Bilstein Shocks and AirLift Air Bags

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4Peanut

4Peanut

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
May 27, 2009
Threads
36
Messages
688
Location
Mount Airy, MD
This past Saturday we loaded up the Land Cruiser with a Thule case, Softride hitch-mounted bike rack, four bikes, and a family of four. I measured the compression in the rear at 2.5" (from hub center to fender lip 21.5" unloaded, 19" loaded). With several trips planned this Summer with as much or more stuff, I decided that rear air bags was the best solution for me. I run a 1.5" rear spacer and have the front set at 21" from hub center to fender lip. I love the stance and the ride, so changing the rear springs and potentially being unhappy with the height and/or ride was not an option. The AirLift air bags will allow me to tune the rear suspension to a level stance and improve braking and handling when loaded down. Since I'm going to be into the rear suspension anyway, I thought it was a great time to replace the 120K mile OEM shocks.

Everything should arrive in a few days, and I'm hopeful for a straightforward install based on all the great information here on 'MUD. However, given my recent CV and wheel bearing work, the upper bolts on the rear shocks will probably give me no trouble, yet something simple will.

By the way, I purchased everything from AutoZone which had, as far as I could find, the best pricing online:

Bilstein Front 24027397 $75.99 each
Bilstein Rear 24027403 $75.99 each
AirLift Load Leveling Kit 60728 $87.99

I signed up for a free ShopRunner 30-day trial so I received free two-day shipping, and the $391.95 subtotal qualified for three $15 AutoZone gift cards. So, after taxes and less the gift cards, the net cost for four shocks plus the air bags is $370.47.

Here's it's typical loaded down stance.
IMG_2817.webp
 
re_guderian said:
Be interested in how the stock bags work with the 1" spacer, if you have to add more air. I just ordered bags that were 1" taller.
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I spoke with AirLift this morning. The bags work by pressing outward on the spring [not by pressing against the spring perches] and effectively changing the spring rate, so unless the spring height and/or diameter is changed the 60728 kit is the proper fitment for an OEM spring, even with a spacer.
 
4Peanut said:
I spoke with AirLift this morning. The bags work by pressing outward on the spring [not by pressing against the spring perches] and effectively changing the spring rate, so unless the spring height and/or diameter is changed the 60728 kit is the proper fitment for an OEM spring, even with a spacer.
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I've heard that before. When I first installed my bags, I ran them up to 35 PSI unloaded in the garage. It raised the truck by well over an inch without moving the truck. Not sure how that works with just outward pressure? Anyway, I'm sure an inch either way isn't a big deal. They DO hit the perches under minimal compression, and will have a large gap at articulation, and have a slight gap at ride height. I haven't checked gaps at higher inflation pressues, mostly while wheeling at ~5=ish PSI. Install 'em and play around with different pressures in the garage and see what happens. :cheers:
 
re_guderian said:
I've heard that before...Not sure how that works with just outward pressure?
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This is my layman's understanding: As the air pressure inside the bag increases, the bag presses against and then between the individual coils of the spring. This pressure between the coils makes it harder for the spring to compress. Think of it like an inner tube inside a bicycle tire.

Myanmar Shave said:
I put Bilstein gas shocks on my 2000 LC about 80K ago and they seem to be holding up real well.
Click to expand...

That's great to hear. I've read nothing but good things on 'MUD regarding these shocks for those of us with stock and "stockish" trucks.
 
I just installed the Airlift last week and was quite pleased with the results. I had the back completely loaded and a light trailer in tow headed for camp. The ride was rock solid at 20 psi. Install wasn't too difficult (2.5 hours for an amateur) , just make sure to center the hole bore in the spring stand.

Even without towing, which I rarely do, this is a good mod for those family trips when you cram everything in the back and get some droop. And of course, I too have the Bilsteins on my ride.
 
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I love mine, when they work. I am going back in to enlarge the perch hole on the pass side, keeps knocking off the hose on articulation, Only complaint. But the Billies and bag combo are great and versatile.
Now it's time to replace the suspension bushings, need to start looking for a kit?
 
Winter was bad with snow, etc. But I not so certain my springs stay centered so the large hole I posted in the FAQ thread on the drivers side is what I need on the pass side. Strange others dont have my same issue, but it is what it is. I can almost go back in without thinking about it now, 3rd time.
 
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