"Official" Firestone RideRite + Lift Thread

I found this nice video online...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wHlfjUcGpc

Im also concerned about installing this kit with my new 3 leaf AAL. But I guess with this system, I dont really need the new springs anyway...

 

I put a daystar cradle in one side today. Install went pretty easy. Unfortunately I can't vouch for the better ride quality yet because as I was doing it I realized the schaeder valve on the side I did was junk and leaking. I ordered 2 new ones. So right now I'm running zero psi. When the valve comes in. I put the cradle on the other side and see how it rides

 

Any of the Baja guys have anymore updates? Dove into this thread and saw some concerns on the Bajas.

 

Just put them on my TRD Pro today with Daystar cradles. Even with stock springs the axle brace does not touch the axle so I guess something Firestone hasn't changed since Toyota changed to the 4 leaf rears. You have to make sure the bracket for the lower mount is turned so the side with the hole (not the slot) faces the shock to keep the bracket from rubbing on the shock boot. Have them at 12psi right now which puts things at 37.5" to the center of the fender from the floor al the way around. No Taco Lean on the Pro yet, but it was a bit of an Ass Dragger even stock, and looked worse when I added the shell. With the 12psi it is even looking at the fender openings and slightly tail high as there is more overhang in the rear than in the front. Rake looks close to a stock Taco TRD OR.

 

How's the ride?

 

About like stock before the shell from what little I have driven it. Neighbors Rd has some speed bumps, bit of a bump at 10mph, don't know they are there at 30mph so definitely work well going faster.

Also, Firestone is including a valve mounting kit in the new sets. Hooks to the 2" receiver tube with a couple of zip ties. Works pretty slick. I mounted mine on the top of the tube rather than the bottom. A bit more hassle to air up when needed, but figured they might get trashed if on the bottom side.

 

What are you guys pumping them up with? A comprosser or a hand pump? If you are going to pickup up a load of something do you pump them up before you go or when you put the load in the bed? Still trying to decide if I want these.

Thanks
Steve

 

I have a compressor but may just keep a small pump in the bed or behind the seat, my compressor isn't hard wired and has alligator clips to attach to the battery terminals which, frankly, it's my preferred setup. It would be easier to have the compressor occupying one of the rear bed storage boxes and hard wired, so I can attach a filler on an air line, hit the switch and go.

 

It literally take 3 or 4 pumps with a bike pump to inflate the bags. Unless you want to figure a way to make a compressor fill while u can sit in the cab I wouldn't waste the effort with it.

 

If the compressor is in one of the storage compartments do you have to worry about condescension in the compresser?

 

Oh really 4 pumps will give what psi in the bags? 3-4 pumps isnt bad

 

Thanks.. I figured as much with such small psi numbers needed for loads, but I'd still like this setup or something similar to it. More for tire inflating than bag inflating, but handy for doing either.

Is there a small hand pump that would work so I don't have to store a 3 foot pump in my truck?

 

I'd say 3-5 pumps with my cheap ass harbor freight bike pump give 10 psi.
I'd really be worried about overinflation with a compressor.
I have one of these...
But as long as the hose is long enough for where ever you put your fill valve you could use this
And realistically even this would work. It really doesn't take much especially considering you won't be changing psi that often. Just make sure it is schaeder valve comparable

 

With a compressor you usually give them a quick shot and then lower the pressure to where you want. Unless you are hauling a way huge load you won't normally need over about 20psi. I've had my Tundra to 40psi but that was with way too much oak in the bed and only about 2 blocks to drive.

 

Has anyone put daystar cradles on after first running just the bags? if so, did you notice any additional lift from the cradles? i'm currently running bilstein 5100 all around (2.5" in front) with just the airbags in the back without daystar cradles. the back end is super stiff and i have to set bags at about 40psi to keep her level. will adding the cradles add a bit more lift to the rear end, allowing me to deflate the bags a bit for a softer ride? thoughts/advice?

 

I got my Ride Rite extensions from E Trailer. More than they were worth at $35 a set plus shipping, especially for having to custom cut the length and drill the original bottom plates for mounting. The link below shows the method of mounting. Same price for either a 2" ,4", or 6" extension. I'll be using mine with the Daystar cradles. If someone lifts from the frame, the rear end would be suspended from the bags, not good.


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-and-grooving.348487/page-3480#post-11453369

 

I did this. No additional lift noted

 

Finally got my bags on yesterday. I used the Daystar cradles, and put in 20 lbs air. Smooth ride, no difference from stock until speed bump, then it's stiff. No slap from the cradles either. 20 lbs lifts 1 1/2", and only sank 1/2" with a load of nine bags of concrete and 3 4x4x12'ers hanging out the back. That's what I'm talking 'bout!



A couple tips on the installation:
I didn't cut the bump stops, I simply removed them, all of two minutes FTMFW. Only thing to watch for is to get the U bolts lined up where they belong.

The Ride Rite doesn't really fit the 2015 Taco just by itself. You do need an adapter spacer to get down to the axle, as the bottom mount doesn't reach it. There isn't a standard spacer, either, so you have to shorten one to fit. The picture below shows my 2" spacer, cut down to fit. Some guys weld these on, but I used the bolts supplied 'cause welded would be a problem in the future if I decide to upgrade the leaf springs.

What comes with the kits are jam nuts, which are a pain to use. I changed out all the jam nuts for Nylocks.

I installed two separate schraeder valves onto the 9 pin rack under the bumper. Works out fine. I think Teeing them together would handle poorly when cornering or with an uneven load.

 

So, you ordered that spacer kit from Firestone? I put Dakars in a couple of months ago. I didn't even think about this...

 

No, I didn't even know about the need for the extensions till I went to install them. I finally found them at E Trailer, nobody else seemed to know about them. They come in 2", 4", and 6" lengths. I ordered the 2" extensions for my stock 2015 TRD. Note: These are not lifts, they only extend the length of the mounting plate to meet your axle for the required support for the bottom plate.

The extension fab is the most time consuming, the install itself only takes a couple hours.
Below is how they are fitted to your particular application:

Lay out and drill the mounting holes on the base unit.


Make a template of the required height, transfer it to the extensions, and cut off the excess length.


Cut it just shy of your scribe line.


Grind the radius to match the axle.


The installed extensions.


If your template was good, it will match up and you're good to go.