Towing + Off-Road Suspension Solution

Looking to get suspension setup suggestions from owners using their trucks for towing and off-road use. I've had Daystar cradles with air bags on my previous truck, but I didn't like the fact it took away some compression travel. Also, looks like it's not available for the 22+ Tundra just yet.

Based on research so far, it looks like my options are:

• New dampers with stiffer spring rate
  • Pros: Retain full droop/compression travel
  • Cons: May still have sag depending on how much weight on tongue
• Air bags in rear (Firestone, Air Lift)
  • Pros: Control exact desired height
  • Cons: Can't retain full droop/compression travel

I realize I there is no perfect solution. Right now, I'm leaning towards trying stiffer rear springs on new dampers, but really don't like the fact that the air bags will stay attached (no Daystar cradle) so it limits droop/compression travel.

I pull a 20 ft car hauler totaling about 5.5k pounds. Have another 300 pounds in the bed. Would love to hear what you guys think.

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for chiming in. Sounds like there is a "Coilover Bag" type that is in the air bag category, but actually a totally different air ride system which goes inside the springs of the coilover. Airlift and Firestone makes them, but nothing available for the 22+ Tundra just yet - it seems.

https://www.airliftcompany.com/workshop/air-bags-coil-springs-work/
https://www.firestoneairide.com/aut...assist-air-helper-spring-kits/coil-rite-kits/

 

I say new shocks to control the weight. But what about bags that go inside the coil spring, the bags would not be fixed on both ends (would never get the coil spring on). So articulation would be the same as stock.

 

I have the TRD offroad red shocks (not the TRD lift). We use our truck for towing. With weight distribution, I get the truck level.

My plan is to put a 1.75” level up front. So level when not towing. I expect that this will make it look like I am doing a wheelie!

I am going to install some Timbren stops as well. I am curious to see what these do in the rear with the trailer on. With no trailer, they should not affect the level.

So I am combining Timbrens and level. I hope it works for all my different uses. I really want level at all times.

 

Can you expand on this? Bags that go inside the coil spring?

 

this might help...
https://www.airliftcompany.com/workshop/air-bags-coil-springs-work/
not sure if anyone makes them for the Tundra though, I didn't see any in my quick search anyway

 

Outback I have dobinsons rear shocks, dobinsons coil springs and firestone in spring air bags- zero limit to travel and compression.

 

I agree that airbags inside of the coils would work well for an off-road vehicle. It won’t limit your articulation like the frame mounted bags do

I ran air lift bags in the coils on my GX, and had no issues finding the bumpstops

 

Do you have a link to the product you're talking about?

 

This is exactly what I'm running and so far so good. Setup for hauling Four Wheel Camper over virtually any terrain I'm willing to drive the truck on. 2.5" Icons on all four corners and Firestone Coilrite bags.

 

Man I had no idea this even existed!
Looks like no one makes it for the 22+ Tundra yet though.

 

Plenty of us have been using the 4164 kit made for LC and Sequoia. I can't speak to the long term durability of the bags in this application but they are super cheap, like $100 for the set. I'll just throw a spare in for big trips where it might make sense. I know one person on here has posted about a couple failures he had. In a pinch I could replace one in the bush if needed I think. It wouldn't be fun, but I believe doable.

 

The coil bag seems interesting. Do they make one that works on the front as well?

 

No, the front coils are over a coil over shocks so that doesn’t work. The rear springs are empty so the bags go in there

 

Yeah thats what I figured. Tangential question, what ever happened to Air shocks? I know they used to be more popular like in the 80s, but you hardly ever hear people using or even mentioning them now. I would think something like this would work for the rear, in conjunction with the stock coils to provide some height adjustment, atleast for the rear.