Do i need a WD hitch?

I think I paid about $450, BUT I also put in the automatic leveling system with onboard compressor. There are guys on here who just put in the air bag kit and used the included valve(s) to fill from a tire inflator. I say put in bags because they will also be there to help with loads in the bed.
I do use a w/d hitch with my car trailer, but it also weighed in at ~6500lb when I towed it loaded from AZ to OR.

 

i could use the added benifit of keeping the bed level when i am loaded going to the deer camp. I have a portable compressor in the truck so i would assume the bags alone would be $200-$300 and i'd do the install myself. i may consider this route. What size bags do you have?
I love my tacoma but i want a full size more and more.

 

Just checked JEGS. It's priced at ~$271 through them. I got mine when they were reduced and I got an additional discount but I don't remember what it was. http://www.jegs.com/i/Air-Lift/022/59561/10002/-1?parentProductId=
The auto leveling kit wires into the ignition to allow it to level on startup and when needed if the sensor is stable to the magnet (such as at a red light. It takes a couple seconds to kick on).
Only issue I have had is that I had to trim the mount (plastic part at top of bag) to clear my shock.

 

I found this one http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/59561-tacoma-air-springs.html is it the same? it is a little cheaper. I don't need auto leveling. I will fill it up with my portable pump I keep in my tool box. eventually I may put a compressor on board.

 

Yeah. That's the same kit. Once you install, be sure to get them aired up and check for leaks with a soap/water mix (bubble test). Mine were leaking at the elbow connector at the top of the bag. It is a very easy install, brackets line up well. I would put the full valve in by the fuel cap to keep it away from dirt and debris.

 

yeah the install looks easy and I will be checking. when filling the bags, do the lines stay pressurized or is there a check valve at the bag/line connection?

 

The lines stay pressurized. Some people keep them separate to help prevent pressure transfer during turns which could cause more body roll. The kit comes with everything needed to use a T or run dual. I haven't had a chance yet to look into a isolation valve for roll control.

 

I am mainly concerned if the line has a slow leak somewhere besides the connection that it can slowly leak is there is no valve separating the two. maybe I'm overthinking it

 

Make clean, straight cuts on the line without crushing it. Ensure the elbows at the bags are tightened correctly. Make sure all lines are completely seated in the connectors. Do a bubble test at every connection with the bags pressurized.
The ribs of the bed (supports) provided a nice place to drill holes to run zip ties through to keep the lines secure, and I also used wire loom to protect the lines. Note: checking for a leak on the elbow is a bit of a pain in the !!!. I used my inspection camera, but it can be done with a mirror or by squeezing up high enough to see.

 

thanks for all the info. I'll probably be ordering these in the morning
Do you think I will see a difference in handling and the trucks ability to haul 3200lbs? I don't bottom out but I would think raising the rear 3" to level would make a noticeable difference

 

Of suggest doing a search for people that just used the bags to see any suggestions for that route. Also, like I mentioned, I did have to modify one air bag to fit my setup. I don't know of it would have to be done with a stock setup or not.

 

Having the truck level will help with steering. It will put more weight onto the front tires allowing them to have good contact and will help you maintain control better.

 

Well i bought the air lift springs today. Hopefully ill have them on by next weekend. Deer season causes me to haul a few hundred lbs in the the bed for a total of 350 miles round trip to the camp each time i go. If im not doing that ill be towing the boat so they will be getting a lot of use

 

Cool cool. I don't remember what PSI to maintain in the bags. But definitely do to prevent damage. My truck rides better even without a load since I have stock crappy spring pack.

 

will i need to cut off my bump stops?

 

Look for a youtube video.
They show the install.
Cut off the bumpstops.

 

Bump stops remain on for the Air ift system. The firestones require you to remove them. I put on the air lift bags last night. Everything went fine

 

UPDATE:
- I installed the ait lift air springs sunday night. Installation was easy and straight forward. Took me about 2 hours.
- I noticed right away that the rear end was raised 1"-1.5" with 5-7psi in the bags. Everything was installed correctly. I spoke with Air Lift co. and they said that the bags were stiff and will settle. I also did not inflate to 80-psi and let sit overnight to stretch the bags. After my 30 mile drive to work the next day, the bags softened and by the second day i am back to normal ride height.
- Unloaded ride quality: No drastic changes in quality. I have less roll during cornering along with a little more control. Overall ride isnt a "squishy" as stock but not firm like a lift kit or AAL. My only complaint about the ride is that when passing over a change in road height - high to low (as in coming off a bridge and there is a dip - our roads sink here in south LA) i am bottoming out. I have never bottomed out the rear suspension on these bumps before the air springs so it cant be my bump stops. It has to be the bags being compressed 100%. I am not sure if this is damaging or not.
- Loaded ride quality: I only towed my boat a quick 15 minutes yesterday. I had 25 psi in the bags which leveled the truck and had the boat/trailer sitting perfect with the nose a hair higher than the rear. The ride was much more stable, less bouncing of the truck and boat. Stopping was more responsive. Accelerating even felt better - i guess because the weight was being handled better. Truck had 1/2 a tank of gas and the boat had 15 gallons (1/2 tank) and a little light on gear as i was going to put the boat in a storage unit and not go on the water also so i was a little light but by only a few 100lbs. total weight was about 2800-2900lbs.

all in all, i am happy but would like to figure out my "bottoming out" issue.