What Have You Done To Your 2nd Gen Tacoma Today?

After about a year of dealing with frame hitting bump stops and looking at a saggy rear end I decided to put on the Firestone Airbags on my 2011 DCSB TRDSport. I had considered new leafs and upgraded suspension but it all got very expensive and I didn't like the idea of getting too far from stock. Also I had just recently put on these leafs and shocks from a 2018 TRDOF take-off. I'm actually very happy with how they turned out. Riding with about 15 PSI in each side now with the weight of the Snug-top topper and tools in the bed etc and its actually way more plush of a ride then it was before. I mounted the valves under the license plate which I think looks pretty clean and keeps the hosing tucked behind there and out of the way. I got about 1.5" of lift and the ride it much better with less roll. It's nice to see the leaf springs actually curved upwards for once! Questions for other people that have the firestone airbags on a stock 2nd gen:
- I have the Daystar cradles, but waiting to see if I need to use them or not first. Upside is obviously more downward travel and reduced risk for when a a mechanic puts it on a lift the axle will be able to more easily drop. But I'm worried that they will add lift and that when the bags comes off and makes contact it will make noise etc... It seems like most ppl using cradles are using them because of lifts etc. I don't do crazy wheeling but I do live in Vail CO and goto Moab/frequently and drive on FSR's and a decent amount of off-road riding. Curious about what people experience is with stock rigs.
- How much PSI do most ppl keep in these bags all the time? Any issues with ice/snow/cold reducing pressure etc?
Here are some pics:

 

When I’m not towing or hauling I run ~10PSI in the bags. If I’m loaded with 1000+ payload and 200+ tongue weight I’ll max out every square inch of PSI they can handle.

 

I need to do this and repair mine. I noticed recently that I have leaned on that spot to hard and I can now feel I have a crack under the fabric Is there a write up on how to best do it?

 

Got a set of seat jackers yesterday but it was raining all night so I didn't get it installed. Tonight I'll get that in and also do an oil change.

 

Hope yours lasts. I used the 3M spray adhesive and thought I used plenty to hold the vinyl down but it's a little loose now in the middle.

 

Where did you order the new grill at?

 

I ordered it last week, and it has yet to ship. By the time it arrives I'll be ordering the 200,000 mile patch.

 

I have a lift with the Daystar cradles, 2.75. With about 10psi they make contact but obviously remain soft. Cant say I really notice a difference in ride other than a perceived one knowing that they are there. I rather have them just in case. You may notice a difference on FS roads or speed bumps without a lift, but I bet it would be minimal. You may even like the ride better in certain situations. They are easy to take off if needed.

 

parts.hendricktoyotaapex.com and use code freeship at checkout

 

Yea it took mine about a week to ship then a few days in the mail

 

Keep about 5psi in mine and 15-18 when I tow the camper.

 

I’m gonna have to get me one of those!! I’m sittin at almost 99,000 on my baby!! Can’t believe I’m gonna hit 100K!! What happened? Seems like I just drive it off the lot last year but WOW thet was 2012!! Geesh!! Guess I’m getting old but I knew that when my friends started inviting me to their kids weddings that were just 2 or 3 last I checked and now their in their early 20’s. STOP I WANNA GET OFF!! Seems like the older I get the seriously faster this ride gets going with me being at 54. Ughh!!

 

Looks awesome!! I like it

 

That looks awesome!! I like that!!

 

Do you happen to have the link couldn’t find that grille when I looked all I saw was the old type of the grille?

 

Here is the part number 5310004450J0 and I bought it at Hendrick for $205 ($220 with tax, code FREESHIP made shipping free)
Here is an ebay ad so you can read more info about it (this one costs more so just see for info).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/283673430166
I like the 4runner style center bar. Looks more like our 2012 SR5 grille. It is one that you don't see frequently. Just change the last 2 alpha-numeric for your truck color.

 

Here's one.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/re-did-my-leather-armrests-today-learn-from-my-mistake.95444/

Make sure you use a good heat resistant adhesive or you'll be sorry. I added a couple layers of felt fabric for extra cushion too.

 

I know they recommend keeping 5PSI in them minimum when you dont have a load but I have Icon leafs on option 2 and B110s with about 3" of lift after settling in the rear. the leafs on option 2 are inherently stiffer than stock so that increases the ride roughness adding air bags makes it bouncy. If I have mine barely deflated to atmospheric pressure they clack real loud against my daystars over bumps. I will usually have my wife hold in the stem on the inflators while I push them up an inch or two then release the stem and use them as bump stops essentially. has worked pretty well so far and keeps me sane. When I load up with camping gear or tow anything they make the truck ride sooooo nice and smooth.

 

There are a couple of write-ups on it but sorry I don't have quick link to it. Just do the search for it.
I had two with cracks under the fabric. I knew one was there but the other was a surprise. I reinforced those from the back side with original gorilla glue and real tough poly fabric/felt that I have so I'm hoping that will hold.

 

Oil change ✔
Removed the custom bedside decals ✔
Removed the canopy ✔ no trips planned as of now, and it goes back on so easily with the @upTOPoverland awning mounts. Awning makes my already garbage gas mileage even worse.
Washed all the mud and gunk off the truck after 4 weeks build up in snow, sand, mud, dust and dirt ✔. It's been a good month.