AIR BAGS = AWESOME!!!

Installed Ride Rite air bags on my 2005 DC to solve the 'harsh ride' (bottoming out) that the dealer would not correct in 2005 (no TSB yet?). They worked perfectly!

The fill valves were kept separate and installed through the bumper, on either side of the license plate (so they wouldn't get smashed off roading, that trailer light outlet below the bumper is the first thing to get bashed when you off road where I do!

Normal driving pressure was 10-15 psi, semi-heavy load was 25 psi, and extreme load (for me) was 35 psi. The max is 100 psi, but that would be unnecessary and could break an axle!

Solved the bottoming, raised the truck, made the ride great off road. I also changed the yellow Bilsteins to 5100's. The work was done by Off Road Warehouse in Escondido.

My 2010 Tacoma DC has much better rear springs and no bottoming out issues (yet)!

 

I am thinking of getting a similar set up, these systems look good.

 

Do you have a part number for the air bags and craddle? I need to something like this on my truck!

 

I do. When I get back to my shop tomorrow I'll post them up for you.

 

I install a lot of winches, atv's and such...And have collected the handlebar rocker switch, and relay that operates the winch. So basically the switch can make the relay transfer power in two different ways. My thought on this was...Wire in one side of the rocker switch to operate the pump directly, so it will air up the air bag. The other side of the switch will be directing power to the other side of the relay and wired into a purge valve/solenoid that is plumbed inline to the air bag...such as a nitrous bleed or something small and cheap. This would enable you to air up and deflate without ever leaving your seat. Small, compact. Kinda like the bagged cars/trucks are, but on a much smaller, cheaper scale.

 

Thanks!

 

Here are the part numbers and Amazon links for any one who needs them.(Note the picture in the link for the bags is not correct but it is the correct ones)

Firestone W217602407 Ride-Rite Kit
http://www.amazon.com/Firestone-W217602407-Ride-Rite-Toyota-Tacoma/dp/B001FEOSJY


Daystar KU09140BK Air Bag Cradle

$51 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

http://www.amazon.com/Daystar-KU09140BK-Cradle-Polyurethane-Convoluted/dp/B0084ROJBM

 

Thanks bud!

 

I had air bags on my old Tacoma for about 10 years as I had a slide in camper. I liked being able to fill them seperately as it gave me the option to adjust for weight imbalance (water tank was on the drivers side, gas tank, me etc.) all contributed to me running 15 psi more air on the drivers side to get rid of the lean.
When I would tow, I would simply fill them equally.

Shawn.

 

Well went on a little camping trip this weekend, have no idea how much weight I had in it but it was a bunch! 20 psi in the bags and no squat what so ever! Truck rode like a dream, handled like it was empty.

 

Nice thanks!! I have been looking around and these two sites have been the cheapest I found for them. Am I correct or is there a place cheaper??

Thanks all!

 

hope to finally install mine tomorrow!!!! Wish me luck!!!

 

Good luck! I've watched a few install videos and it doesn't look like it should be too difficult.

 

Good luck! Lets see some finished pics!

 

No the install is on these is one of the easiest things you will do, especially considering what you get out of it.

 

Finished installing the air bags and cradles tonight. I bought my kit used from someone local. I got a steal so I couldn't pass it up. The install is super simple, I didn't even take off the rear tires. I only removed the spare.

Everything works fine except for the inflation valve on the the right side. It doesn't hold air so I order another one tonight. Hopefully here by Saturday.

Thanks everyone that posted pics and helped answer my questions!!!!

 

I ran my valves by my gas cap. I use a digital gauge and a bicycle pump to set pressure where I want it. The load changes as often as the roads. Firestone airbags are my friend. I didn't measure though and gotta remove the gas cap when I add air.

 

That's a cool idea. Yes it's hard to beat a set of bags when your doing different things from day to day.

 

going to grab a set when i get the cash great thread

 

Anyone have any recommendations on a decent low pressure gauge that isn't too expensive to keep in my truck to check the air bags pressure?