Finch shell on a Tacoma suspension question

[NYCO]

So not sure if this should go in Tacoma forum, but it's about a FWC so I figure I'd ask here. I have searched for my answer and still can't come up with a decision. Looking at the pros and cons of each.


Here's what I'm looking for feedback on:

I'm looking to put a Finch shell on a 2007 double cab Tacoma with the short bed. I know it's going to hang off a bit and after seeing some pictures I'm ok with it.
I don't want to lift the truck as it's my daily driver. I'd be ok with a 1-2" lift if necessary.
Airbags - will they be a problem putting stress only on 2 points of the frame? Are most others boxing the frame as a precaution? The daily ride wouldn't be affected which is nice.

Timbrens - not adjustable (I don't think) and would put the same stress on frame probably.

If I went with an OME full kit which would you recommend (Stock, HD, Firm)? I drive with sandbags in the winter and could probably add a few more to help it ride better unloaded. I also will not be putting a heavy front bumper, so not sure if any of those kits would be the answer? Again, would prefer not to lift the truck much so maybe a custom leaf pack could work?

Helper/overload springs - seem like a compromise that I don't really want.

I have the TSB 4-leaf pack on right now and have loaded the truck plenty with not much sag. I hauled 18 bags of 80# concrete and was comfortable with the ride even up and down some steep mountain highway. Also already have E-rated BFGs.

Thanks for feedback

 

[Overland Hadley]

Airbags and Timbrens carry the weight much differently. After researching how the airbags mounted to the frame of a Gen2 Tacoma I did not feel comfortable with carrying the weight that way. I like the way the Timbrens transfer the weight to the frame.

On my truck I have OME with a custom sized set of Timbrens. I like it and highly recommend going that route.

Whatever way you go you will have a lot of weight outboard of the rear axel.

 

[derekparr]

Being that I have a 2wd 2007 (gen2) base model tacoma with an old 83 fwc fleet model in the back ... I opted for the timbrens for the sake of simplicity and they sounded like they would take care of my only main concern which was excessive sag and not having the worry about the back banging down on the bumb stops when I hit a bump. It has only been a month with the FWC in the back, but they definitely have worked as hoped. I do feel the weight back there, but when I hit a significant bump (like accidentally hopping a curb) it just bounces rather than banging into things. For my uses the timbrens work very well. I wouldn't know how to judge for other's. I imagine there are very many variables to consider.

 

[frgtwn]

I installed air springs on my buddy's Gen2, and run Timbrens on my Gen1. They both work well for their intended purpose, but are very different. Each unit that we have mount as a replacement to the bump stops, so I do not understand the hesitation noted above about the method of carrying weight.

There is a unit that mounts on the Gen2 in front of the axle, which may be of concern to some, but I would not hesitate to use that unit either.

The key to me is whether or not it makes sense to have an adjustable system, and its necessary complexity. If the load changes dramatically, I lean toward the air system. My friend pulls a trailer on occasion and air bags made the most sense in this application. One time, he was stuck on a rock at the bumber/trailer hitch, and merely jacked up his body with added air in the bags. Worked like a charm. And, of course, if you plumb the lines separately (you should), then you can adjust for unequal side to side loads.

The Timbrens have worked well for me, now, with my worn out OE springs, and I expect them to do quite well with my future plans. (63" Chevys) I wanted a softer bump, and a way to carry crazy heavy stuff with my saggy setup now. The Timbrens ARE my suspension at those times.

So I am easily on the side of air bags for a camper that is not full-time. When you put weight on a truck, and the suspension sags, you never get those inches back. Unless, you pump it back up with air, or heavier load springs. And then, with heavier springs, your stock ride is gone, if you are to run lightly loaded.

As has been noted many times, there are many compromises.

Dale

 

[NYCO]

Thanks for the input everyone. Maybe I'll look into the timbrens a little further and see how it rides. If it feels like it needs some more support I'll add some new, heavier springs.

 

[MidnightRider]

I run airbags, and would definatly beef up the frame where the airbags will be mounted. After a few offroad trips, I noticed the frame bending right where the upper airbag bracket mounts.

The airbag brackets put alot of pressue on the C channel frame on only a small area. And with the way they mount with 2 bolts holding them only on one side, alot of pressue on small area again, and allows shifting/slipping of the bracket, and pushes up into the frame.

I have since straighted the frame and completly boxed it in with thick steel plate, and welded the airbag brackets into place along the all edges of the bracket, no more shifting or slipping because of the 2 bolts.

Hope this helps you out, and maybe saves you some trouble. A few companys sell gussets to strenghthen the frame on tacomas, but there easy to make if you have time and stuff laying around to make em. The 2 1/2" lift on the front levels it out nice, and stiffens up the front a little which improved the ride.

Mines a 7ft camper on a 5ft bed. :Wow1: It's doable.