Air Bags or Add a Leaf

I'm looking for opinions here. I have a 2015 TRD Sport with the towing package. Should I get air bags or should I add a leaf to my existing leaf springs to level out the truck when I'm hauling a lot of stuff in the bed or pulling a trailer? Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

I run both. I clear 285's with AAL and use the airbags to handle my 22' camper.

 

I had to make the same decision. It was pretty easy in the end, I only wanted the level it under load and wasn’t ready to have a lift. And as I don’t always have the truck weighed down, I went with bags.

if you go that route, I’d recommend the Firestone kit, it has been flawless for 4 years now.

 

I don't have a lift and only want it leveled under a load so it sounds like airbags may be the way to go.
How hard/easy were they to install?

 

If all you need is to level when towing, air bags are the easier option.
No experience with the Tacoma, but 3 sets on a Dodge Rams. (They help)

Before I would add a leaf. I’d throw a whole leaf pack in, If I could afford it.
The stock springs are “weak” they go flat with out towing.
If you don’t have axle wrap, just wait, you’ll eventually get it.

 

I also have the Firestone Airbags. Very useful for leveling when towing my 20' RV. I like also having the rear raised a little with the ICON kit installed that also included additional leaf pack.
The only downside of Airbags... when adjusting air pressure, it effects the headlight beams on the road...

 

Install was easy, simple bolt on stuff. I didn’t go with the on board compressor though.

 

Im deciding between airbags or the pedal commander lol!

 

Air LIft - Air Ride air bags - #59561 Installed when truck was new (2015 Sport) Lifetime warranty on bags, very easy install. I used a tee in the fill line, pressure equalizes between bags, single fill point. I run about 8 psi with truck empty, 15 psi pulling trailer with golf cart, about 300 lbs tongue weight. (Some will argue separate fill lines, two fill points. Airlift sells kits both ways).

 

Thanks for all the responses. I'm going to go with air bags.

 

Did you lift the front of your truck as well with the icon springs?

 

I would recommend not using the tee to connect the airbags. On turns, pressure will shift to one airbag and can cause increased lean and reduced stability which is one of the reasons for using airbags. I think Firestone says they purposely do not supply a union tee for this reason.

The airbags are really great. I love the adjustability and don't bottom out. OR springs are so weak, a few hundred pounds and you're bouncing around on your bump stops.

Installation requires you to jack up your rear end, remove tires, and install. I had a friend who knew what he was doing help me. Took an afternoon.

 

Oh! and get this pump, you will thank me later. Yes it's a ball pump, yes you think it's too small to inflate your airbags but it works wonderfully. You can get precise PSI without having to use a separate tire pressure gauge and loose some of the pressure when doing so.

$20 Ball Pump with Pressure Gauge, eBall Sports Ball Air Pump with Inflation Needles & Pressure Release Valve for Basketball, Football, Soccer Ball, Rugby, Volleyball and Other Inflatable Balls

https://www.amazon.com/eBall-Inflat...l+pump+with+gauge&qid=1618692445&sr=8-1-spons

 

In fact, a "Tee" in the airline is appropriate and reccommended for some applications (onboard compressors, and equalized pressure for towing). If you are considering air bags, do a little independent research before deciding to follow advice here.

 

Agreed, however I have Firestone airbags and Firestone recommends not using a tee. So I'm passing on primary source info.