Another Rear Suspension Thread

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teamcurtis

teamcurtis

Joined
May 9, 2025
Threads
6
Messages
17
Location
San Diego
06 with 130k miles
I've noticed when the truck sits overnight, or even all day while at work the rear has settled down a bit.
Yesterday i "measured" both sides with my hand. Rear passenger was about 2" lower than rear drivers side. Started the truck and waited then measured again. Both were even, and both were at least 3" higher than before.

Guessing the passenger side airbag is leaking. Will need to confirm before i start replacing things.

I really like the ride leveling and comfort of the stock suspension, but know most people just go to a coil/shock combo.
Can I just replace the airbags or am I wasting time by not replacing the shocks too?

Can the spring option offer the same level of comfort?
I go offroad, but more unmaintained fire roads than anything serious. I also tow a few times a year, but never more than a 3k trailer fully loaded.
 
running 265/70 17 SL tires
I got 1" toytec front spacer (not installed yet) I dont care to lift the rear, just level it
 
Im planning on replacing my original OEM bags in the coming weeks/months. 2005 with ~194k miles.

No leaking/issues yet, but we also just recently bought a camping trailer and I would rather replace the 20 year old bags before they fail (especially while towing).
 
stupidchicken03 said:
Im planning on replacing my original OEM bags in the coming weeks/months. 2005 with ~194k miles.

No leaking/issues yet, but we also just recently bought a camping trailer and I would rather replace the 20 year old bags before they fail (especially while towing).
Click to expand...
planning on replacing the shocks too, or just the bags?
 
Those are that good? I ordered the OEM for $400 a side...
 
My Dobinsons rear springs and Nitro shock set up feel basically like stock. I've never looked back since.
 
I did a coil conversion in 2021. IMO, the coils ride better and flex better for wheeling. BUT, for towing the bags are vastly superior. So I just added a set of Firestone bags inside the coils, which can be kept at very low pressures (5 psi) when not in use. It tows much better with the aux bags and a standard hitch than it did with no bags and a weight distribution hitch. Hindsight being 20/20, I would have considered extended Airbagman bags a bit more instead (however the coils + helper bag combo is the most reliable and versatile option as you still have the springs if you blow a bag out or if the OEM pump system has problems).

With infrequent towing, coils are the better choice IMO.
 
Replace your shocks but you don't need to get the adjustable OEM ones. I also have an 06 and replaced everything around 130k last year. I thought the shocks were fine based on how it felt but I was so wrong. Both were toast and one even took 15min to rebound laying on the ground 😂. I would say if you can't tell a meaningful difference when you change the adjustment knob for your shocks then they should be replaced. I went with coils but I think sticking with the bags is a great choice.
 
The Luftmeister shocks if still available on Amazon are a cheap way to keep OEM adjustability and they worked fine for me over 10,000 miles before I switched to the Dobs lift. Ended up selling them to another member for very cheap.
 
Replaced both airbags with factory bags, and shocks with Luft-Meister
Now feels like it bottoms out hard over big bumps at any speed, slow or fast
 
Front - Bilsteins 5100 - $131 each + KYB Coil Spring Holder $54 for Pair
Rear - Bilstein 5100 - $95 each plus Moog Coil Springs 81045 $90 per Pair.
Total Cost $594 + Shipping & Tax - Use the 5% RockAuto Discount Code

Added the AirLift Bags in Rear Coil Springs - $150 - See Pics Attached - 1000 Pounds of Added Capacity - Add Air to Prevent Squatting while Towing

This combination is Labor Intensive (If you DIY 1 Day for Front - 1 day for Rear), but it's Cheap and as Durable as it Gets.

No Suspension Airbag Sensors, Compressor, or Shock Adjustments to Fail - Same Setup as 4 Runner

When Compressed the 200K OEM Shocks in Front did not Extend. New Shocks made HUGE Difference in Ride.

A Google Search will show the Bilsteins are Proven.

Airlift Bag in Coil.webp


Moog.webp


KYB Front Shock Mount.webp


Front Shock with KYB.webp


Airlift Spec.webp


Air Bag Fill Port.webp


Slight Lift from Shocks.webp
 
teamcurtis said:
Replaced both airbags with factory bags, and shocks with Luft-Meister
Now feels like it bottoms out hard over big bumps at any speed, slow or fast
Click to expand...
The luftmeisters are garbage. Only used them for 2 months, they let the car bounce like crazy and one blew in under 2,000mi.

The OEM shocks are expensive but they are VERY EASY to replace by yourself. So you have to pay $1200 for the parts but the labor is nonexistent. ANYONE can replace the rear shocks on these things themselves its a 10-minute job per side, you don't even have to take the tire off.
 
Ignignot said:
The OEM shocks are expensive but they are VERY EASY to replace by yourself
Click to expand...
UNLESS there's any amount of rust on them! What a PIA it was to disconnect the sensors and remove any of the bolts to get the front OEM's out. Probably the hardest front struts I've ever removed.

Edit: just worked out you're referring to the rears. Ya, those are easy

1772812737339.webp
 
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M3GX said:
UNLESS there's any amount of rust on them! What a PIA it was to disconnect the sensors and remove any of the bolts to get the front OEM's out. Probably the hardest front struts I've ever removed.

Edit: just worked out you're referring to the rears. Ya, those are easy

View attachment 4098091
Click to expand...
Yeah I was talking about rears, they were easier than changing the oil. The front shocks are actually quite affordable and I did pay an independent toyota mechanic to install those.
 
M3GX said:
UNLESS there's any amount of rust on them! What a PIA it was to disconnect the sensors and remove any of the bolts to get the front OEM's out. Probably the hardest front struts I've ever removed.

Edit: just worked out you're referring to the rears. Ya, those are easy

View attachment 4098091
Click to expand...
Same Nightmare I faced.
Busted them off With Prybar.
I'm sure it was a nice system when new.
Also removed the Compressor. It was Trashed too.
Simple is Better in Older Cars.
The Previous owners got tired of the Air Bags & Repairs - 1st was Height Sensors for Airbags, next Leaking Airbags and Suspension Bottoming Out then It went for Sale.
I let him know all the Repairs/Upgrades I do with these pics.
He likes that Truck lives on in Good Hands.

IMG_4815.webp
 
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I cut the top of mine off with a sawzall. Just be aware there is a hidden AC hard line behind the PS strut tower. If you aren't careful you'll puncture it with the tip of your sawzall blade and half to patch it.
 
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