Air Bags Installed

[OsoCruiser]

I just had some COIL-RITE (Firestone Industrial Products Company) rear air bags installed. With the minimum pressure of 10 psi they raise the rear of my stock Cruiser by about 1”. With no load it rides just a bit firmer in the rear. It’s barely noticeable. Maximum pressure is 100psi which is more than I'll ever need. They cost $105 for the kit, and labor was another $100.

I’ve ordered Icon springs and shocks to bring the front up. The plan is to get Icon shocks for the rear too when they become available.

I’ll post pictures soon.

 

[FirstToyota]

I emailed ICON last week and they gave me the following info:
1" Billet Spacers to raise the rear, Part# 5-3000 for $240 for the set.
ALSO - he told me there is a 2.5" "smooth shock" (i dont know what that means) for the rear that matches the front coilovers, and they are $299 per shock.

If I just wanted to raise the rear of my LC 1" (and I am not going to add any additional weight to the rear), what would be the better soultion? I have never researched the Firestone Air Bags, what are the pros and cons to them? How do you increase the air to each air bag? With an external air compressor, or is there a mini pump with the kit? Looks really interesting. If you could post pics and more info, that would be great.

 

[OsoCruiser]

Here are some pictures.

 

[OsoCruiser]

FirstToyota, that's good news about Icon.

The bags are connected via small tubing to a tire valve mounted on the bumper. One valve serves both shocks. Airing up or checking pressure is the same as for a tire.

Firestone has an on-board compressor and controller called "Air Command", but I didn't look into those. They're on the same web site as the bags.

If you are really sure that you will never have to haul a big load, then I would think the Icon spacers would be a good solution. They should not change the ride at all and ought to be bullet proof. I like the flexibility of the air bags, but you have to keep a minimum of 10 psi in them so you always have a small lift.

I think the air bags are pretty reliable. They've been around for years. Another company, Air Lift, makes them too, but not for our 200 series Cruisers. I had them on my last SUV, and they worked as advertised. Maybe some other members could share their experiences.

 

[texaswakerep]

OsoCruiser - I'm going to be purchasing some air bags in the near future for towing...not sure if I'll do Air lift or firestone yet, but I see you mentioned it brings up the rear about 1". In the case of my 13' LC, that would put me at a difference of 2.5" between the front and back. A 2" lift would level out the truck nicely. Are you happy with your Icon springs and shocks in the front? Hows the ride? Handling? Did it level it up? Pics?

 

[OsoCruiser]

I still like the Icons. The ride is very slightly stiffer feeling than stock, because of the significantly improved damping. Off road the ride seems to smooth out a bit if you drive a little faster (which I very seldom do). I bought them because they were the only adjustable front suspension available in early 2010. There are more choices now.

Let me update you on my airbags. I liked them, especially for towing but I got rid of them because they were not reliable off road. One time a hose pulled out of the bag. Then last fall they developed another leak and I replaced them with OME 722 springs.

Texaswakerep, what kind of trailer do you tow?

 

[texaswakerep]

Thanks for the reply. I tow a 21.5 ski boat that is tongue heavy. Trailer weighs roughly 1200 lbs and the boat weighs 3600 lbs.

I have two goals: Fix the squat of the rear when towing. And level the truck by lifting the front.

I'm open to any and all suggestions. Thanks for the help!