3” trd lift with aftermarket airbags

Hi guys , I have a ‘23 tundra hybrid limited with airlift 5000 airbags. I’ll be installing the trd lift in the spring and I was wondering what to do with my current bags, should I shim them 2” or it doesn’t matter to not shim them. I noticed the trd kit comes with bumps tops but won’t be able to use them. Any pictures will be appreciated thanks
JP

 

I'm interested in this answer as well. I already have the TRD lift but would like to add air bags for towing/hauling since this truck sags pretty easily.

 

BUMP. I guess maybe no one has an answer for this yet. The only issue I see is after lifting if you over flex the rear it could tear a bag but I had bags on my lifted 06 F150 and never had an issue. Worse case you might need to fab a spacer for the bottom. Another idea I had was to swap out the rear shocks for aftermarket air shocks instead of bags but it wouldn't be as good of a ride as the bilsteins.

I'm sure you can make it work somehow. You might have to be the guinea pig and report back.

 

@Welderdude80 I took some pics and measurements of my truck with the trd lift. The distance between the frame and axle is 9½" left side and 9¼" right side, unloaded bed with ¾ fuel tank. Per air lifts install video it looks like the bags bolt on and replace the bump stop.

When you can report back with your measurements and pics for comparison with your bags.

 

I added the 2" spacers to the bags before installing. I got these and they worked as expected.

$38 52420 2" Air Bag Lift Universal Air Spring Spacers Kit for Most Lift Kits

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NM29D55?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Well that's easy, didn't know they made those. Any pics of your bags with the spacers? I assume they go between the top of axle and bottom of the bags?

Also do you have the TRD lift?

 

Hey @Hoody ! You planning on doing this? I was looking at dobinsons springs but this seems simpler since I don't always have a load in the bed.
Here's the squat with 2 bikes and 4 days of camping/riding gear.

 

Looks like you're up in the Owens Valley in my neck of the woods?

Yes I would like to add air bags but I honestly haven't even towed my toy hauler yet with the new tundra. I can't afford an air bag kit right now anyway but I'll try towing a few times first to see how bad I need them.

 

Took this picture on the death valley side near Panamint Springs Resort. We did ride the bikes out to Lone Pine and hit some mines and then Alabama Hills. Such a great trip.

If I do springs or bags in the rear I'll keep you updated. I feel like the rear is extremely soft and the front is a bit stiff with our set-up.

 

Oh yeah, I thought of death valley with all the yellow wild flowers. I'm from bishop, so I know this whole area. Tons of fun single track up here.

I agree the rear feels very soft even with the little towing I've done with a sxs, moving my toy hauler around and just loading the bed. My in laws put an air bag/compressor kit on their 22 tundra and I'm hoping they trade it in within the next year so i can buy the kit off their truck. Please keep us updated if you do it.

 

I got 2” leveling pucks up front and it sits like 3/8-5/8 lower in back without any load. I put my painting cargo trailer on it and it sags pretty good…. I hook up the dump trailer to it and it’s ridiculous but still doesn’t bottom out… but it’s too much to deal with.

I eventually want a suspension lift with bags.

for now I think I’m gonna get the 1” rear pucks for the back… they make a 1 5/8” puck… can’t decide yet.

need to do more research in suspension lifts. A 3” inch in front and 2” in back would be good I think as long as bags were involved…

I’ve seen people towing huge toy haulers with our exact truck so they just have bags then right?

appreciate the info and input

 

Hope you've been well Hoody.

I just ordered the bags and a 2" spacer... hope to get them on before Friday. I'll be hauling 3 dirtbikes.

 

The TRD lift kit is a 3" front and 2" rear lift so your pucks will give the same stance as the TRD lift kit.. To support the load it'll either be stiffer springs, bags, or both. With stiffer springs you need to find a spring rate that is stiff enough to support the load you plan to haul/tow. When not hauling/towing it'll be a stiffer ride but the benefit here is generally the suspension travel isn't affected. With bags you can change the stiffness by adding/removing pressure from the bags and this will help if you haul varying types of loads. The downsides with bags that I can tell so far is that it becomes a limiting factor in your suspension travel. The up-travel of the wheel is limited by the amount the bags can compress. When compressed they have a height that is higher than the factory bump stops. During down travel of the wheel they act as a "limit strap" preventing the wheel to extend fully. The down travel issue can be alleviated by using air bag cradles instead of fixing them to the axle. I plan on doing this after I've seen how much down travel I've lost.

 

Airlift 5000 ultimate with 2" spacers. Did well but I think I'll add the airlift airbag cradles.

 

I want the trd 3” suspension lift. And after I see what the stance is like with the 2”/1” leveling pucks, I’ll know for sure… going to do more research now on airbag cradles vs 2” block/spacer under the bag…? Still learning

 

I just acquired a used air bag/ compressor kit but need spacers to install. My suspension has settled a bit over time and after dry fitting the bags it looks like I only have a 1.25" gap to not compress the bags when empty. Trying to decide if I should use the 2" spacer which will compress the bags, or rough country has a 1.5" spacer, or just use the air lift cradles.

How's the ride with your bags been and did you ever need to switch to the cradles?

 

I have the airlift 5000 with the jounce bumper in them on cradles, it lifted my rear ~1 inch. I don't have the TRD lift but icons up front. The bag and cradle setup works great for me, down travel retained, just enough lift and heavy load support at the push of a button.

 

Thanks for the feedback and pics. Do the bags rest in the cradle when unloaded and wheels on the ground? Also any noise or chatter from the bags slapping the cradles on dirt roads or anything?

 

The bottom pic is ride height with 5lbs in bags, no load in the bed. I live 3 miles up a dirt road and no noise, that I can tell, from the rear suspension. Very happy with the setup.

 

Has anyone found a good spot to mount the Air Lift EZ mount compressor on a Crewmax 6.5' bed?

I've seen a few videos and write ups about the short bed but my truck doesnt seem to have those spots available and i'm having a hard time finding a good place to mount it. Seems like the room on the frame is limited and the only decent spot (due to big fuel tank) is very close to the exhaust. Thanks for any input or advice.

 

I used the frame above the exhaust exit (6.5 bed). Was the highest "out of the way" spot

 

Do you have any photos for reference please? I'm a little worried about constant wheel spray in rain/snow.

 

I have a 24 Limited TRD offroad with the factory lift, that I bought used. I noticed these airbag valves when I was installing my plate.
Stupid question, but are these factory? ( I can't find any mention in the manual), or did the previous owner install them?

 

That is aftermarket. Those should be to manually fill your air bags if they're still installed. To my knowledge Toyota doesn't offer the lift and ride control suspension together, plus they use an on board compressor not manual fill.

 

I've since gone to axle dump exhaust, but didn't see any issues with stock exhaust. It's dirty but works fine.
Think I'll fab something to move to the spare tire area come spring, or higher into the bed void.

 

Not oem. Someone installed air bags at one point. I'm not a fan of independent fill, but its got its benefits...just got to make sure you have the right amount of air in each at all times.

 

Thanks, I guess I need to crawl under there and see what I have installed and how to best maintain/use them.