Air bags vs bump stops

Long time lurker but first post! I’m sure this has been discussed extensively but I can’t find a solid answer. Will my Firestone airbag helpers replace bump stops? I’m installing them tomorrow and trying to get prepared. I’m putting a 2” lift so just curious if I do still need bump stops if I needed extended ones or not. Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW…

 

Air bags and bump stops are two different things for two different purposes.

do you tow or have lots of weight that varies in the bed? id get some air bags.

what lift are you getting that will require new rear bumpstops?

 

I got a 2” Eibach stage 1 with 1.5” icon rear AAL. I did the front today, doing the rear tomorrow. Yeah I tow a decent bit of weight and am considering getting into overlanding. I know they’re two different things with different purposes, but don’t the air bags go in the same place the bump stops were/are? So I guess my question is - am I good with the stock bump stops (if they have them, I’m assuming they do) and the air bags on a 1.5” rear lift or do I need to get upgraded extended bump stops?

 

Yes, the firestone bags go in the same spot as your bump stops. I believe the firestones have integrated stops in them (forgot where I read that). I installed them a year ago, and could not be happier. I keep about 9 psi in them when empty to maintain a bit of rake, without the harshness of over-inflated bags. 5psi is min. That was too soft for my liking. 9-10 is the sweet spot for me.

Stock springs for stock-like ride.

With my quad in the back, I bump up to 20 psi and there is no squatting.

With my 18' aluminum trailer with 3 quads on it, I need about 15 psi to be level.

I keep a cheapo biking hand-pump strapped to my bed's molle panel. Three or four pumps fills them quick (giggity).

 

the instructions are to cut the bumpstop. you will not have bumpstops after installing the air bags. they do not have internal bumpstops either. I ran them on my last truck and opted for something different with this one

 

Thanks for the help all!

 

https://www.firestoneairide.com/rr-kit-install-manuals/W217602582.pdf

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-firestone-riderite-lift-thread.279865/

The lack of bump stops is why you are supposed to run the Firestone air shocks at a minimum of 5 PSI. I also purchased Daystar cradles to use with mine since I off-road a lot, gives my rear axles more articulation. You just have to watch it when your truck is on a lift so the airbags align and go back into the cradles when you lower the vehicle.

 

Yup, I got the cradles as well. Quick question - I cut the bump stop down to be basically flush with the top of the u bolts, do you think that’ll be good enough or does it need to be all the way down/flush with the bracket? Thanks for the info.