Need Advice - 2015 Tacoma - Level, Raise, or Add lift?

OK, my first request for help. I have seen a lot of good info but nothing seems to fit my issue.

2015 Tacoma TRD Sport V6 4 door short bed with tow package with Century (Lear clone) shell
I bought the full 10 year warranty so I don't want to void anything.

I need to lift the rear for loads and towing. I picked an arbitrary spot to make measurements.
Before shell 19"
After shell 18"
Loaded for camping 16"
Loaded with Teardrop trailer 14.5"

On my old SR5, I just added air shocks when I added the SnugTop and carpet kit and that worked for 20+ years and 200,000 miles but I don't think that is a solution for this.

Money is not the defining issue but ease of install is. I don't have help, my wife is disabled, don't know any shop I can trust in South San Diego, on top of that I just cracked 2 ribs while camping last week.

So what are my possible solutions for a good quality fix? Airlift seems good since this is our only vehicle and I can adjust between camping and shopping. I am a bit leery since we do get out and go for long trips and I want something that is tough enough. I think adding a spring is beyond my ability right now and will require having it done at a shop or trusted mechanic. I see references to 'leveling' - not sure if I will need to do something with the front after I get the rear adjusted. With my wife disabled I don't want to raise the entire truck up.

So any help, ideas, thoughts, suggestions, trusts companies, etc would be greatly appreciated. As you can see, it does need something as I can feel the handling is bad and my headlights are bothering other drivers.


Bill

 

Honestly I'd look into doing an add a leaf or replacing the whole spring pack out back.

 

I agree, an add a leaf is the simple fix, something like this takes a couple hours to do.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1995-2015-T...ash=item3cfeb3d1c8:g:nuYAAOSwMTZWRFIv&vxp=mtr

 

Firestone ride rite is what i use to level out when i tow my boat.

 

Ok, so if I add a spring, that will relieve the drop from the shell but how to calculate how much one will help with the rest of the load? In other words, do any have a chart that shows 'X drop for every 100 pounds of tongue weight or cargo weight'? I scanned though several of the favored suppliers but don't see anything like that.
Addition question then, if I add a leaf to balance out the existing load, can I still add the airbag for the trailer load later or does that change the airbag installation?

Thanks for all the ideas.

 

X2

 

You will never find a accurate answer because there too many variables. DC, AC, SB, LB, 4x4, shell weight, AAL spring rate,etc.

Yes you can AAL and use a bag at the same time. I would add-a-leaf to balance/level out your load for daily use, than get airbags for to compensate for the additional load while hauling/towing.

 

OK, thank you all very much. It looks like add-a-leaf then use the daystar cup with ride rites is my best bet. So last question I need answered: I figure I don't need split air feeds as I do load up equally and I see the single feed kit but it looks like it comes with a compressor. Do I really need another compressor? I have a nice high quality one that I take with us. Is it possible to get the fill kit without a compressor or is that a stupid way to do it?

Thanks again for all the info

 

Summo Springs,less than $200,easy install,Amazon.

 

I just run a tire shredder vavle included in the kit. And use a 12v outlet compressor to air up. You dont need a on board air system unless you want to adjust on the fly. I sometimes inflate my bags with a bike pump. 5 pump is like 20psi.

 

Load your gear, air the bags to balance you out and enjoy.

 

I sure like that camper, if I owned that, I would never be home.

 

Wow, many more options than I though. Checking reviews and the bank account....

bill

 

I added air bags for towing our camper - easy job in an afternoon and didn't have to drop the springs like an AAL would require. Allows for a stock ride when empty, firm and level ride when loaded. Also allows for adjustability - if I have a bigger load I can put more air in the bags. You can probably save money and skip the Daystar cradles as those are really only helpful if you're going offroad and flexing your suspension.

As tranandya said, any compressor will do. A bike pump also works and is an easy alternative.

PS I know Vista is quite a drive from south San Diego, but fellow TacomaWorld member @speedfreek is a trusted mechanic in the Vista area. All his customers seem to be raving fans and are also happy with his prices.

 

We are not home a lot! Think are hitting close to 50 days already this year, heading to Indio next weekend for a week, then Thanksgiving in Nevada for 15 days, Christmas through New Years on the Colorado River.
There are several people that travel and live in these for a year at a time. Really the only thing missing is a pottie and that is not too bad, TV, stereo, AC, queen bed, refrig, sink, stove, water tank - not a poor man's RV but a rich man's tent.

bill

Thanks, a lot of things are making sense now. I will contact speedfreek and see if I can arrange something. I have to go to Pendleton occasionally to help out on network security for DLI, might get the government to pay for the trip.

bill

 

Bit the bullet, used the wife's credit card (thanks for my xmas present honey), ordered the Ride Rites with the single feed valve, $308 delivered via slow boat.

Thank you all for your feedback, it was very appreciated.

Bill

 

Last questions, sorry.
Any real reason to take off the bump stop, over cutting it off?

Are there any places to measure so that I can get an idea of true level? The driveway is not level, I could do the math on a long level but seems there should be two points that I can say 'that's good'. After, I can use a spot on the hitch once I know how high is the true point. I was thinking of using the side rail screws as it would seem that they would be equal along the length of the body but not sure that is real. Any ideas?

Thanks again, Bill

 

Forget the leveling measurement, I forgot I had one when I was first getting the first hitch extension.

 

I wonder if anyone reads the comments when you order something. I ask for my ride rites be delivered after the 5th. Hooking up the teardrop to leave, going through the final checklist, UPS pulls up....

Damn, do I fart off one day of camping reservations? Tell the BIL that I am not cooking a BD cake and pizza dinner out under the stars..... I guess I am just going to pet them tonight and play with myself....