I'm installing an OME suspension on my 07 Tundra DC long bed. I have a Snugtop cap and a storage system/sleeping platform in the bed, so there is some weight in it. I also tow trailers for work which range between 2000 and 8000 GVW. Presently I have quite a bit of sag when I hook up a trailer. Since the leaf springs on the OME are medium duty, I'm pretty sure I'll need to either add an additional leaf spring or air lift bags to help with the sag. Does anyone have experience or thoughts on the best way to go? Would adding a leaf affect the ride? Thanks.
Add a leaf vs. air bags
- Thread starter SLSchulz
- Start date
ryandavenport
Adventurer
Are you talking about an additional leaf or the helper leaf? I ran the helper leaf on my Xterra for a while, but that was because the bags would have limited my flex off road. The helper leaves that I ran didn't affect the ride at all. If you don't do too much off camber though, I would choose the air springs. Actually, someone at school the other day was showing me a daystar system where the air bag is only attached at the top, so in off camber situations your flex isn't limited. Maybe that would be something good to look into. Good luck!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
tanglefoot
ExPoseur
Either will do the trick. If you don't mind the extra expense, the airbag system gives you the flexibility to adjust the amount of support depending on the load--that would be helpful for towing vs. running empty. The downsides to airbags are cost and reliability. The lines and bags are prone to developing leaks over time.
Add-a-leaves and helpers are more affordable and effective for adding support. I personally went that route due to cost (I use both add-a-leaves and helpers). The downside would be that while running empty or without a trailer, you might end up with a stiff ride and high ride height in the back.
Another popular option are the Timbren rubber springs. They're more reliable and longer-lasting than airbag systems but they are not adjustable.
Add-a-leaves and helpers are more affordable and effective for adding support. I personally went that route due to cost (I use both add-a-leaves and helpers). The downside would be that while running empty or without a trailer, you might end up with a stiff ride and high ride height in the back.
Another popular option are the Timbren rubber springs. They're more reliable and longer-lasting than airbag systems but they are not adjustable.
The add a leaf I'm thinking about is the D28XL to add to the CS 055R heavy leaf springs. I'll always have the weight of the cap, even if I don't have the platform in the bed - which is pretty unlikely. I am concerned about too stiff of a ride with the add a leaf as I spend about 20,000 miles a year on the highway, but I typically have gear in the bed storage at all times. I was leaning toward air bags originally, but the add a leaf seems like less of a hassle.
TEJASYOTA
Adventurer
Check out the link... Near the bottom are some links about airbag suspension systems.
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94262
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94262
I am currently running Timbrens on my 2008 Tundra. My suspension is stock with E-rated tires and I frequently have a pop-up camper on the back and pull trailers. I am thinking about lifting my Tundra (I got stuck this winter and needed to chain up and hit a rocker panel last summer).
I am considering a full OME lift, but I really don't want to do a diff drop or get new UCAs for proper alignment. I am happy with the Timbrens and may just do 5100s on the middle setting in the front and a add-a-leaf in the rear.
MINO
Adventurer
I have the complete OME Lift on my Tundra. Only alignment issue is that the SAI is not in spec but it has not been an issue for 10k miles. I have added a diff drop but it's really insignificant - about an inch.
Rear is 3.25" higher than stock. Would timbren even have something long enough? I'm trying to navigate their site but it's like stepping back to a 1996 web interface.