Anyone install rear air bags?

Just trying to figure out if anyone on here has installed rear bags on their first gen? I’m trying to find a set where I don’t have to drill holes in my frame. I’m not towing a bunch just when I load up for camping the rear tends to sag down a little bit. Any help is appreciated! I’ve got a 1998 4x4 trd if that helps

 

Surely plenty have done it. Firestone is the realistic choice. Can also look into timbren bump stops.

 

Do you load the Truck to camp every weekend ? How much weight 1000 pounds plus?

Does the truck sit on the tires? I hate when that happens.

Planning to Add on board Air to adjust your air bags.

Lots of different options it depends on your budget and skills

 

Probably around 1000 pounds. And not every weekend but quite often, when we go. No it does not sit on the tires.

 

Yes, I installed the Firestone bags for the same reasons you want to. I did it several years ago and have been very happy with them.

I ran the fill valves as my license plate upper bolts. Since I don’t use mine often, I did not install on-board air. I have a small 12v compressor. They take so little air, you could probably fill them with a manual bicycle pump.

 

You have to drill holes with that kit?

 

I didn’t remember since it was several years ago. In looking up the install directions, you do have to drill.
https://www.firestoneip.com/rr-kit-install-manuals/W217602304.pdf

I’m not sure there is a bag kit that wouldn’t require drilling.

 

I used this kit.

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

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B000CMGWSU?ie=UTF8

And these cradles.

$74 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://amazon.com/gp/product/B0084ROJBM?ie=UTF8

First install.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/madtaco-build.494372/page-8

Scroll down for the start of the 2nd rebuild.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/madtaco-build.494372/page-23

Scroll down a little for the final 2nd rebuild.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/madtaco-build.494372/page-24

It's really not to hard of an install, just follow the instructions and decide what your air source will be.

 

The only holes you have to drill will be for mounting the air Schrader valves. You could put them in your bumper or behind your fuel door, or anywhere you want.

 

Thank you for all the info, but how did you end up mounting the bags with out drilling holes in the frame?

 

Right, a lot of them require it but I was trying to avoid that. I know for the 2005 and up you don’t have to drill so I was hoping for a kit like that for a first gen.

 

When I did air bag installs I would run each bag to seperate schrader valves so you can adjust each side. I used to put the valves in place of the license plate bolts.

 

The original mounting position that they were designed for utilized pre existing holes in the frame. All I did was bolt the cradle to the lower spring mount and allowed the airbag to move freely when articulating off road trails. If you are not doing hard trails then you can attach both ends of the airbags to their designed brackets.
For my current setup, I welded a piece of channel iron to the bottom of my frame and bolted the airbag to it. Then I mounted my cradle to the spring pack using a longer spring center bolt and an additional nut. This centers the airbag over the axle.

 

My first attempt I tee'd the airlines to one schrader valve. I now run the seperately, with only one line it allowed air to transfer from one bag to the other when taking hard turns, I could feel the rear end shift a little and it didn't feel good.

 

My frame only has the one hole on the out side like in the pic

 

Hmmm, I guess you do have to drill the fram. It has been so long I couldn't remember.