Air bags for my 2018 off road? Yes? No?

I have a 2” leveling kit on my taco and recently put an ARE topper on my 2018 off road. I have a home made storage box weighing in at about 100lbs and my back end sags about 1.5”. I want to lift it back up and need some advice on how to do that. Any suggestions? Air bags are about $900 installed. I can do it myself, but am looking for cheap options.

 

Another option would be sumo springs. Normally for 3rd gen you would want the 612-40 but since you have a block in the back the older taller 611 might work well since they are 1” taller than the 612s. There are some in warehouse deals on Amazon.

$238 SuperSprings SSR-611-47 | SumoSprings Rear for Toyota Tacoma, Black

https://smile.amazon.com/SSR-611-47...3NWQ&qid=1597882312&s=warehouse-deals&sr=8-11


I just put 612-40s on mine (no lift) since I have a LB with heavy topper and a locking tote with 75lbs or so in there. They made a nice difference and brought it back closer to factory rake, I didn’t realize it was sagging but it was). The 612s are not supposed to contact the frame on 3rd gen, but they do on mine with the added weight and make the ride more stable. Worth a try for the price and easy to install (just replaces factory bump stops).

 

Look into a add a leaf
That will be your cheapest option.
There are also hellwig helper springs, they clamp on top of the existing leaf pack using their own little u bolt and hardware. They help make the leafs smile, not allowing for the frown they are making.

 

My bs on the air bag vs sumo spring debate only- My dclb with 5100 at 1” and a fiberglass topper with misc junk. I tow a single axle 12’ or sell axle 16’ enclosed 4500lb trailer on and off. I tried the sumo springs but the weight unloaded had them in too close of contact and bumps were harsh to say the least. Pondered airbags for a while and finally went with Ride Rites and I am very happy. I run 10lbs not towing and the ride is good. Even if I didn’t tow much these would be a great addition to fix the sagging that happens with payload. Airing up to compensate when towing is easy enough. Fantastic upgrade for a Tacoma.

 

Did you have the 612-40s? I don’t find it harsh at all, even over large bumps. They are progressive so firmer as they compress but they don’t feel too firm for me. I know there were complaints when people were running 611s without lift on 3rd gen, and also not sure about the stiffer heavier load 612s. Also maybe the level ride vs having some rake matters a little on feel hard to say. I like mine for the price and current needs. Eventually when factory shocks wear out I’ll probably coil-over lift and add Deaver springs in back.

 

On my 2018 off road I’ve installed Hellwig helper springs EZ-990. They keep the truck level when engaged by my 400lb trailer tongue weght. Box payload is around 150lbs. Install took me about 2 hours and with no load I got about 1” lift back from the sagging leafs. Worth a look. Not expensive either.

No lift, all stock.

 

Firestone air bags cost me $300 installed myself 2.5 hours

$900 is high

they work to level out rear empty or varying loads

 

if the weight is permanent, leaf springs are the absolute best option. (End of discussion). If weight is removable then bags or (spring loaded bump stops) like sumo springs are options that can be better. Your pick of airbag type or bump stops will depend on other driving habits, off-road being probably the most important. While airbags can be better than sumo springs as they allow for different weights and will bring your ride back to a specific height it sounds you want (while sumo will NOT do that). fixed Airbags suck ass off road and you’ll probably rip them over time. By fixed I mean they are not floating off the axle. Either way $900 seems way too expensive.