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Air Bag Rear Spring

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Gossamer, Aug 26, 2021.

  1. Aug 26, 2021 at 11:32 AM
    #1
    Gossamer

    Gossamer [OP] lunarrocktrdpro1

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    anyone with a 21 TRD Pro installed or have knowledge of an airbag kit that will work? Wondering what difference, if any, exists between the rear spring dimensions of a PRO and a standard 4Runner.
     
  2. Aug 26, 2021 at 12:41 PM
    #2
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Like helper bags?

    I'm going to assume you not trying to lower it.
     
  3. Aug 26, 2021 at 12:42 PM
    #3
    Gossamer

    Gossamer [OP] lunarrocktrdpro1

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    correct...trying to limit the sag when I pull a 1000lb trailer
     
  4. Oct 15, 2021 at 1:32 PM
    #4
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Did you go with bags?
     
  5. Oct 16, 2021 at 7:28 PM
    #5
    Gossamer

    Gossamer [OP] lunarrocktrdpro1

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    No…threw the westcott on…
     
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  6. Oct 16, 2021 at 10:29 PM
    #6
    Jrunr

    Jrunr 2021 TRD Pro

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    Did that help with sag?
     
  7. Oct 17, 2021 at 5:14 PM
    #7
    Gossamer

    Gossamer [OP] lunarrocktrdpro1

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    Not really…it is what it is…I’ll just run this suspension until it blows up and then replace it all
     
  8. Oct 17, 2021 at 6:31 PM
    #8
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    If his spring rate changed any with the Westcott kit, it was negligible. Two ways to go, bags or firmer springs in the rear. In fact, I'm going to give Eibach a call this week and get some numbers on their PRO rear springs. They say they'll give you a 1" lift, but fail to mention if they're longer, or stronger?
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
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  9. Oct 18, 2021 at 5:20 AM
    #9
    Neumie

    Neumie New Member

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  10. Oct 18, 2021 at 5:24 AM
    #10
    Gossamer

    Gossamer [OP] lunarrocktrdpro1

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    I've verified with Eibach that their springs are heavier...I believe he said they are 650-700# springs...
     
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  11. Oct 18, 2021 at 5:28 AM
    #11
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Thanks. Any idea what the stock springs are rated?
     
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  12. Oct 18, 2021 at 5:31 AM
    #12
    Gossamer

    Gossamer [OP] lunarrocktrdpro1

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    for some reason, I feel like someone told me or I read it was ~400#...but with the Westcott, I can say the front "feels" more rigid...definitely changed the ride, IMO.
     
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  13. Oct 18, 2021 at 5:36 AM
    #13
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Thanks again. I'll attempt to confirm both, and post here.
     
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  14. Oct 19, 2021 at 9:46 AM
    #14
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Just had a short convo with a guy at Eibach. He says the rear spring is taller than OEM, is rated at 206 pounds(?), and is not recommended for trucks that have been built out. I queried him more and he bailed by transferring me to someone's message box.

    Left message, waiting for call back.....

    EDIT: Reflecting on our convo, he did say the rear Pro springs are rather generic, unlike the front springs on the '21 TRD Pro. fwiw
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2021
  15. Oct 19, 2021 at 12:45 PM
    #15
    Jrunr

    Jrunr 2021 TRD Pro

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    It sounds like he was talking out of his rear end….
     
  16. Oct 19, 2021 at 1:33 PM
    #16
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    :notsure:
     
  17. Oct 19, 2021 at 4:53 PM
    #17
    jasonmcelroy

    jasonmcelroy Recovering perfectionist

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    I installed air bags in mine (the Firestone ones) and have no regrets.

    Majority of the time we use the truck as a DD and it's not built out with any additional sprung weight. When we go camping, we pull a pop-up camper that weights between #1900 and #2400 depending on where we're headed and for how long. The towing had been leading to 1-2" of sag and the accompanying constant flashing by oncoming drivers when night driving.

    So that presents a challenge to any suspension system. I didn't want heavy springs affecting DD use and I can't deal with the sag when towing.

    Bags were $100, took two hours to install myself, do not affect handling when unloaded and deflated, level the vehicle perfectly when towing.

    We took this setup camping two weeks ago in Yosemite and then over Tioga Pass to June Lake and it was perfect. Felt much more stable in towing over the twisty mountain passes.

    Jason

    [​IMG]
     
  18. Oct 19, 2021 at 5:06 PM
    #18
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Thanks for your input. I'm not against the idea and may well go that way. In fact....probably will.
     
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  19. Oct 19, 2021 at 5:27 PM
    #19
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Well, they must be rolling in $$$$$. No call back :mad:


     
  20. Oct 20, 2021 at 9:48 AM
    #20
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Here's the scoop, Per Eibach.

    The Pro's OEM rear spring rate is 184#'s per inch.

    Their 1" lift spring is rated 206#'s per inch.

    They do not have a stand alone spring offering for my situation.

    Their suggested solution is the kit linked below.

    https://eibach.com/us/2000/AK31-82-071-03-02-TOYOTA-4Runner-load-leveling-system

    Note: The kit linked above is 1 of 3 they offer, and is the heaviest. I have a 700 + pound problem, and they only have a 400 pound cure.

    Below, another(Dobinsons) alternative, but they make it quite clear it's a heavier spring rate than my (500 pound constant load or 700 pound when fully loaded)load requires. Hence they do not recommend using them.

    Dobinsons statement: " 700-800 LBS+ Constant Accessory Load. Your vehicle MUST have at least 700-800 LBS of constant rear accessory weight (bumper, tire carrier, roof rack, drawers, fridge, etc), otherwise your vehicle will be over-lifted and will not ride properly. "

    https://www.dobinsonsdirect.com/pro...-runner-5th-gen~yr_2010-2021-suspension-parts

    FWIW and in my opinion based on reasonable input from the 4R gang :D air bags will better serve my needs. Not a decision based on cost but practicality and versatility. imo


     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2021
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  21. Oct 20, 2021 at 10:17 AM
    #21
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Last edited: Oct 20, 2021
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  22. Oct 20, 2021 at 11:38 AM
    #22
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    Yeah, the bags sound better vs Eibach's load leveling kit.

    Although the load leveling kit sounds nice in theory, I have a feeling it would be a pain in the ass to screw that coil spacer up every time you wanted to haul something.
     
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  23. Oct 20, 2021 at 12:34 PM
    #23
    Gossamer

    Gossamer [OP] lunarrocktrdpro1

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    i inquired about Air Lift bags...they come with an onboard compressor (optional) and a remote...which is the way I'll most likely go when the time comes. It's around $900 installed...and I was hoping I'd be able to use the compressor for other things as well if I could.

    However, when talking to the company, they told me that the air bags they have spec'd for the 4runner are NOT based on the PRO springs and they asked me to supply them with both internal diameter and height measurements...which I haven't done because I"m lazy. Their concern is that the bag, when inflated, may be too small or too large to adequately do it's job.

    This leads me to wonder if all of the air bags for the 4runner are in a similar situation. May be overthinking it but it's one of those things that I don't feel like messing with and have it be wrong the 4-5 times I use it.
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2021
  24. Oct 20, 2021 at 12:38 PM
    #24
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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  25. Oct 20, 2021 at 1:29 PM
    #25
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    The stock rear coils for the Pro are the same as the stock Offroad and SR5 trims. There should be no difference.

    The front Pro coils are different from the others.
     
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  26. Oct 20, 2021 at 1:30 PM
    #26
    Moon Landing

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    I'm of the understanding that all models of 4Runners have exactly the same inner diameter rear springs.
    To confirm that, go to one of the bag sites and click through their order by vehicle process. What you'll find is there's no designator, by model.
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
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  27. Oct 20, 2021 at 1:31 PM
    #27
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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  28. Oct 20, 2021 at 3:32 PM
    #28
    HarrisNC

    HarrisNC New Member

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    I have the Eibach rear spring and it definitely helps with lighter loads, bikes, Home Depot stuff. The rear drops less with my normal load up. I have some sumo springs on my truck, a more progressive rate foam bump stop that helps when loaded. I’d put them in the 4Runner if I towed more. upload_2021-10-20_18-30-35.jpg
     
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  29. Oct 20, 2021 at 3:45 PM
    #29
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    The PRO rear springs are the same as the OR.

    I see @nimby and @Moon Landing beat me to it. :D
     
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  30. Oct 20, 2021 at 4:15 PM
    #30
    ubertoyotax

    ubertoyotax New Member

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    Bags can be rough off road, I'd go with stiffer springs
     
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