Firestone Airbag installation without dropping the axle. (5th gen 4Runner)
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- Опубліковано 4 кві 2018
- FIrestone Coilrite Air Helper Spring installation on 5th Generation 4Runner with 2" Toytec Lift.
The kit used is F4135 with extra F6003 springs (due to the lift). If you have a stock 4Runner, the F4135 Firestone Coilrite Air Helper Spring kit is the correct kit.
The method here is a way to install the system without dropping the axle and removing the coil spring. - Авто та транспорт
Thanks for the video. Just curious, how is the vehicle performing while towing the travel trailer? Do you have an auxiliary transmission cooler installed? If yes, have you included a thermostat inline with the cooler?
Andrew Evanoff, it tows better than I expected but still not as well as a larger truck. I have towed the trailer just shy of about 1,000 miles now, and these are my thoughts.
This vehicle doesn't have a ton of power. Sometimes I have to drop down to 40-45 mph on moderately steep hills. When I have a head wind it also slows me down quite a bit as well.
I'm towing a 23 ft trailer with the 4Runner. It is 3700 lbs dry. I would not recommend anything heavier and definitely nothing longer. Personally, if I had to do it over again I'd go lighter and shorter. I'd guess a 2000 lb dry weight and 19-21 ft trailer would be ideal if the floor plans work for you.
Having said that, I personally have not had any sway. I just got back tonight from a camping trip. We drove 220 miles one way. I had a strong head wind or cross wind almost the entire time (probably 30-40 mph wind with occasional faster gusts). About 100 miles of this was on a 2-lane road with heavy semi truck traffic. I could definitely feel the wind and I could feel the passing trucks. Occasionally it would push me around enough to get my attention. However, I never felt out of control. I had ZERO sway. I also was never pushed out of my lane. The 4Runner isn't as stable as towing with a 3/4 ton truck (which I did once, wow that was nice), but it doesn't feel unstable to me either.
One reason I don't have sway is because I am particular in how I load the trailer. I even bought a tongue scale and always make sure I'm at about 10-12% tongue weight before towing. I also have a sway reducing hitch.
The airbag helper springs also help the ride. I had too much bounce before the airbags and the steering felt like I was floating on soft sand. The airbags definitely fixed these problems.
Now onto the transmission question. The transmission temps are higher than I would like, and I'm currently researching aftermarket transmission coolers. This last trip I finally checked temps with an OBD2 gauge. The temps have been as high add 240° F (wether these aftermarket OBD2 gauges are accurate for transmission temperature is a different discussion). While towing I typically sit around 210° on flat ground going 60 mph. On hills I peaked out at 240°. With the head wind today I was 230 most of the time. Like I said, I'm currently researching coolers to decide what route I want to go.
Thanks for such a detailed reply. The OBD2 readout should be very accurate since it's not a real gauge. It simply reads information from the vehicle's computer in digital form. It can't be inaccurate unless the temperature sensor in the transmission is faulty (it should set a fault code with check engine light, if faulty).
240F temperature is on the high side. Thankfully the vehicle uses WS synthetic oil which is stil stable at this temperature, however high temperatures will shorten transmission life and will require fluid replacement sooner. I usually drain and refill transmission fluid every other oil change. I also use Amsoil Sygnature 0W-20 oil and Amsoil premium oil filters in the engine exclusively. Amsoil is a great oil as the difference it makes is quite noticeable.
I'm planning to install a transmission cooler on my 2016 4Runner. I already purchased a new, large cooler but I'm still debating on whether to install an inline thermostat. I think a transmission thermostat from a newer Tundra model should work on my 4Runner but will see. I'll try to make a video with installation details.
BTW, I used to tow a 5,000 lbs 20 ft. travel trailer with my 1998, 6 cyl. Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep towed it surprisingly well, like a little mule, even on steep long grades in Arizona mountains. A load leveling hitch was a must and I also installed a large, heavy duty transmission cooler. I still have the Jeep and it runs like new. Great vehicle. I hope my 4Runner lasts and performs as good as the Jeep.
So far I'm very happy with the 4Runner. The fact that it was made in Japan with 100% Japanese components does make a difference. Quality and attention to small details are excellent
Andrew Evanoff, I agree with the temps and fluid, and inn going to do more frequent changes until I do a cooler. I'm undecided about an inline thermostat. I guess that depends on how big of a cooler I get!
@@hineas
I ended up installing a large transmission cooler with an aftermarket 180 degree thermostat. Now transmission temperature gets to temperature at a normal rate and stays at around 150 - 155 degrees constantly. It may get to 170 deg. when climbing a steep hill but drops back to 150 within minutes. Having a thermostat really helps to reduce temperature variations and keeps the fluid temps from getting too low in winter.
BTW, transmission fluid color was clear brownish color at only 25 k miles. I was a bit surprised. It should not loose color at such a low mileage. I decided to do a drain and refill procedure, which takes about 4 quarts. I used Amsoil, 100% synthetic, Fuel Saving ATF instead of what Toyota sells (WS). The fluid level check procedure was quite easy with an OBD ScanGauge2. I will keep doing this every 10,000 miles to keep the fluid fresh.
BTW, if you decide to install a cooler, DON'T follow the instructions in the video published by E-Trailer. They connected the cooler to the wrong side of the radiator. The cooler should be connected to the driver side.
Hope this helps you or anyone reading this.
@@andrewevanoff1192 The B&M SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler 14,400 BTU 70264 has an internal bypass that does this without a thermostat, I believe.
"Automatic Transmission SuperCoolers are designed with a "Low Pressure Drop" feature that uses 3/8" hose barb ends with a unique bypass that allows a controlled amount of transmission fluid to bypass the stacked plate core when the fluid is cold."
I had one on my 4th gen and improved temps 20-30 degrees when towing 4000lbs 23ft boat. Planning on installing the same on my 5th gen
I feel way more confident attempting the installation of air bags on my 4Runner after watching your video. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
I put the Firestone Airbags in my 2016 4runner Limited today …without dropping the axle. I lifted the car on two jack stands under the frame with the axle dangling and jacked the hitch up about two more inches with the jack and a block of wood. I removed the spare, both tires, and the overload bump on the exhaust side. I put additional 8x8 wood blocks below the empty wheel hubs for safety. I cut the interior bump with a long but very sharp old kitchen knife (one chunk at a time). I used invisible glass as a lubricant. Folded the top of the bag down flat and folded the bottom flat on the way in. It went in with only the smallest struggle and twisting to get the bag all the way in. Went great! Use plenty of glass cleaner. I am glad I did not drop the axle.
Honestly….the hardest part was getting the air line threaded at the top. It’s tight up there. Good luck ✌️
Your video just saved me a lot of time…thank you
Installed the airbags in my 4Runner today. The passenger side is definitely more difficult to deal with. One thing I did was apply some KY to the spring before installing each bag. That seemed to help. Also, in cutting the bump stops I used a wonder bar to pry open each layer as I cut. This helped speed up that process.
A little dish soap water in a spray bottle works well for this too.
Great video! It popped up just in time as im wanting to tow a trailer and am worried about sagging with my 2” lift spacers
completed this yesterday on my 2018 4R SR5; setup to cleanup in just under 2 hours. pretty straight forward. cutting the pucks is a pain and jamming the bags into the springs just takes some time.
How are the bags still holding? Any issues with the lower section rubbing on the mount? Possibly breaking them sooner?
Added a FireStone Ride-Rite kit to my Taco with separate air lines because leveling with a full gas tank on the driver side requires different pressures. Overall they are a great solution for towing or carrying heavy items in the bed or off the hitch. Good vid and explanations.
I'm hoping in the next little while to buy a new Tacoma and start a mini-series of minor modifications. How do you like yours?
Looks like these will work perfectly in my Camaro. (Only car) 5 kids, air shocks which broke provided me with all the extra ground clearance to keep the car from bottoming out but that was with 120psi. These should help since I don't have to put so much psi in them and hopefully keep my exhaust cutout from banging the ground.
Great video. Keep up the good content! :)
Good video. Thanks. Very useful information.
Interesting way of doing it. Another good option. Personally when I installed i lift i had an easy time removing the springs so id probably do that way
With how easy it was to remove the springs on my 100 series, I'd probably try that way too. :).
What a pain in the butt! Thanks for the great vid. Not looking forward to it on my GX460...
Thanks for the video! I followed your steps to install Firestone bags in my stock 2019, all went well.
That is great to hear! I think the bags made a huge difference!
Just did this today and decided to just drop the axle. 4 bolts per side and it makes it very easy. Great vid for those that want to tackle it this way but I personally would recommend just dropping the axle. If you’re not used to doing suspension work it looks very intimidating, but if you take your time and have basic tools, it’s really not a big deal at all.
Was yours lifted too?
@@ForgottenWaypoints no, stock.
@@masheemashedpotatoes , I'd definitely do it your way stock. My cousin had longer springs. He probably could still get it out, he didn't try. I could on my 100 series (I did the lift without spring compressors), not sure it could be done on a lifted 5th gen. But I'd definitely try it first, you saw the effort to squeeze the bag in and cut the bump stop, much easier to remove the sway bar, lift, install, and button up.
Excellent! Thanks for sharing.
Hey brother, which set did you end up getting vs the recommended for OEM applications? I have a 2 inch spring in the rear as well. Thanks!
I think you should of cut only three layer of the bump stop and leave 2 on to help fill the extra space open from the lift coil springs. Maybe that could of lift it up higher at a lower psi in the bag.
That’s how I did my airbag helper .
Great job👍 I wonder if I can do the same on my 2002 Toyota 4Runner. I would be excellent instead of dropping the rear. Let's Pray 🙏 😆
you should have jacked up the vehicle from the rear Hit or Frame to extend the springs. You would be able to fit the airbag easier that way next time.
He mentioned it in the video
That’s how exactly I did my air bags on my sequoia. The bags were so much easier to install then how he did it on the video
Great explanation. Thanks
awesome video! i have a 18 4runner trd off road and in the market for a yamaha jet boat. for reasons being having a 4runner and i want to keep it in my garage, i'm going with a 19ft as opposed to a 21ft. the 19ft with trailer (dry) is 3170 pounds. the 21ft is 4300 dry.
I pull a 19 foot Yamaha AR195 it’s not too bad in AZ.
@@chrisd5383 awesome to hear. i live in florida and they are hard to come by here for obvious reasons. i decided to hold off for another year til the production catches up
@@itr0863 you’ll be fine pulling on flat roads in Florida. The only issues I have is going up steep hills. I wouldn’t pull any larger of a boat on the 4runner.
@@chrisd5383 i appreciate the help chris. i didnt want to have to trade my 4runner in for a full size truck so thats great.
I wonder if he connected a vacuum pump like for bleeding brakes, to the end of the blue air line, then used it to flatten the air bag? I have a cheap one for about $15 from Harbor Freight that I think would work and allow the bag to be moved into the spring area.
O.O lol @15:32 dope set up will do to mine in future
If I understood correctly, the rear was 39.5” unloaded, 38” loaded with no air, 38.5” with 25 psi. That’s only an improvement of 0.5 inches.
So where does the other end of that blue cable go? Do you need anything else to blow air thru that cable to inflate the airbags or I mean, how the other end of the cable looks like and works? Thanks in advance.
Sawzall does wonders when cutting up the factory bumps for removal in 5 mins .....a utility knife? Hand saw? “No need to watch me cause it takes freakin forever” Hahaha haha
Next time when installing the bags ..push all the air out and fold it length wise and tie a string around it ...goes in like butter. “ No need to watch me you get the idea of how it goes cause it takes forever”...hahahaha
So basically made a video to show how to struggle when installing air bags ..bravo.
will this work on a 3" fox lift here are the measurements on the springs.
Length of spring 15" on vehicle lift
ID of spring 5 1/4"
Cone 6"
Compressed springs 10 1/2"
Sorry there just not enough information that I can find at this time.
thanks
Thanks for the video. I have those exact same shocks (the TRD bilstein 5160) and am looking to add taller rear springs AND airbags.
Little confused on the wording: is the taller airbag kit the F6003, or is this a F4135 plus something else / a 6003 component?
And, info on that hitch-mounted skid?
I'm not sure the exact hitch skid my cousin has, but I do know that Rocky Road Outfitters sells one. I should probably get one for my LX!
www.rocky-road.com/hitch-skid-plate.html
With air bags installed Will a WDH cause any damage to the receiver. Had not heard of anyone having damage or issues to receiver using WDH on 4Runner. About to buy 18ft 2900 dry travel trailer and 2007 V6 4Runner.
If your body slams down it won't hurt the valve on the top? Is there another hole up there too, like the bottom?
I wonder if there is a kit that already has the F6003 springs...
Hi buddy, thank you the video was great, I hot mine done ✅. But question I have is do I have to leave it with air all the time I’m driving or take the air out when there is no any trailer connected to the 4Runner.
Thanks
There isn't a right answer on this question. I have read that some people leave about 5 PSI in their airbags and some leave it empty. If you have too much PSI you will notice that the rear end suspension will be stiff, if you let out air the suspension will be softer and more comfortable. Try a few different pressures until you find one you like.
hineas Thank you so much 😊 sure.
Great video my friend very helpful. Towards the end, where did you get your measuring points from?
That was just measured from the ground to the fender measured vertically. Honestly, measuring from the hub may have been more accurate since it would get rid of any compression of the tires, but my PSI was high at the time so there was very little tire compression. (FYI, I am the guy in the video, not just some bloke answering for him)
Great video! I have bilstein 5100’s installed so I’m pretty sure I’ll need the bags you used. What model trailer is that? I like the setup.
The trailer is a 2012 Rockwood MiniLite 2306. Fully loaded it is pushing the limit of the 4Runner when it comes to weight. I have enjoyed the trailer and it sleeps 7 and dry weight is less than 4,000 lbs.
To be honest a smaller trailer would be better for the 4Runner if I had to do it over again. I also have a Sequoia and I tow with that instead of the 4Runner since it is more stable and handles the trailer better.
I have an older generation with this style of airbag is it bad to keep air in them or keep them deflated
8LIFGR8 do you have a link for the F6003 kit? I have the 2" Toytec lift and can only find single airbags with that part number. Thanks in advance! Loved the video and really appreciate you taking the time to put it together! Motoman
There isn't a full kit for the 2" lift. For the video it was the F4135 kit and then the F6003 springs purchased separately. The shorter springs in the original kit are actually just sitting on a shelf in the garage.
We actually posted this question to eTrailer.com during the research phase of the project on which way would be best to proceed with the Toytec 2" lift. They contacted Firestone with some options and said purchasing the F4135 kit and F6003 springs would probably be the most cost effective. You can read about it here:
www.etrailer.com/question-253590.html
Really appreciate the fast reply! Thank you!
Thanks for making this video . I’m looking forward to trying it out. Any pointer or updates ? I have a 2016 4Runner limited .
Funny you should ask, my cousin still has them installed but he now does most of his towing with a Sequoia now.
8LIFGR8 4x4 is the Sequoia a better towing vehicle than the 4Runner? I think I like the compactness and look of the 4Runner....
@@operationhotshotinc.6887 , Yes, the Sequoia is in an entirely different class when it comes to towing. Better breaking, better wheelbase and width, not to mention the 5.7L V8.
But you are right on the compactness of the 4Runner, it makes it a better off road vehicle. So there is some give and take. My cousin had some longer trailer hauling trips planned and his family was getting bigger, so they decided to use the Sequoia as a family car and a camper tower, and they bring the 4Runner along to hit the trails.
Not unlike what I do with my 2500HD and my camp trailer. My Land Cruiser has a decent towing capacity, but the truck handles the RV's weight much better.
That’s a massive trailer for the 4runner.
Yeah, my cousin has since upgraded and uses the Sequoia for towing duties. It was "ok" with the airbags and he'd measure the tongue weight and everything, but it still stressed the wheelbase and V6.
With the 5.7, he doesn't even know it's there.
@@ForgottenWaypoints Use a regular hitch with a friction bar. Don’t use weight distribution hitch if you have the factory receiver. If you installed the aftermarket hitch receiver, like Curt, which bolted to the frame, then it’s safe to use WDH.
@@nicolathonathan770 Yes, people have bent the factory receiver with a weight distribution hitch.
So I’m a little confused... I too have the toytec springs. You went 4135 (which is ment for stock) but mentioned f6003 springs? Can you clarify?
My cousin went with the 4135 kit to get all the other parts (lines, valves, etc) and purchased the F6003 springs to use instead of the springs which came with the kit. I can't remember if the particular website he used had an option to replace the springs, or if he just discarded the 4135 springs. I'll have to ask him.
@@ForgottenWaypoints This is correct. When I bought it it was cheaper to buy the 4135 kit and then add the replacement F6003 springs instead of piecemeal buying everything.
what does it do ? does it make the ride more comfortable? or is this to help with off roading?
Iron Will, this modification will stiffen the suspension when needed. If the airbags have no air, the suspension will be normal. The more air you add, the stiffer the suspension.
The reason for this modification is to help reduce rear end sag and rear end bouncing when you have a heavy load in the rear or when you are towing.
We have a 2018 sr5 and planning to buy a travel trailer which is about 3300 lbs dry. We like camping in the mountains, how does the your 4Runner handle long steep climbs while pulling that load?
My cousin said it'd make it, but it was never ideal. He's since upgraded to a Sequoia for towing (still has the trd pro) and obviously it's much better.
what rear springs are you using? is the space between to squeeze the bag through similar to stock springs?
The springs are from this lift:
www.toyteclifts.com/fj4rpro-toytec-lift-kit-for-trd-pro-4runners.html
I don't know about the spacing between that and stock.
pull a vacuum on bag for easy insertion
That would make it easier for sure!
What was the rear sag with trailer on before you installed the air bags?
I have about 1.5 inches of rear sag fully loaded before inflating the airbags. I get about 0.5 inches back with medium inflation. The biggest difference is I get less bouncing and rear compression when I go over depressions in the road at highway speed.
However, I don't have stock springs in the rear, so I cannot tell how it would do with stock springs.
hineas thanks. I have a 2017 TRD Pro with stock springs and am looking to get an enclosed motorcycle trailer. I'll definitely look into these air bags.
How has this held up over time? Especially with off-road use… thanks!
I'll ask my cousin next time I see him. I did ask when we were in Colorado over the summer. They are still installed and working, but he has lowered the PSI.
He does more off roading with his 4Runner now, but hasn't towed with it for a few years. He has since upgraded to a Sequoia for that duty, which is obviously a better tow platform to begin with.
But I do know he still wheels with the bags installed, I just can't recall what pressure he is running. He is happy with the setup.
i have the 4runner 05 v8 and camper with tongue weight 890lbs, (05 4runner rated 1093lbs Max gross tongue weight with WD ( already have the WD ) You think just adding the airbags would help the squatting?
I'm not sure at that tongue weight. Does the manual actually say that's ok for the chassis, or is that the hitch rating?
Even with a WD hitch, I'd use a 3/4-ton to tow that much tongue weight. The 4th gen 4 runner has a short wheelbase and a relatively weak rear axle.
How is it towing that much weight? I just added a set of these on my JKU but my camper is only 3000lbs loaded. It tows great!
I'm the owner (I recorded the installation for 8LIFGR8).
This trailer is a light weight construction with a dry weight of 3700 lbs. I load the tongue weight to about 450 lbs (max tongue weight for the vehicle is 500). I know the trailer looks heavier because it has tandem axles, but these are little 2200 lbs axles. We pack the trailer light, so even loaded I'm under the max towing weight off the 4Runner (max towing capacity is 4700 lbs).
Even with the air bags I don't recommend exceeding the towing capacity. I'm sure my springs can now handle more weight, but the rest of the drive train is still rated at 4700 lbs.
The 4Runner actually tows this trailer really well. I have no sway. It doesn't throw me around. Don't get me wrong, I can definitely feel the trailer there.
I tow at about 60-65 mph. I can maintain speed on mild hills, but steep hills I tow at about 50 mph. Long and steep hills might require 45 mph.
Head winds are somewhat of an issue for this V6, and if the wind is strong I'll drop the speed to 55 mph.
I'm also not saying it tows like a bigger truck. I've towed a heavier trailer with a 3/4 ton truck and that truck towed better and I child feel that trailer less. Having said that, I'm not uncomfortable towing with the 4Runner.
Hi, do you keep it in OD while towing?
l catalla, no I do not. I suspect transmission temps would be too high, but more importantly there isn't enough power in OD (5th gear). The owner's manual says to put it in 4th in the s-mode on the transmission. I find if I'm not in 4th, I end up shifting to 5th gear and I start slowing down and it shifts to 4th until I get to my desired speed then it shifts to 5th and starts slowing down. I often hunt gears if I try to use 5th. It just tows better in 4th.
@@hineas never go into overdrive when towing heavy loads
@@prandomable exactly. Thanks for being more concise and clear than my reply! I don't use overdrive when I tow.
When you say you used F6003 springs, is that the actual air bag part?
How does this affect articulation off road? Seems like even at 5 psi it would prevent the wheel tucking under the fender as designed?
My cousin still wheels his TRD often and has had zero issues
@@ForgottenWaypoints sounds good thank you!
I just got a test from him, he said he was about 17psi w/gear when we completed the white rim last week.
Why not simply just jack up the fame, take a bottle jack and jack down/articulate each side of the rear axle to easily remove the spring and bump stop to easily cut and install bag? Same procedure when changing out springs.
Can you leave air bags inside the rear spring pernamently? I'm wanting to get weight distribution hitch instead for my 4runner to reduce sag on my 4runner when towing heavy load with heavy tongue weight.
prandomable .. yes you can. Just reduce the pressure to say 10 or so psi until you tow again, then bring the pressure back up to where you need it 30 or so psi
@@harrycojones4273 well if you are articulating when offroading, I wonder of airbag will reduce the wheel travel.
@@harrycojones4273 or maybe reduce the airbag to 0 PSI instead when not using it? And leave it inside the rear springs.
prandomable oh yes definitely leave inside the springs.
@@harrycojones4273 corrosion over time :)
What was the kit that you used for this install? I’m confused as to which one you said in the comments. Much appreciated.
It's been awhile, but he used the F6003 springs because of the Toytec lift. Without the Toytec, it's kit F4135.
Does this affect off road performance? I tow but also off road to the point I am fully articulated
No. You can adjust the bags to be more or less firm as needed. My cousin doesn't tow with the TRD Pro anymore (he bought a sequioa), but he has kept the airbags despite off-roading the 4runner frequently.
Do you have KDSS?
HOW IS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIRBAG?
My cousin doesn't have kdss on his pro. He is still using the airbags, but has since bought a Sequoia for towing.
He does adjust the pressure on the bags when loaded up for overlanding though, he still recommends them.
@@ForgottenWaypoints Thank you for getting back to me.
Can you clarify exactly which part number you ordered to fit your 2” lift?
You'll want to buy the F4135 kit for the stock vehicle and add the F6003 air springs for the Toytec 2" lift.
@@ForgottenWaypoints I found this video researching airlifts for towing with a 4runner, I'm going to put some on my 16 trail.
After reading firestones suggestion and using common sense theres no reason to buy the F4135 kit if you have lift coils, just buy the F4108 kit instead of paying twice has much purchasing extra bags.
Here's the breakdown for the confused:
Stock 4runner F4135
Spacer lifted 4runner F4135
Coil lifted 4runner F4108
@@notmyfield5391 Thank you for the tip! I actually looked at doing this when I did it but at the time the F4108 was more expensive than buying the replacement bags and the F4135 kit like I did. I even priced buying the replacement bags and the rest of the parts all separately but that was even more expensive. It is good to hear that the price is lower now!
Like you said, if the F4108 kit is cheaper than buying the replacement air bags then that is what I would do!
Report on the bags after few years?
My cousin still has them, but rarely loads them up heavy anymore as he has a Sequoia now for towing. That said, when the back is full of gear for overlanding he adds some pressure to make the ride better.
somebody had their thinking cap on
So what you found out is that it would have been easier to follow the instructions?
How much weight are you towing ?? Looks like it's over 3500
Yes, it is over 3500 lbs. The trailer is 3700 lbs dry weight. I have roughly 500 lbs of cargo. I load the tongue to about 450 lbs (using a tongue scale). I never tow with water or food to keep it lighter--especially if my wife drives the Jeep Cherokee and then we load that with food. Even so, we are pushing the limits of the 4Runner (stock towing capacity is 4700 lbs), so we do all we can to reduce weight. I'd personally recommend a lighter trailer (preferably under 2500 lbs) if the size is appropriate for you.
Stability is surprisingly good with this setup. Sure, this isn't a big truck, but I have never felt unstable. I was driving in heavy (I'd guess around 30 mph with larger gusts) head or cross winds and I never had any sway.
Having said that, the engine is under powered and the larger tires makes the gearing too high. With a head wind it can be slow going (40-45 mph). Without winds it easily goes 60 mph, 50-55 mph up moderate hills.
Oh ok, I'm looking into a trailer in similar size, but I was worried about the capacity, you input helps allot, question, putting a supercharger, would that help with the capacity?
Short answer: no.
Let me explain why. The towing capacity is based on many different factors. Torque and horsepower are a part of this rating, but not everything. The suspension, drive train, cooling systems, frame, brakes, hitch capacity, etc. also have to be considered. As such, increasing horsepower and torque by adding a supercharger likely won't increase the towing capacity of the 4Runner. I also assume it would put more stress on the transmission which means you'll have to install an aftermarket transmission cooler.
After towing this trailer for over 1000 miles, I can confidently say that I would personally not want to tow a trailer heavier or longer than what I currently own with the 4Runner, even if I had more horsepower.
Having said all of this, having increased horsepower and torque would definitely be helpful towing a trailer this size, but it doesn't mean you can safely tow over the listed capacity of the vehicle.
I hope that made sense and answered your question.
Thanks for the info, yes very helpful, I guess I would consider something under 2500 ibs
That would be great if you can find something that works for you at that weight. It would definitely be more enjoyable to tow.
For us, we liked this trailer so much more so ended up going to 3700 dry weight. I knew that we were pushing the limits when loaded, but we decided most of our towing is less than 200 miles, so going slower was worth it for us to get the trailer we wanted. I'm not saying don't get something around 3700 lbs, but I just want you to be informed of how it tows.
Try silicon next time to get it in there...
This is a monumental waste of time. It takes all of 30 minutes to take out 3 bolts and drop the axle. All you need is a wrench and a floor jack.
I think it would depend on whether you're doing this with the stock suspension or lifted. Removing and reinstalling the stock springs is easy, so probably faster to follow the standard instructions for stock suspension. For 2-3" lifts, it's much more difficult to remove and reinstall the taller springs, so the method described in this video could be a good alternative method for a lifted 4Runner. I had specifically searched for a video like this because I remember how much of a pain it was to get the taller springs installed on mine.