Ride Rite Airbags installed

Installed a set of the Firestone Ride Rite (4135) airbags yesterday, and I did NOT follow their instructions. Dismantling the entire suspension seemed like such an overkill, not to mention time sink. After starting down the path of removing the pan bar, the lower shock bolts, the brake line bolts, etc. I decided to stop and regroup. Watched another guy do it on YouTube, so I gave it a shot. SO MUCH QUICKER.

Was able to cut the bump stop in place with a sawzall. Slid the airbag in-between the spring coils and hooked it right up. No problem. Didn't need to extend the axle beyond the normal droop. The passenger side was a bit tighter, but still easily manageable.

Only took about an hour and a half. I had done this previously to our Honda Pilot and that took more time simply because of having to drill through the bottom swing arm.

The ride is a big improvement and I look forward to not having the rear end sag on long trips when we're loaded down.

 

Nice job. Aired as a pair or individually?

https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Toyota/4Runner/2021/F4135.html?VehicleID=20211014354

 

Individually. I wanted the option to adjust them side to side. Actually have the driver's side pumped up a tad more than the passenger's to compensate for the normal left-lean of the 4Runner. It's helping a bit, because beforehand, had about a 1/2" difference and now it's down to 3/16". Also, put the valves in the rear bumper, under the hatch so they're protected. However, there was a problem with the Firestone supplied valve stem covers, they're too tall with their built-in stem core removal tool, so I swapped them out for a couple other covers I had lying around and they work like a charm.


These were the valve stem caps that were supplied and were too tall to fit under the tailgate when it closed. Not by much, but enough to scrape the paint.

 

Looks great

 

Nice. I was just looking at these to eliviate having to get another set of springs. With my current load I am perfectly level with enough gear for myself which is minimal (tent, sleeping bag, pillow and chair) but when the family comes I will be sagging again.