RAS and Timbrens

I’m thinking of buying the RAS HD kit for my 2014 tundra to eliminate some of the squat. I have Timbrens now but I hear RAS is a better system. Should I take off the Timbrens or leave them on with the RAS installed? Anyone selling some used RAS I’m in the market for some.

 

I would run one or the other, not both. I have heard of folks running RAS with airbags, so you could do it but dont think you will need to if you use RAS

 

Timbrens are a bump stop basically, roadmaster simply adds tension to your leaf spring with a separate coil spring. Should be no problem running together.

 

I had Sumo Springs on my Tundra but still wasn't happy with the squat when pulling our 27' TT (yes w/ a WDH properly set up) along with porpoising and other handling characteristics. I removed the Sumo Springs and installed the RAS HD kit and it made a huge difference while towing/ loaded. I kept the Sumo Springs but just reinstalled them back onto the Tundra as there still is a tiny bit a squat and I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I figure even if I'm overdoing it, I am ensuring my suspension and truck is protected. That's just me, I'd rather over do it....I'm taking a long distance road trip with our camper next week and I'll see how the combination of the RAS HD, Sumo Springs, and WDH perform....

BTW, my Tundra is not 4x4, stock TSS set up, and no lift. Except for the RAS HD and Sumo Springs, the suspension is completely stock....

 

Run both. I'm running Sumo springs and the newly installed RAS together.

 

@2mchfun spill the beans

 

Your leaf springs look almost flat

 

My rear suspension is stock and thinking of installing the Bilstein 5160

 

The RAS HD is one of the best ways to improve a Tundra. I use it in conjunction with Dobinson's 5+2 HD leaf pack, yellow Sumo springs as soft bump stops, Bilstein 5160 shocks, Ironman 4x4 greasable shackles and bushings, and BDS recoil traction bars. That said, you might be starting off with springs which are already compromised depending on how your truck has been used. I prefer to have a level truck even when it has been loaded and then loaded some more. RAS HD makes that a reality when used in conjunction with good leaf packs. Loaded it rides great, empty it rides great, at significant speed it corners great. Search a few threads on RAS here and somewhere you can probably see some photos of my rig if you wish to have a look. As for used, might be tough to find. Anyone who has one is probably quite attached, but it could happen so I can't fault you for trying!

 

Believe me, they were close to flat before I installed the RAS.

 

thats a lot of steel eating up the payload. As it is the payload is terrible on these tundras and when I have 730lbs of tongue weight on my trailer and a family of 4 in the cab that’s eating up the payload. I’ll stick to just RAS, Timbrens,TRD sway bar and WDH hitch with bars. Can I use RAS with the Timbrens or will the RAS be enough?

 

We both have different opinions on what is best, and I have more or less already stated my preference. Suppose your loaded with only one system and blazing a path down the road...SNAP! It fails at a bad time! A redundant system may be just enough to save the day, or it may be just enough added stress to cause the failure. Pretty difficult to compare all the possible scenarios and weigh all the different factors. Another reason I like the added iron is due to location, it reduces the center of gravity and provides more overall traction. This will matter even more when I throw in the 5.29 diff gears and other overall performance mods, especially during inclement weather conditions. Sorry if not what you wanted to hear.

 

I’m just stating the obvious about payload and why I need and your right you do you and I do me but my original question is on ras and timbren combination. That’s all

 

I get it, and provided my answer. So, do you have a plan now? If so, care to share it and why you favor it. I will not argue either way, just curious to see another perspective. Good luck and safe travels!

 

Since I’m only towing a 6300lb dry travel trailer with a tongue weight of 730lbs, I’m leaning towards getting the RAS system as it seems to raise my rear to help with squat. Your setup is awesome but it’s too much for my needs. I like the bilstein 5160 also but not sure how that will work with my Timbrens on because they won’t let the bilstein 5160 compress far enough before the timbren stops it when off-roading. But they’re an awesome application. I wish the payload on these tundras were a lot better because they make some awesome after market parts for the truck. As of now I’ll just use it for towing and set it up that way.

 

I believe it’s been answered several times. Yes you can use them together, or you must go back to factory bump stops.

timbrens and sumo springs are simply a large bump stop, ras works to preload the leaf spring.
Two different systems that can be used together.