Will Installing Air Lift Ride Air Helper Springs AL59561 Reduce Articulation On 2018 Toyota Tacoma?

Question:

Hi, I am interested in installing the Airlift Airbag AL59561 on my 2018 Tacoma 4 x 4 for carrying occasional heavy loads . Can you answer the following questions? 1. Does this airbag limit offroad articulation? If so is it compatible the Dakar Cradle? 2. Can the factory bump stops remain in place? The Firestone Airbags require cutting off the factory bump stops. 3. Are these airbags installed behind or in front of the factory bump stops? I would like to keep the factory bump stop incase of airbag failure or removal. 4. Are there any issues with installing these NOT over the axle as described above? Thanks!

asked by: Carl H

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

The Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL59561 you were looking at for your 2018 Toyota Tacoma 4WD will limit off-road articulation as it is bolted to both the frame and leaf springs of your truck.

We do not offer Dakar or any other brand of cradles but all of the ones I was able to find mentioned Firestone Ride-Rite and make no mention of Air Lift so I am not sure if they will work or not, you will need to reach out to the manufacturer of the cradles to be sure. Keep in mind that using cradles will void the warranty of the helper springs.

The bump stops do indeed remain in-place with the # AL59561 as you can see by the included diagram provided by Air Lift, and will be located just in front of the bump stop.

The bottom mounting bracket gets secured to one of the U-bolts holding the axle to the leaf springs, so there is not a way to install the # AL59561 in any other location or direction recommended. Doing so may cause issues regarding how the air bag functions, but has not been tested so me nor Air Lift are sure.

I included a video of the # AL59561 for you to take a look at.