate them - never permanently connect your air shocks with a basic T connector thinking it will equalize pressure, because air will slosh between both sides when you go around corners and will make your rig lean a lot more to the outside of the turn = bad lean!

 

Firestone Ride Rites. Have been excellent for well over a year now. Just quietly doing their job, whether I have a trailer tied onto my ass end. Or only running with my canopy. Would most certainly buy again. Running the Daystar Cradles with no problems

 

Sorry for the uneducated ? -- but what exactly is ""axle wrap" ?? I have the Airlifts and have the same thing I think? -- what wil it damage? and is there a work-around?
If it makes any difference, I also have 1 inch riser blocks back there!?
Help if you can- please. -- also my ride is great loaded and unloaded, so I could maybe live with the pops if it is not hurting anything. The annoying pops is the only issue.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=54_6GaYJvWI

See how when the driver accelerates, the axle and differential turns and pulls the driveshaft upwards with it? Axle wrap.

 

If you and I are the only ones with the problem - maybe it only happens on Access Cabs with 4Runner Trail wheels!

I have wondered about any damage it might be causing, too. But for me the noise is too annoying not to do anything about it. I think I'm going to have to order a set of the Firestones.

 

I've never noticed this. If I have them too inflated without a load the ride is terrible, though. I always run about 8-10 psi when the truck is empty and it works well with my ARE CX cap and Toyota bed mat.

 

Unfortunatly no. I have not found a spring that provides the same height as stock but provides better weight carrying capacity.

It is actually scary how much axle wrap these trucks have stock, you dont notice it during most street driving, but get it off road and try and spin the rear tires and its scary how much the axle flops around. If you put a gopro underneath the truck and gunned it from a dead stop you would see what i mean.

 

Firestones ordered!

 

Good choice. I had 4wheelparts install them.
At first I was reluctant, but the guy there showed me them on his truck and swore by them, so i bought.
BTW his truck was a monster of a truck could probably pull 5 of my Tacos.
I now can load up a 6000 lb load, dial that baby in on the remote, and she looks level and rides great. No sway, nothing.
Nothing worse than seeing a truck sagging in the ass from a load.
Best mod I've done. Had them for about 18 months now. Love it !!!

 

Is anyone running the Firestone complete kit, i.e. compressor and control from cab? Curious to make sure, one, I get right model (lol) but also tempted to do a full quick leveling install. Have run bags efore but never did the the onboard setup.

 

I've had onboard setups before in previous trucks and it was nice. I would not have one any other way.