Air bags or Sumo springs?

Colorado roads are pretty crappy. The stock suspension was rather wobbly when I'd hit a pot hole. It kind of felt like I was thrown to one side or the other. With the Sumo springs I feel like it's a bit better. Certainly not worse. I think with my shell my frame is real close to the Sumos and maybe just touching. That might make a difference as the rear doesn't pick up momentum before hitting them. Might make it more smooth but that's just a guess.

I'm getting 5100s and RTX leaf pack...eventually (some parts are still out of stock) That should lift me off the Sumo springs so I'll have a chance to compare what effect a frame-Sumo gap might have compared to when there is little to no gap. Of course, the new leaf pack is going to have a big effect on that as well.

 

Yes, that is what I have used on my last 2 Tacomas. Install is pretty straightforward, although there are a couple of bolts that can be a challenge to get the nut started on due to their cramped location. Mine have been great. While I wouldn't try it, they say they are strong enough to lift the axle.

 

lol that is hardly any weight . You do not need airbags . Just give the truck some rake again there is a reason trucks have rake . If your truck is dead level add a one inch block in the back and some bilstien 5100 s . Done , cheap and easy and it won’t ride like crap . I would only get the sumo / airbags if you were towing .

 

2019 TRD OR, 6112 &. 5160 plus icon 1.5 AAL. I added the “Duro” bump stops, front and rears, maybe one inch space between frame (rear) and top of Duro bump stops.
Leer camper top.

I haul 800 lbs of coffee occasionally, bed does drop ,but with the Duro bump stops, no harsh rides. I have a level kit.

But I want a rake for the times of a heavier loads. Near future heavier springs.

Airbags ? The leaks is what I am concerned about plus the constant monitoring. If you are constantly carrying heavier loads? I would get them. Not for occasional loads.

 

This is what I went with.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FEOSJY?ie=UTF8

$48 Daystar, Air Bag Cradle designed for full suspension travel, Fits All 6" diameter convoluted Air Bags, fits any full size of half ton truck, 2/4WD, KU09140BK, Made in America, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084ROJBM?ie=UTF8

 

Agree. I just did 6112/5160 with Icon RXT and increased my rake by 0.5" from stock to 1.5". With my ARE shell I was level and I was not a fan. When people ask me about the suspension upgrade they all say "oh you did a leveling kit?" or "Oh you got a lift". I try to explain, no, I got a suspension upgrade to handle more weight and to perform better on road and off road and one of the benefits was also getting a lift and more rake.

I looked at Sumo Springs but went more budget friendly with Dura Bump Bump stops that seem to be holing up and performing just fine.

I don't get people leveling a truck then wondering why or complain that it squats when loaded. The stock leaf springs are horrible. If there was one thing I would criticize toyota on it would be the lead springs.

 

The Duro bumps stops , I have no complaints. I keep looking at the Sumo bumps stops, but I keep reading about some negative reviews for my purpose.

I would load almost 900 lbs of coffee , it sags a bit, but when I go over bumps, the ride is not harsh.

Yes I want a rake too. Back higher then the front. Maybe one inch? My mechanic keep telling me go two inches, But I cannot find 9- 10 inch U-bolts for the Tacoma rears? Anyone? Lots of 8 inches.

R4T sells the “Duro bump stops, best to buy for front and rears if you lift your truck.

 

Dura Bumps sells a 9.4" u-bolt flip kit.

https://durobumps.com/product/toyota-tacoma-u-bolt-flip-kit/

 

Thank you For the 9.4 U-bolts.

 

I got my sumo springs for $75 but knowing what I know now I would have paid regular price. That may change down the road if they act differently when I have the new leaf pack.

 

Elbach 1 inch blocks with u-bolts $135.00 plus $89 shipping. Amazon Elbach 1 inch block with u- bolts - shows a model LB81-82-007-01-02 $155 with prime. Not sure if the two are the same. Both fits the Tacoma 2nd and 3gen.

 

Has a preTacoma truck and put AAL on it. Hated them. On my 2nd gen tacoma put the same as
stressler cradle and airbags. Did the same on my 3rd gen. No leaks problems etc.
Still kicking myself for selling the 2nd gen. But the 3rd is ok.

 

Roadmaster active suspension is great. It rides the same as stock and will handle a load. 500 bucks was a little steep but well worth it. It does lift the back an inch or more.

 

The road master active suspension, question is it ok for off roading? 2019 Tacoma with icon AAL 1.5 will it fit?

 

I love the level look. Some like the stink bug look some like the trophy truck look with the front up high. Ima gonna go bags again due to leaving on my trips to Baja at 0–dark-30 I hate being THAT GUY blinding oncoming traffic. Mexican cops really dig those guys! Nothing more, nothing less.
P.S. of course I know the rear sags when a load is applied. I just hate the stink bug look!

 

That's the first I've heard it called the "stink bug look". It's called a forward rake. If you haul things you should have a forward rake so its level loaded. If you level it for the sake of ascetics unloaded then you've thrown your money away correcting a suspension problem under load that was caused unnecessarily. The carolina lift "trophy truck look" is good for weeding out idiots and nothing else

 

i just put firestone air shocks on my tacoma - sumo springs were kind of useless with a shackle flip. firestone air shocks are frigging awesome. easy install and they have spacers for lifts that work perfectly with their shocks.

 

I’ve had both, prefer the Airbags by far.

 

just put them on the other day with their lift spacer kit...it's an easy install and my buddy suggested firestone due to his success rate on his tacomas in the past. i have a shackle flip on mine so sumo wasn't even an option. they're worth the money

 

I’m not an off roader by any means so I really can’t answer that. I can tell you that it installed easily in my driveway, rides the same, handles my camper as well as a load. It lifted the rear about 1 1/2”.