Airbags - anyone use them?

[Bostonfj60]

I'm thinking of installing some airbags in my 2007 Tacoma. I use the truck primarily as my 'photo rig', hauling a large amount of heavy photo gear. When fully loaded, the truck rides like a pogo stick, and frequently bottoms out. I was upgraded to the TRD springs under a recall from Toyota (TRD springs have 4 leafs vs. the standard springs which had 3) Even with the increased spring pack, the payload capacity is still crappy in my opinion. I also have a cap, so I'm already starting out with some weight in the back.

So, anyone have any experience with the Firestone system? Any other recommendations?

These are what I'm looking at:

Firestone for Toyota Tacoma 2007 - F2407

Firestone Dual Electric Air Command - Dual-Gauge w/ Standard-Duty Compressor - Dual Function Firestone F2178

Cheers!!

 

[nat88toy]

on the spring recall they swaped out to the CND version of rear spring slightly stronger spring with one extra spring in the pack,

The reason why the US got 3 spring is most people who buy the Tacoma want a cushie ride and don't put anything more then groceries in the back

if i were you i would find out what the spring rate is for the CND spec springs (TRD) then go to a company that makes springs and get some add-a-leafs made with the same spring rate "so it won't mess with the ride quality"

the add-a leaf option would ride better and be far more reliable then an air bag system, would most likely cost about the same

if do do decide to go with the springs and hae trouble finding the spring rates let me know, i have some connections with toyota

-nat

 

[Mad Jack]

I had a 89 mini, but used it to carry lots of weight(tools and equipment) for its size and wanted to do the same thing. The spring shop I took it to talked me out of the air rides for everyday use. They weren't big fans of them anyways, but they said the air ride would work but really wasn't designed to be used everyday. They talked me into rebuilding the spring packs...removed 1 leaf and add 2 thicker ones, if I remember correctly. Never had issues again, and that included dragging around a 6ft slide-in camper. It was also cheaper in the end as well...

 

[fogblanket]

JR
I thought about it esp. since it took alcan 3 tries to get my rear springs right. this is a good article
AirBagIt.com - Air Suspension Kits, Mini-Truck Parts, Sport Compact Parts! Airride, Airsprings, Towing Kits, Lambo Vertical Doors, Airbags.
you might want to look at these guys as well
Air Management | suicidedoors.com
i decided it was going ot be way to much work and blasphemy on an lv. but did do a fair amount of research into it. summit has good prices on the firestone kits and firestone has good info on their site as well
HTH Jason

 

[rapovt]

have you ever heard of Timbrens? They are rubber cushions that go over the spring to the frame. I use them on the front of my F350. They ride on them with the plow up and don't touch without the plow on
they work great
Vehicle Suspension Kits - Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems

 

[Bostonfj60]

sweet guys thanks for all the advice, I'm going to look into all these options!

 

[Splangy]

Toss a set of add-a-leafs in there and call it a day! I put a set of AAL's and some Billsteins in my 2007 Tacoma and it finally drove like a truck should.

 

[Bostonfj60]

Toss a set of add-a-leafs in there and call it a day! I put a set of AAL's and some Billsteins in my 2007 Tacoma and it finally drove like a truck should.

So with the add-a-leafs, does it jack up the rear end a bunch? I don't want to be driving down the road hot-rod style when unloaded...