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Airbags VS Sumo VS Active Suspension - Ride Quality?

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by NEProTRD, Jan 12, 2021.

  1. Jan 14, 2021 at 6:44 PM
    #31
    NEProTRD

    NEProTRD [OP] New Member

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    This solution might work for towing vs daily. Why not just unscrew the 1 set and leave them off, why the second set at all?
     
  2. Jan 14, 2021 at 6:56 PM
    #32
    Mcarrer91

    Mcarrer91 New Member

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    I use firestone airbags for towing. I tow 3-4xs a year. Loaded up at 11k lbs with a weight distirbution hitch.
    Rest of the time i dont run cargo in the bed EVER.
    I keep the bags empy year round BUT my tundra crewmax is lifted with king 2.5s all around, coachbuilder +2 shackels in the rear, and 305/55/20R a/t tires, air bags and cradels.
    Even with empty bags, rear lift with shocks and shackles, the bags barely touch the cradels on the passanger side, and touch on the driver side (due to fuel tank)

    If you're towing heavy loads whether in the bed or a trailer, firestone bags and cradels are the way to go. I ran the shrader values to the rear bumper near the license.plate. I ran each bag with its own individual air line.
     
  3. Jan 14, 2021 at 7:05 PM
    #33
    pickeledpigsfeet

    pickeledpigsfeet New Member

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    Kings & Icons
    Stock rear springs?
     
  4. Jan 14, 2021 at 7:13 PM
    #34
    Mcarrer91

    Mcarrer91 New Member

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    Mid travel w/king shocks, total chaos uppers, coachbuilder +2 shackels
    Yup bone stock springs
     
  5. Jan 14, 2021 at 7:19 PM
    #35
    realprotundra

    realprotundra Always Skeptical

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    I’m putting in Firestone bags and cradles tomorrow truck is very new (just under 1k miles). I’ll be interested to see if this is something I’ll notice less because of less seat time in this truck. I also have a TRD rear sway to throw on but I think I’ll space them out a couple weeks to make sure I can feel the difference between the two.
     
    BGoodiE likes this.
  6. Jan 14, 2021 at 8:50 PM
    #36
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Seat covers, dash mat, ext. Trans. Cooler, sumo springs, oem pwr fld tow mirrors
    Full set is for daily and towing, chopped set is for off road articulation of the axle. Like I said before easily swap with a hi lift under the hitch to gain clearance to make the swap easily.
     
  7. Jan 14, 2021 at 8:55 PM
    #37
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    You nailed it! Read my post about second cut off set for off road though.
     
  8. Jan 14, 2021 at 9:01 PM
    #38
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Seat covers, dash mat, ext. Trans. Cooler, sumo springs, oem pwr fld tow mirrors
    Air bag fails at highway speed with 11k trailer might be a little spooky! I will keep my sumos and feel more comfortable.
     
  9. Jan 14, 2021 at 9:51 PM
    #39
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    sounds like a decent idea. I may consider this. Possibly cheaper than switching to roadmaster setup for me. I like the sumos with a load, but unloaded they are just a little too much
     
    2mchfun[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Jan 14, 2021 at 9:54 PM
    #40
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    the sumo springs replace your bumpstop. So if you were to bottom out the rear without the spring you will be slamming metal on metal and break the sumo mounts.

    i wonder which sumo springs would be best for cutting down? I run the lightest ones currently
     
  11. Jan 14, 2021 at 10:11 PM
    #41
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    You can also take the factory bump stop and cut the plates off both sides drill a deeper hole, then epoxy in a coupling nut that has been roughed with a file for adhesion. The nut will be same thread as sumo. Then you have a diy screw on factory bump stop that if done properly should work without spending over $150 for more sumo items to chop up. Be sure to thread in a greased or waxed bolt in the coupling nut before sticking into the epoxy. Then removal should be easy after cure.
     
  12. Jan 15, 2021 at 4:46 PM
    #42
    usaf.2012

    usaf.2012 New Member

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    10" BAMuffler // Bilstein 5100s all around & front on Mid setting // Toytec shackles // BHLM
    I put the RAS HD kit on last spring. I think it was a def improvement especially when pulling the TT. I felt like the truck stayed more planted when towing and also helped to reduce the proposing affect when going over rolling bumps or ice heaves. I can also adjust them to be less stiff if wanted.
     
  13. Jan 15, 2021 at 4:58 PM
    #43
    14CRWMX

    14CRWMX New Member

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    I have Sumos as well, black. Had to drive with 1000lbs of concrete for 3 days before i could unload it . Not a single issue or any sagging. Really useful addition if you have to haul heavy stuff. Never been offroad though so can't comment on that. Just my 2 cents
     
  14. Jan 20, 2021 at 6:52 PM
    #44
    NateG

    NateG New Member

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    I’m in need of bags when I tow my fifth wheel.
    Would I have issues with the firestones/day star cradles with a 2” block lift and lift struts in the back??(already installed)

    E0809B0C-70C4-4062-9CAB-500962868F85.jpg
     
    rothmigo likes this.
  15. Jan 20, 2021 at 7:24 PM
    #45
    rothmigo

    rothmigo New Member

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    7" BDS/Fox, 5.29, 37x13.50 Nitto, 22x12 Hostile Rage,BAM
    @NateG cool to see the fifth wheel and Tundra! Saw one on the highway the other day pulling a FW car hauler. I would like to have a SMALL FW toy hauler if there was such a thing but they all seem huge. I may have too much lift now to fifth wheel it!

    Here's my setup just installed a few weeks ago. Firestone airbags, daystar cradles, fabricated 1/4" aluminum spacer plate under cradle to give me the ride height I wanted at minimum inflation pressure ... and ended up being right about smack in the middle of the distance between top and bottom mounts firestone instructions recommended. Fabricated axle bracket extensions with my father in-law to deal with the distance the 4" lift block creates. Firestone instructions says the axle bracket extension is not necessary although they do offer a couple of options...just not an option that worked for me and I look for projects with my father in law..he's a cool dude. Went with individual manual inflation valves and installed them in the fuel hatch housing. I haven't driven it enough to give lots of feedback but first drive was smooth but I did hear a bag reenter the cradle when I was playing around in the snow for some pics. May purchase a camper so Migo will be ready to pull. I've been an oil mess cause I sprayed a rust preventative film underneath before I did air bags and some other mods lol.

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Jan 20, 2021 at 7:31 PM
    #46
    Skey44

    Skey44 GreenvilleOverland

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    Lift, tires, wheels, roof rack
    Man that’s a small leaf spring! 958F7DE8-F5C8-4C51-A6F0-2B60B440E422.jpgNice rig btw! Beautiful
     
  17. Jan 20, 2021 at 7:58 PM
    #47
    NateG

    NateG New Member

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    ok so I’d be ok to install the ride rite kit with the brackets that are included? Again, I have 2” blocks.

    yea my fifth wheel is actually a toy hauler. Vintage 1995. They do make them, just hard to find.
     
  18. Jan 20, 2021 at 8:04 PM
    #48
    rothmigo

    rothmigo New Member

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    Awesome it's a toy hauler...score!!! No axle bracket extensions are included, but the instructions say they do NOT have to reach the axle for non stock setup. I didn't like the look of that just hanging there so fabricated axle bracket extensions. Firestone does sale certain length axle bracket extensions like these...but none for my setup...these are 2" so maybe spot on for you:

    https://www.amazon.com/Firestone-WR17602506-Air-Rite-Bracket-Extension/dp/B0052XZ9OM

    etrailer has some non firestone options that might work and less proud on price.

    Pull the instructions for the airbags and this will all make sense.
     
    NateG[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Jan 20, 2021 at 8:53 PM
    #49
    BigArt

    BigArt New Member

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  20. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:25 AM
    #50
    realprotundra

    realprotundra Always Skeptical

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    Well, I’m pretty picky and notice absolutely no increase at all in NVH with Firestone ride-rite bags at 5 psi (in Daystar cradles) and the TRD rear sway bar. Definitely pleased that I decided to go the airbag route vs. sumo springs or active suspension.
     
    BGoodiE likes this.
  21. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:28 AM
    #51
    realprotundra

    realprotundra Always Skeptical

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  22. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:41 AM
    #52
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    Ive tried to study this issue a lot lately, as I cannot quite figure out the ideal loading of my trailer yet.

    I do believe they pumped the bags until the pitch of the truck returned to level.

    My question is this, exactly how negative is the slight unloading of weight from the front end. Pickups are so nose heavy by default that even with the 1000lb tongue weight added in the video, the truck was still heavier up front than the rear....

    my trailer is a 500lb tongue weight for example is below my axle capacity, so therefore leveling my truck with airbags for example shouldn’t be a big deal? Just curious what the pros think
     
  23. Jan 21, 2021 at 11:54 AM
    #53
    realprotundra

    realprotundra Always Skeptical

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    It doesn't appear that they actually leveled the vehicle with the air bags. The measurements provided still have squat with the airbags whereas it does not have any squat with the WDH. Unfortunately that video appears to be more of a commercial for a WDH manufacturer than anything else.
     
    Bigboitundra and Hbjeff[QUOTED] like this.
  24. Jan 21, 2021 at 12:04 PM
    #54
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    ah you’re correct they brought the rear back to the starting height, not to the same overall angle of the truck
     
  25. Jan 21, 2021 at 6:01 PM
    #55
    Mcarrer91

    Mcarrer91 New Member

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    I tow with a weight distribution hitch and airbags, trailer. Once trailer is hooked and weight distribution set up is configured, ill add just enough air in the bags so the truck is almost/just below being leveled.

    The rear of my truck already sits higher than the front due to my coachbuilder +2 shackels, king 2.5 shocks and the firestore airbags (without air in bags).
     

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