What rear shock for a 2WD air bag Tundra with a 1.0 lift in back? - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

Sid Post · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 03:12 PM

I have the Firestone air bags in back with a 1 inch lift. The factory shocks for my SR-5 2WD pickup are causing some "bed slap". I need a shock with better rebound dampening.

I was seriously thinking about the Rancho 9000XL but, they don't offer a model for the Tundra with a 1 inch lift. Bilstein 5100's seem to come in a 1 inch lift version but, they don't adjust. I initially thought the Rancho would be better because I could tweak the rear shock along with air pressure when I was running empty versus loaded.

What options do I have besides the Bilstein 5100 setup for an extra inch of travel? Am I better off considering some sort of off road racing shock option?

Thanks!
Sid

Art64 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 09:18 PM

Rancho 9000XL would do fine for just an 1 inch lift on the back. I have 7-leaf Alcan Springs with Rancho 9000XL's, and sway bar. With the bags at 18 PSI the rear of my truck is higher than the stock Tundra by 2 inches. No problem with the Ranchos. Ranchos also have more dampening on the rebound to control the kick-ups produced by the bags and springs. I have tried Bilstein HD's. They ride nice but not enough rebound control. Just be careful when driving on dips and speed bumps. Those bags can launch your rear up the air.

Literally!!

Sid Post · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 10:04 AM

Thanks! I'm not sure why the Rancho factory guy thought they would not work. You really answered my question well and saved me some money by avoiding the Bilstein rear shocks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art64

Just be careful when driving on dips and speed bumps. Those bags can launch your rear up the air.

Literally!!

Yes, it was kind fun at first ....

Now I'm ready for some good rebound control.

Art64 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 11:21 AM

Had these shocks for almost 2 years now. I've adjusted the settings countless times to get the optimum ride. So far, no problems with the shocks. Plenty of dips and speed bumps here in my area and also at work. I recently did another mod on my leaf springs. I removed the bottom 3 leaves putting more weight on the air bags. The ride is way better now. The ride is similar to putting 250 lbs of gravel in the very back of the bed. Now, I removed the bags of gravel and the truck feels lighter and more responsive. I also disconnected 1 link of the sway bar and resulted in a more smoother ride, perfect for long trips.

The shocks can extend quite a bit. I did not disconnect the shocks when I removed my leaf springs.