Questions about modding my stock 2002 100- OME lift, bumpers, etc.

[sleeoffroad]

Only broken spring we have seen or heard of at the shop is stock early model Tacoma leaf springs and then some Frankie's Off-Road cold wound springs that was sold for the 80 series. There are application where the air bags work, but I would not rely on them. We have the same policy as Kurt re: offering them at the shop.

 

[r3run33]

hello hey what roof rack do you have up there? any opinions about it?

 

[stonepa]

I know I have had lots of issues with air suspension and valve blocks on multiple Range Rovers, an Audi S8, an Audi Allroad, and a LR3. There is a huge aftermarket for conversions from air suspension to coils for these vehicles, for a reason.

Never had a problem with the steel suspension on my FJ60 or 100.

Airbags have been an effective common and failure free method of increasing load casity for a truck that will not see a perminant load increase for 40 years. All tossing a set of ome springs will do cause a crappo ride the 80% of the time the truck doesn't have an extra 1000 pounds in the load bay. A 2" lift on a 100 is usually accompanied by a set of heavier 33" tires. If you want to buy something, buy a set quality shocks to handle the increased unsprung weight.

 

[Jeff Wanamog]

This is an age old argument. I have had exactly the opposite experience with air bags. I have installed air bags on almost all of my vehicles for the past 25 years and have had no failure or problems. Every big rig on the highway has air bags. I did break a coil spring on my Rubicon though, it was a early kit from Full Traction and I think the coil had not been properly hardened.
If you carry various amounts of weight at different times, air bags are almost perfection. Now on my 100 as on my 2003 4Runner, I can't see the bags lasting a long time due to the fact that they have to rub against the coil spring and under full compression run the risk of getting pinched in the coils. I will be keeping my eye on them and if need be on the 100, run an air bag that is separate from the coils.
Unless you always have all your gear in your rig, no coil or leaf will be perfect. Adjustability is the name of the game. I tow an off road trailer with tongue weight and then unhook and go exploring. I also have bags on my trailer. They allow me the comfort of lowering my trailer once I get into camp so that when I get to level, the trailer is not four feet in the air.
Just my .02

Jeff