2001 Tacoma Air-Bags

[RGingerelli2001TRD]

I am looking for info on Firestone Ride Rite Air-Bags for my 2001 Tacoma. I have seen a few running them on here. How do they work offroad? I have a small lift 2.5 coil overs in front and an add a leaf in the rear. Any help or info please.

Thanks

 

[TheRedDawn]

I have a 2003 dc. I added the air bags more for support when carrying extra weight. I do very little off road, but can say that they have worked flawlessly for almost 2 years. Let me know if you need pics or anything else.

Also, I mounted the stems in my back license plate, (idea from someone else here on this forum, thanks). Solid mounting spot and no need to drill the bumper or anywhere else.

 

[PHXtaco]

I looked into airbags for my truck several years back. I decided against it when I learned the air bags limit articulation off road. It really depends on what type of offroading you do, and how much-- versus how often you need the added load carrying capacity. I ended up just adding 2 more leafs to my original Deaver 8 leaf pack-- and kind of wish I had added only one. Of course it is hard to beat the airbags ability to allow a soft ride empty and then air up when you need to carry a load.

If you have not, you also might want to read:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40676

 

[NothingClever]

I purchased a Toytec Ultimate Tacoma package and also installed the Firestone Ride-Rite air bag kit (part #2304).

The Toytec package I'm not very impressed by other than the bling factor.

Here are some iPhone pics of the Ride-Rite package.

In the photo below you can see the custom billet aluminum spacer from Armorology which prevents the airbag from being pre-stretched due to the small lift from the Bilstein 5100s and the AAL. Also, you can see the airbag sits a bit crooked. When I get my Demello frame reinforcement, the extra material welded to the outside of the frame should bring the top mount to the outside a bit which will decrease the "lean" of the airbag.

I've only driven about 20 miles with them without a load so I don't have any relevant input but thought I'd get some photos out there anyways.

In June I'll install my FWC Fleet camper and take the backroads from California back here to Colorado which should give me a pretty good assessment.

 

[RGingerelli2001TRD]

Nice pictures, Thanks and thanks for the info on the spacers and frame reinforement. :victory:

 

[NothingClever]

Nice pictures, Thanks and thanks for the info on the spacers and frame reinforement. :victory:

I think the frame reinforcement is unnecessary unless you plan on installing a swingaway bumper with all your trail jewelry hanging off of it or an auxiliary tank. I'm looking into the frame reinforcements because the camper I'm buying is on the small side and I'm looking at ways to increase storage. One option is below...

 

[CJCA]

I think the frame reinforcement is unnecessary unless you plan on installing a swingaway bumper with all your trail jewelry hanging off of it or an auxiliary tank. I'm looking into the frame reinforcements because the camper I'm buying is on the small side and I'm looking at ways to increase storage.

For whatever reasons, some Tacomas mounted with Fourwheel Campers suffer from frame stress and bending, some don’t. Mine was tweaking slightly on the right side, so I added a vertical piece of square stock to the inside of the right frame channel directly above the air bag to lend support. The left side of the frame is semi boxed and has been fine so far.

More reading can be found at http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php?/topic/2371/page__st__20

 

[RGingerelli2001TRD]

Well the bags came 2 weeks ago. Got them installed last week. Install was a breeze. The ride is so much better now, no sag and no negative arch to the leafs. Thanks for the info and pictures!