Poly air bags

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 18:09
ThreadID: 4576 Views:7536 Replies:10 FollowUps:11
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Just finished fitting a set of Poly air bags to our 4 Runner.Can now raise or lower our vehicle 50mm in seconds(though this isnt why they were fitted).Ran all air lines in slotted conduit and instead of using spring(supplied) through top spring mount, used a length of compressor hose to protect the airline.Anyway,how do users find the bags and do they give any problems?
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Reply By: Member - Peter (WA) - Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 18:43

Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 18:43
I have the same fitted to my 93 4 Runner I have had them in for about a year with no prblems ....MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH HOSE TO ALLOW TYRE CHANGE AND FOR FULL WHEEL TRAVEL as some have had problems with hoses pulling out ....keep to recomended presures dont overinflate or have less than 10psi in them..Do you have a drawer system in the car I have made my own ,if you want some rough plans let me know your fax number and I will send them to you.It only cost me about $200......4 RUNNERS 4 EVERBorn to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4
AnswerID: 18400

Follow Up By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 18:59

Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 18:59
Peter,yes already have a draw system with built in fridge slide.Ran air lines with wheels raised so have plenty of length.Totally agree,4 RUNNERS 4 EVER (Im working on getting my rigs picture on forum)
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FollowupID: 11524

Reply By: Member - Jeff - Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 19:33

Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 19:33
Totally agree 4Runners forever - Australia should have continued them - they did not so I imported one from Japan, a Surf with the Prado suspension and motor etc. They are great, had an earlier 4Runner and it was a great car, just the right size. I am interested in the Poly Air bags too and will fit before my trip in July to the Gibb River Rd. Your drawer system ??? You couldn't fax me some rough plans - fax to 02 43204299 as mark Attention Jeff, thanks !Cheers, Beddo
Surf KZN185
<- Nifold Plain, Cape York
AnswerID: 18406

Reply By: joc45 - Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 20:21

Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 20:21
I ran poly airs in a GQ patrol for over 10 years without a problem, and swear by them. You were wise to fit them yourself; the bleeps who did mine fitted the air valves right out on the bumpers, ready to get wiped out. I refitted them to a more protected place.
Now have my GU fitted with a new set for over 2 years no probs.
My doco said to make sure there was a min of 4 psi in the bags. I think it is to mainly ensure that the bag is always correctly located to prevent pinching of the bag.
Also, it was suggested that before loading up the wagon, the bags be pumped up to max (30psi), the vehicle loaded, then the bags deflated (if necessary) to restore the normal vehicle height. I've forgotten to do it this way many times, and have had no probs.
Gerry
AnswerID: 18413

Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 12:22

Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 12:22
Whatever you do, don't load the vehicle and then inflate the bags. When you unload the pressures jumps and you could blow the valves.Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)
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FollowupID: 11603

Follow Up By: joc45 - Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 23:08

Monday, Apr 28, 2003 at 23:08
Rohan,
I'd imagine that there'd be a reasonable safety margin.
What would happen to the bags, when fully laden, if one goes over a yump and the suspension fully extends? Same scenario, as I see it. Hasn't failed on me yet.
Gerry
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FollowupID: 11642

Follow Up By: joc45 - Tuesday, Apr 29, 2003 at 22:56

Tuesday, Apr 29, 2003 at 22:56
Rohan,
You're trying to catch me out!!!
When you unload the vehicle, the pressure drops.
Nearly got me!!
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FollowupID: 11712

Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 at 09:02

Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 at 09:02
Joc, looks like the only one I caught out was myself.Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)
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FollowupID: 11731

Reply By: nugget - Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 23:17

Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 at 23:17
A mate of mine used them in a Landy 110. One of them got a puncture from gravel getting between it and the base. Doesnt use them anymore.
AnswerID: 18454

Reply By: Andrew - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 00:19

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 00:19
I use to have a RV6 Aussie compliance 4runner. I stuck the poly airs in the rear and never had a problem, loaded or unloaded they worked well.
AnswerID: 18457

Reply By: Slammin - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 01:34

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 01:34
Everyone keep the info coming.
I've got a Hilux Xtra Cab, and with suspension it's a hassle I don't want Heavy duty rear leaf because our roads are pretty rough (Tanami etc.) and my loads are always variable, sometimes just shoppping other times a motorbike 170l fuel, 60l H2o etc. Can they be used with lift kits?

Happy haulin'
AnswerID: 18463

Follow Up By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 09:04

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 09:04
Slammin,not sure on big lifts but our 4 runner has a 50mm lift and bags fit fine.
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FollowupID: 11540

Follow Up By: fatboy - Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 at 22:11

Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 at 22:11
Slammin , I have a single cab hilux and found the ride rough unloaded until the local spring guy reset the rears with seven leaves , he set the leaves so that only four are working when unloaded .Also put in some coil helpers in the back , the ride isn,t luxurious but is fairly comfy for a light truck. Ride hight is 405 mm from wheel arch to top of rim. Have carried a ton in the back and this set up handled it with ease
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FollowupID: 11799

Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 07:29

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 07:29
We also use the poly bags,the only ploblem i have is the bottom bracket that goes around the leaf spring , after every season up north they are snapped of , so i have to remove the bags and replace all bottom bolts.
I think this happens because of high tensille bolts hitting rocks in river beds.
Has anyone got any thoughts on the above and solutions.
I know the dont hit rocks but !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the best
EricCape York Connections
AnswerID: 18467

Follow Up By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 08:56

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 08:56
Eric, not totally sure how the leaf spring set-up is mounted but do the bolt heads face up or down ?Ive seen thick plates welded on spring keepers under diffs with four holes cut (big enough to get a socket on) in them so that bottom of u-bolt threads/nuts are flush with plate,sorta like a slider.Hope this helps. (May see you up the cape in mid june/july)
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FollowupID: 11539

Reply By: Member - Peter (WA) - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 09:54

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 09:54
If you want more on 4 runners have a look on the net try serch under FOUR RUNNER TOYOTA CLUBS I have found quite a few clubs and groups in the USA just for 4 Runners Born to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4
AnswerID: 18475

Reply By: Eric from Cape York Connections - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 13:02

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 13:02
Thanks Nick I know what you mean and working on the idea now.
All the best
EricCape York Connections
AnswerID: 18492

Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 at 09:11

Wednesday, Apr 30, 2003 at 09:11
Eric, I had something similar on an FJ40. The plates were spot welded to the bottom spring. It was set-up like that when I bought the thing so I don't know who did it, but it looked a pretty simple job. It obviously did the job because I gave it a pretty hard time and never suffered any damage to the bolts and the plates never shifted. My only concern, if doing it yourself, would be to ensure you don't heat the springs too much when welding as you could end up with re-tempered springs. Make sure you remove the springs, or take all the weight off them when welding. Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)
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FollowupID: 11732

Reply By: Member - Andrew - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 20:15

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 20:15
Hi Nick,

My only exposure to airbag suspension was last week in Oodnadatta. A brand new Rangie (you know the swanky do everything Rangie) was parked at the Oodnadatta service station and not going anywhere. As it turns out the airbag suspension had got a rock in it and wouldn't inflate leaving the suspension inoperable. Parts needed to brought in from Adelaide...who knows how long that would have taken or is taking ?

The other readers have seemed to have no problems but just allows one more thing to go wrong I suppose.

Have fun.
Andrew



AnswerID: 18520

Follow Up By: Member - Nick (TAS) - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 20:59

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 20:59
Andrew, as far as I am aware the rangie airbags are a totally different set up to the poly airbags.Poly air bags are installed as helpers(still retaining the original springs) where as Range Rovers have air bag suspension and no springs(correct me if Im wrong). Cheers
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FollowupID: 11570

Follow Up By: David N. - Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 21:34

Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 at 21:34
Nick is correct.
A good mate has had 4 major problems with his Rangie air suspension, each time has cost BIG dollars to fix.
I have Poly-Air helpers on my Patrol- and could not speak more highly of them.
I'm sure you could destroy them if you wanted to, but I haven't found a way to do so yet.
As far as I'm concerned they are perfect for widely varying loads and conditions. (I might even consider full air suspension some day as I have heard some pretty good reports....)
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FollowupID: 11578

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