1995 Tacaoma - suspension airbags worth it? If so which one?

I have not been happy with the firestones on my otherwise stock 2016. I think the key is upgrading springs at the same time. I have to keep 15psi in them with no load to keep from bottoming out. I contacted Firestone and confirmed that they do act as a bump stop, but a very crude one. It's just the rubber bag bunching up on itself. You'll know it when you hit it. Also, on my improvised RTI ramp, the cradles made no difference. I actually got 1/4" more flex without them, but that is well within the margin of error when putting a wheel ramp on a hill.

 

Bingo. Looks like OP has his mind made up though ha.

 

I'm reading all comments. Just some apply to different situation. For example my truck does not bottom up even when loaded with 300-400 lb. And I am not planning to overload it to more than 5000lb gross weight anyway. No off-roading or stretching either. No lift, no extended travel suspension etc. So even with bad experience in extreme situation as some have, they will not apply to me because I am not going to do extreme.

One of the planned example of using a useful load of my bed would be able to load 1000 lb of gravel and drive along my driveway fixing some potholes. Just to use it as a real farm truck from time to time. But still being able to do grocery shopping like I do now.

And with my limited time here I need to make the purchase fast, otherwise I will have to pay extra 50% for shipping and customs/VAT.

 

If you don’t plan to have the weight in there all the time, then absolutely get airbags. AALs will just be super stiff all those times you dont carry the weight.

You don’t “need” on board air. Hell, a bike pump will work, but you can easily use a portable air compressor too.

I’ve heard a lot of good about the firestone kit, but never used myself. As you say, the people that seem not to like them use them beyond what they’re really intended for.

If you want airbags that don’t limit wheel travel, you probably need to spend more money on long travel bags and get some custom brackets.

 

Just pulled the trigger on Firestone 2304:



I decided on Amazon (

$407 Firestone Sport-Rite Air Helper Spring Kit Rear 95-04 Toyota Tacoma 2WD PreRunner & 4WD (W217602304), Silver

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMGWSU/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) because it is Prime so I can return it fast and free and reorder if something would be wrong with them.

Then you guys for all your input. I will probably come back to the subject when I will start installing them - that probably will be few months from now as I don't have a garage and winter in Poland is not a time to crawl under the truck.

 

Firestone airbags arrived (with one day delay) and holly molly, they are big. Metal brackets are no joke either. I wish the whole frame was built like that . The kit included the "Inflation Valve Bracket" to mount valves to the square frame or tube which is nice and I did not expect that.

Anyway I'm happy from the choice, so thank you all for suggestions and responses. I'm going to install them when it's nice and warm and that will be after my safety inspection, which is good thing, so the inspector doesn't scratch his heads what the hell it is

 

here is an option for mounting your valves: I mounted them in my upper license plate holes:

 

I'm also looking at the same airbags but my truck is lifted. I think I need those Daystar cups so i can maintain most of my suspension travel. I have seen some info and reviews but nothing related to a first gen with that setup.

 

This or spacer kit 2366 - but keep in mind that it will still reduce your travel. By using high travel springs you get additional travel till bumps bottom up. But the airbag will still have the limited travel by its design, so by adding a spacer you will make sure the airbag is not stretched over when unloaded but when loaded the airbag will bottom out before your bumps do. In other words spacer for airbags work the same as spacer for suspension - will not extend the travel but just lift the truck higher.

 

I just bought the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Springs (#2407), plus 2" spacers (#2366). I have a 3" suspension lift already, but have added a lot of weight to the back as I complete my overland build. I thought this would help with the Taco sag. I haven't installed yet, but will let you know what I think.