Air bags for rear suspension

I love threads like this. What to do------- new leaf springs (what brand, HD?)-----add a leafs------sumos-------air bags-----rear sway bar. I'm stock with 5100s, the one thing I'm really good at is dragging my feet. But I love information. I just want to get some bulk top soil etc. and trips to lowes without hitting the bump stops

 

Here are a couple pictures with the setup I did with the U-bolt flip. The bottom mount is supposed to be reversed so the little piece that hooks around the U-bolt but it didn't work with the u-bolt flip.
Seems to be working so far.

 

To follow up earlier my personal Sprigs Springs journey...

I had bought the SS Blacks for my truck and finally installed them. I have an '01 AC SR5. I wanted them because of two reasons. 1. Trips to the rock/gravel yard were un-nerving making my truck sag. 2. Eventually a more robust Four Wheel Camper or similar is in the works which I need support in the rear. This is the solution that worked for me vs airbags which are a great, but slightly more complicated but robust solution for rear support. Airbags are awesome stuff, just not my cup of tea for my application.

After the installation now the trips to the rockyard aren't scary anymore, no more nose in the sky and light steering. The rear end bounce/liveliness is DEFINITELY more noticeable but not horrible. I might have gone with the blues (one stage less support) in hindsight if this was my daily driver, it's just my weekend truck (and eventually camping rig).

Thanks all for supporting one another with the info that helps us all make decisions on our awesome trucks.

 

Got the airbags and the camper. I'll post up a picture soon. The springs were pretty squat with the airbags empty and I'll probably still do some new leafs in the back. Thinking about the AG medium duty springs with airbags. Should help with support and still have a nice ride when the camper is unloaded.

 

Couple things people should think about:

Air bags should never eliminate a chassis bumpstop, ever, ever. That is how you bend your frame around an air bag/mount when it loses air pressure or it is just compressed until it hits metal to metal. I have customers who properly install the airbag forward of the axle, and retain bumpstop or run our U-bolt flip, no problem.

Sumo springs are an expensive but poor alternative to increasing the leaf pack spring rate. They are not a bumpstop, and they rob you of your bump travel, severely limiting travel.

Stock 1G packs are prone to cracking and lack support for the ends of main leaf, which bends around lower leaves. If you're doing HD stuff, it's highly recommended you replace the spring pack from the beginning. People who are serious but start with AAL, usually end up going to a full pack afterwards, so save your money and time by getting a real leaf pack upgrade out of the gate. It's the better way. We've decided not to offer an AAL due to shortcomings of stock 1G packs. I've found only about 750lbs centered on rear axle drops the stock rear springs about 4" right onto stock bumpstop. This is Toyota's standard pickup method across the board, caddy soft rear, embarrassing for a pickup other than for commuting in it. 3rd gen Tundras are the same.

 

That is great advice @Archive thank you.
You described exactly what I did; I already had an AAL and have the airbags forward of the axle and still have my bumps in place. But I would feel better with new leafs in place that have more leafs in the pack. I want to give it a little bit to try and decide exactly what I want, but I'm pretty sure I'll be going with your MD pack because without the camper I don't keep weight in the rear.

 

I do think that one thing to note is if you already have a lift in the rear via blocks, not AAL's, sumo springs can work really well. You may have a different opinion on blocks vs AAL's but one advantage of blocks is keeping factory ride while lifting. I have 2 1/2" blocks in the back and my sumo springs (blues) have a gap of about a 1/2 inch til they hit the frame, so they are working as bump stops but minimalize sag when I am towing a camper or load down the bed. I've been a big fan of them on lifted trucks w/o AAL's.

 

Blocks only lift, they don't increase bump travel or improve load handling ability. They can be fine depending on usage.

We are focused on improving the suspension for off road and HD use. I understand not everyone needs that, or some are willing to accept compromises. But we know what the best solution is with least compromises.

As for ride, just received this email yesterday:

"Hi Eric,

Finally got around to installing the MD springs on my 04 tundra. I just wanted to let you know that these things ride incredible and are awesome. I’m am very happy with them, thank you for such a great product!"

 

Well I finally made it back with the camper and got to test the airbags out. Here she is all loaded.