06 TUNDRA - ADD A LEAF OR AIR SHOCKS?

New 2006 Tundra 4x2, regular cab. Intended use is as a work truck. I loaded
all my needed tools and equipment into the truck bed, keeping the heaviest
items closest to the front. I am well under the stated weight capacity.
Problem is the rear sags noticeably now (is too low). The equipment (weight)
I added needs to stay in there. It drives fine, I just don't like the way it
looks. Thinking of purchasing air shock absorbers (adjustable) or add-a-leaf
leaf springs. Any suggestions?

"INDIVIDUAL" <NOT@NOT.COM> wrote in message
news:442394c0$0$20726$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosting.com...[color=blue]
> New 2006 Tundra 4x2, regular cab. Intended use is as a work truck. I
> loaded all my needed tools and equipment into the truck bed, keeping the
> heaviest items closest to the front. I am well under the stated weight
> capacity. Problem is the rear sags noticeably now (is too low). The
> equipment (weight) I added needs to stay in there. It drives fine, I just
> don't like the way it looks. Thinking of purchasing air shock absorbers
> (adjustable) or add-a-leaf leaf springs. Any suggestions?[/color]
I have had these installed for several years on my Tundra and have been
happy with them. They are easy to install, too.
[url]http://hitchestogo.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HTG&Product_Code=MKII+%28XXF%29[/url]

INDIVIDUAL sez:
[color=blue]
> New 2006 Tundra 4x2, regular cab. Intended use is as a work truck. I loaded
> all my needed tools and equipment into the truck bed, keeping the heaviest
> items closest to the front. I am well under the stated weight capacity.
> Problem is the rear sags noticeably now (is too low). The equipment (weight)
> I added needs to stay in there. It drives fine, I just don't like the way it
> looks. Thinking of purchasing air shock absorbers (adjustable) or add-a-leaf
> leaf springs. Any suggestions?[/color]

Air bags:

[url]http://www.ride-rite.com/product_info_RR.htm[/url]

Easy to install, infinitely adjustable to give you the ride height you
want with any load. When you don't need them, bleed off the pressure to
10 psi and its like they are not even there. When carrying a maximum
load, you can pressure them up to 100 psi. I've never needed to go much
beyond 50 psi.

The on-board compressors are expensive overkill, I just carry a 3 gal.
air tank that I fill at the house with the main compressor and use it
pressure up when needed. I installed the air nipples in an existing
hole in the splash guard behind the rear wheels. Easy to get to but out
of sight so the curious or malicious don't dork with them.

Good wrenchin' to ya,
VLJ
--

"INDIVIDUAL" <NOT@NOT.COM> wrote in message
news:442394c0$0$20726$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshosting.com...[color=blue]
> New 2006 Tundra 4x2, regular cab. Intended use is as a work truck. I
> loaded all my needed tools and equipment into the truck bed, keeping the
> heaviest items closest to the front. I am well under the stated weight
> capacity. Problem is the rear sags noticeably now (is too low). The
> equipment (weight) I added needs to stay in there. It drives fine, I just
> don't like the way it looks. Thinking of purchasing air shock absorbers
> (adjustable) or add-a-leaf leaf springs. Any suggestions?
>[/color]
I'd recommend Tom in Macon or vlj's solutions before adding leaf springs
because they are designed to correct ride height. Additional leaf springs
will make the ride very harsh.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:40:53 -0600, INDIVIDUAL wrote:
[color=blue]
> New 2006 Tundra 4x2, regular cab. Intended use is as a work truck. I loaded
> all my needed tools and equipment into the truck bed, keeping the heaviest
> items closest to the front. I am well under the stated weight capacity.
> Problem is the rear sags noticeably now (is too low). The equipment (weight)
> I added needs to stay in there. It drives fine, I just don't like the way it
> looks. Thinking of purchasing air shock absorbers (adjustable) or add-a-leaf
> leaf springs. Any suggestions?[/color]


I've also been looking at an air bag setup for my '06 to be used with a
lightweight camper (<1000 lbs). One thing that has me a little concerned
with using air-bags is that the Tundra has a load-sensing proportioning
and bypass valve.

From [url]http://www.lightruck.com/suspension_RRandSR.asp[/url]

"Note: Some vehicle manufacturers use brake proportioning valves to
adjust braking force as a function of frame to axle distance. If you
modify your suspension it affects the function of this valve. We suggest
you check with your dealer on proper treatment of this device prior to
installation of the air helper spring kits."

Seems like it would be a pain to have to adjust the sensor every time you
you needed to pump up the bags?

rich

"rich" <rock_fish@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:pan.2006.03.25.20.43.29.588836@hotmail.com...[color=blue]
> On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:40:53 -0600, INDIVIDUAL wrote:
>[color=green]
>> New 2006 Tundra 4x2, regular cab. Intended use is as a work truck. I
>> loaded
>> all my needed tools and equipment into the truck bed, keeping the
>> heaviest
>> items closest to the front. I am well under the stated weight capacity.
>> Problem is the rear sags noticeably now (is too low). The equipment
>> (weight)
>> I added needs to stay in there. It drives fine, I just don't like the way
>> it
>> looks. Thinking of purchasing air shock absorbers (adjustable) or
>> add-a-leaf
>> leaf springs. Any suggestions?[/color]
>
>
> I've also been looking at an air bag setup for my '06 to be used with a
> lightweight camper (<1000 lbs). One thing that has me a little concerned
> with using air-bags is that the Tundra has a load-sensing proportioning
> and bypass valve.
>
> From [url]http://www.lightruck.com/suspension_RRandSR.asp[/url]
>
> "Note: Some vehicle manufacturers use brake proportioning valves to
> adjust braking force as a function of frame to axle distance. If you
> modify your suspension it affects the function of this valve. We suggest
> you check with your dealer on proper treatment of this device prior to
> installation of the air helper spring kits."
>
> Seems like it would be a pain to have to adjust the sensor every time you
> you needed to pump up the bags?
>
> rich
>[/color]

The load sensing proportioning valve ("LSPV") is not a sensor; it is a
valve. Yes, it would be a pain to have to adjust the LSPV every time you
need to pump up the bags but fortunately, you do not have to. Basically,
the LSPV is attached to the frame and has an linkage attached to the axle.
When the bed is lightly loaded, it will tend to rise under heavy braking,
which decreases the load on the rear tires, which tends to make the rear
wheels lock up. With the LSPV, when the bed rises, the linkage attached to
the axle restricts the flow of brake fluid to the rear brakes, reducing the
tendency for the rear wheels to lock up. Basically, the LSPV functions as a
rudimentary anti-lock brake system.

If the bed is heavily laden, the it will have less tendency for it to rise
during hard braking so the LSPV wouldn't be activated. On the other hand,
if you raise the truck bed so it is higher than normal, then you will have
reduced braking to the rear wheels.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On Sat, 25 Mar 2006 17:26:10 -0600, "Ray O"
<rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOTcomn> wrote:[color=blue]
>"rich" <rock_fish@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:pan.2006.03.25.20.43.29.588836@hotmail.com...[/color]
[color=blue][color=green]
>> "Note: Some vehicle manufacturers use brake proportioning valves to
>> adjust braking force as a function of frame to axle distance. If you
>> modify your suspension it affects the function of this valve. We suggest
>> you check with your dealer on proper treatment of this device prior to
>> installation of the air helper spring kits."
>>
>> Seems like it would be a pain to have to adjust the sensor every time you
>> you needed to pump up the bags?
>>[/color]
>
>The load sensing proportioning valve ("LSPV") is not a sensor; it is a
>valve. Yes, it would be a pain to have to adjust the LSPV every time you
>need to pump up the bags but fortunately, you do not have to. Basically,
>the LSPV is attached to the frame and has an linkage attached to the axle.
>When the bed is lightly loaded, it will tend to rise under heavy braking,
>which decreases the load on the rear tires, which tends to make the rear
>wheels lock up. With the LSPV, when the bed rises, the linkage attached to
>the axle restricts the flow of brake fluid to the rear brakes, reducing the
>tendency for the rear wheels to lock up. Basically, the LSPV functions as a
>rudimentary anti-lock brake system.
>
>If the bed is heavily laden, the it will have less tendency for it to rise
>during hard braking so the LSPV wouldn't be activated. On the other hand,
>if you raise the truck bed so it is higher than normal, then you will have
>reduced braking to the rear wheels.[/color]

And if you only use the airbags to get back to normal ride height,
the LSPV will not trigger and will allow normal rear braking - the
front disc brakes do most of the work anyway. If the truck is empty
and the airbags not deflated, the bed goes WAY up and the LSPV will
restrict the rear brakes.

Remember that most airbags have a minimum operating pressure as well
as a maximum, it should be spelled out in the instructions. Usually
10 PSI. The bags can get twisted or pinched if they are left flat
while driving.

If you plan to change the load a lot day to day, get the on-board
inflation kit with the little compressor and the under-dash controls.
That way you'll be able to adjust them as needed when needed by
pushing a switch, without running to a gas station each time.

--<< Bruce >>--

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.

If the rear end sags, you need more spring.

Not all add-a-leafs are the same, it depends
on how much extra weight you want to handle.

Check a local spring shop if you have one.

Thanks Ray and Bruce for the education. Guess I'll have to take some
measurements prior to the air bag install to ensure that I'm not inflating
them beyond my normal ride height.

--
rich

On Sat, 01 Apr 2006 23:38:55 -0800, rich <rock_fish@hotmail.com>
wrote:
[color=blue]
>Thanks Ray and Bruce for the education. Guess I'll have to take some
>measurements prior to the air bag install to ensure that I'm not inflating
>them beyond my normal ride height.[/color]

Or just walk back ten paces and look after you've changed the load
substantially - if it's nose high or tail high, most people with a
good eye can spot it easily. That's where the built-in pump system
works like a charm, just add or remove 10 PSI and drive away.

Bootleggers would have loved a system like that - the car rides
level no matter what the load, without touching a wrench.

--<< Bruce >>--

--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net.

On Sun, 02 Apr 2006 15:40:05 GMT, Bruce L. Bergman
<blPYTHONbergman@earthlink.invalid> wrote:
[color=blue]
>On Sat, 01 Apr 2006 23:38:55 -0800, rich <rock_fish@hotmail.com>
>wrote:
>[color=green]
>>Thanks Ray and Bruce for the education. Guess I'll have to take some
>>measurements prior to the air bag install to ensure that I'm not inflating
>>them beyond my normal ride height.[/color]
>
> Or just walk back ten paces and look after you've changed the load
>substantially - if it's nose high or tail high, most people with a
>good eye can spot it easily. That's where the built-in pump system
>works like a charm, just add or remove 10 PSI and drive away.
>
> Bootleggers would have loved a system like that - the car rides
>level no matter what the load, without touching a wrench.
>
> --<< Bruce >>--[/color]

.....but NASCAR would never have gotten its start on the North Carolina
back roads....LOL

I'll never forget a ride three of us got while hitching to Lenoir NC
from a small school I attended along the Yadkin River. It was a new
Pontiac standard shift 'shiners' car. Gawd would that thing zing
around those mountain roads.

I wonder how large the tank in the rear was? Didn't ask....wasn't
told....LOL

--

Scott in Florida

"rich" <rock_fish@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:pan.2006.04.02.07.38.54.603041@hotmail.com...[color=blue]
> Thanks Ray and Bruce for the education. Guess I'll have to take some
> measurements prior to the air bag install to ensure that I'm not inflating
> them beyond my normal ride height.
>
> --
> rich
>[/color]

You're welcome! Come to think of it, I'm not really sure if a truck
equipped with ABS even has a load sensing proportioning valve (LSPV),
although our Previa has both ABS and an LSPV. You can check easily enough
by crawling under the back end of the truck and following the brake lines
from the rear wheels. If it has an LSPV, you will see the left and right
lines pass through a device mounted on a crossmember above the rear
differential that has a thin metal rod angling down and attached to a
linkage on the rear axle. If the brake lines just snake up to the front of
the truck, then there is no LSPV.

Enjoy your new truck!

--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)