Coil Replacement Air Suspension Installation

Installation instructions for fitting the "On-Air" airbag suspension system to the rear of a Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series.

Airbag Man… Designers and manufactures of airbags and air suspension systems bring your “On-Air!”

A rear coil spring suspension replacement system that will give you leveling control for when you’re towing or carrying additional load.

Fitting airbags to the rear of a Toyota Landcruiser 200 is a relatively simple procedure which involves removing the existing rear coil springs and replacing them with airbags.

The rear coil springs are compressed or shortened using a coil compressor, making them easier to remove.

Both rear shock absorbers are detached from the lower and so to is the rear sway bar.

A hydraulic hoist jack lifts the chassis up from the rear axle which will allow more room to remove the coil springs.

There are no bolts holding the springs in place.

Coil Replacement Air Suspension Installation on the rear of a Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series
Coil Replacement Air Suspension Installation on the rear of a Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series

The coil is lifted from the lower spring seat and then maneuvered forward and outward.

Now that the coil springs been removed it’s time to fit the inflation valves and airline tube which will later attach to the airbags once they’ve been fitted.

Two standard tyre inflation valves are fitted to a bracket underneath the rear of the vehicle.

Between where the airbags will be located and the inflation valves, airlines inside and out the protector tubing will be run.

One end of the airline tubing is connected to a push to connect fitting in the top plate for the airbag which is secured to the upper spring seat of the chassis.

Three press studs and a bolt hold the top plate in place.

The airlines inside the protective tubing can now be run back to the inflation valves at the rear of the vehicle.

The airline tube is trimmed to length and then neatly inserted into the push to connect fitting at the back of the inflation valve.

The airbags can now be fitted between the spring seat in the top of the rear axle in place of where the coil springs were previously located.

The airbags can now be inflated manually using an external air compressor.

As the air pressure increases inside the bellows it rolls up the piston assembly.

This action pneumatically lifts the vehicle chassis and body upwards off the rear axle allowing for leveling control and adjustable ride height.

Releasing air from the airbag lowers the vehicle closer to the ground.

Once both airbags have been fully fitted to the rear of the Landcruiser the shock absorbers and sway bar can be refitted to the underneath of the vehicle.

The On-Air system is now complete.

Using manual inflation to raise and lower the vehicle for adjustable ride height.

When towing or carrying an uneven load the Landcruiser can now level up a sagging rear end from rear to front and side to side.

Find Out More about Air Suspension!

Step by Step Images of the Installation Process

Coils, Shock Absorbers and Sway Bar need to be removed
The coil springs, shock absorbers and sway bar need to be removed before fittment of the air suspension system.
Time to fit the inflation valves to bracket on back of vehicle
Time to fit the inflation valves. Tyre inflation valves are fitted to a bracket on the rear underneath of vehicle.
The top plate for the airbag is secured to the upper spring seat
The top plate for the airbag is secured to the upper spring seat
The airlines can now be run back to the inflation valves
The airlines can now be run back to the inflation valves
The airline tube is trimmed to length
The airline tube is trimmed to length
Airline is then neatly inserted into the push to connect fitting and inflation valve
Airline is then neatly inserted into the push to connect fitting and inflation valve
The airbags can now be fitted in place where the coil springs were previously located
The airbags can now be fitted in place where the coil springs were previously located
The airbags can now be inflated with an air compressor
The airbags can now be inflated with an air compressor
Airbag can now be inflated from the lower position
Airbag can now be inflated from the lower position
Airbag can now be deflated from the inflated raised position
Airbag can now be deflated from the inflated raised position
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Nissan Pathfinder Fitted Heavy Duty Airbags

Side view of a Nissan Pathfinder R51

Nissan Pathfinder R51 fitted with 40mm Superior Lift Kit (Stage 1) featuring Heavy Duty Suspension Airbags with Kevlar Protection, Airbag Dual Controller Kit, Chrome Clearview Tow Mirrors, 50 Amp Anderson Plug, Brake Controller and a Superior Exhaust System.

Before the Nissan Pathfinder is fitted out with suspension kit
Before the Nissan Pathfinder is fitted out with suspension kit

After the Nissan Pathfinder is fitted out with suspension kit
After the Nissan Pathfinder is fitted out with suspension kit

Closeup view of the airbag with a kevlar protection bag
Closeup view of the airbag with a kevlar protection bag

Rear view of Nissan Pathfinder with an Coil-Rite Airbag fitted to back suspension
Rear view of Nissan Pathfinder with an Coil-Rite Airbag fitted to back suspension

Side angle view of Nissan Pathfinder with an Coil-Rite Airbag fitted
Side angle view of Nissan Pathfinder with an Coil-Rite Airbag fitted
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The Right Airbag Suspension For My Vehicle

Have you asked yourself this question: “What Is The Right Airbag Suspension For My Vehicle?”… then you’re not alone.

Ever wanted to know what airbag suspension kit is suitable for your offroad vehicle. Then check out this table which lists all the most popular makes and models of four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles suitable for airbag suspension kits.

Take the guess work out of fitting an air spring kit!

This list will link you directly to the correct airbag kit for your vehicle.


Coil Spring Vehicles Table

Firestone Coil-Rite airbags are designed to fit inside existing rear coils springs to provide levelling control (front-to-rear and side-to-side), when a vehicle is under load. These suspension airbags will give you the extra support needed in your suspension. http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/4×4-suspension/air-bags

Coil Spring Airbag Suspension Vehicle List
MakeModelType
HoldenJackarooStandard height Jackaroo 91-05
 
HyundaiSanta-FeStandard height Santa-Fe 00-07
  Standard height Santa-Fe 07-09
 TerracanStandard height Terracan 01-09
 
JeepCherokeeStandard height Cherokee 02-09
  Standard height Cherokee 2009 on
 CommanderAir Bags 2″ inch lift Commander 06-09
  Air Bags 2″ inch lift Heavy Duty Commander 06-09
  Standard height Commander 06-09
  Standard height Heavy Duty Commander 06-09
 Grand CherokeeAir Bags 1″ – 2″ inch lift Grand Cherokee 98-05
  Air Bags 2″ inch lift Grand Cherokee 05-10
  Air Bags 2″ inch lift Heavy Duty Grand Cherokee 05-10
  Standard height Grand Cherokee 05-10
  Standard height Grand Cherokee 2011 on
  Standard height Grand Cherokee 92-98
  Standard height Grand Cherokee 98-05
  Standard height Heavy Duty Grand Cherokee 05-10
 WranglerAir Bags 2″ inch lift Heavy Duty Wrangler Rubicon 2007 on
  Standard height Heavy Duty Wrangler 2007 on
  Standard height Heavy Duty Wrangler 97-07 rear
  Standard height Wrangler 2007 on
  Standard height Wrangler 97-07
  Standard height Wrangler Rubicon 2007 on
 
LandroverDefenderStandard height Defender 110 83-10
  Standard height Defender 130 90-10
  Standard height Defender 90 84-10
  Standard height Heavy Duty Defender 110 83-10
  Standard height Heavy Duty Defender 130 90-10 no lift
 DiscoveryAir Bags 2″ inch lift Discovery Series 1&2 90-04
  Air Bags 2″ inch lift Heavy Duty Discovery Series 1&2 90-04
  Standard height Discovery Series 1&2 90-04
  Standard height Heavy Duty Discovery Series 1&2 90-04
 Range RoverAir Bags 2″ inch lift Range Rover 70-96
  Standard height Range Rover 70-96
 
MazdaTributeStandard height Tribute 01-09
 
MitsubishiChallengerStandard height Challenger 00-07
  Standard height Challenger 2009 on
  Standard height Heavy Duty Challenger 00-07
  Standard height Heavy Duty Challenger 2009
 DelicaAir Bags 1″ – 2″ inch lift Heavy Duty Delica 94-06
  Air Bags 1″ – 2″ inch lift Delica 94-06
  Standard height Delica 94-06
  Standard height Heavy Duty Delica 94-06
 PajeroAir Bags 2″ inch lift Heavy Duty Pajero 2000 on
  Air Bags 2″ inch lift Pajero 2000 on
  Standard height Heavy Duty Pajero 90-99
  Standard height Heavy Duty Pajero 2000 on
  Standard height Pajero 2000 on
  Standard height Pajero 90-99
 
NissanPathfinderAir Bags 2″ inch lift Heavy Duty Pathfinder 2005 on
  Air Bags 2″ nch lift Pathfinder 2005 on
  Standard height Heavy Duty Pathfinder 96-04
  Standard height Heavy Duty Pathfinder 2005 on
  Standard height Pathfinder 2005 on
  Standard height Pathfinder 86-95
  Standard height Pathfinder 96-04
 PatrolAir Bags 2″ inch lift GQ Patrol
  Air Bags 2″ inch lift GU Patrol
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Heavy Duty GQ Patrol
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Heavy Duty GU Patrol
  Standard height GQ Patrol
  Standard height GU Patrol
  Standard height Heavy Duty GQ Patrol
  Standard height Heavy Duty GU Patrol
 TerranoStandard height Terrano II
 X-TrailStandard height X-Trail rear 08-on
 
Toyota4 Runner SurfStandard height 4 Runner surf 2002 on
  Standard height 4 Runner surf 88-97
  Standard height 4 Runner surf 96-02
  Standard height Heavy Duty 4 Runner surf 2002 on
  Standard height Heavy Duty 4 Runner surf 88-97
 LandcruiserAir Bags 1" inch lift Landcruiser 200
  Air Bags 1" inch lift Heavy Duty Landcruiser 200
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Landcruiser 100
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Heavy Duty Landcruiser 100
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Heavy Duty Landcruiser 80
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Landcruiser 80
  Standard height Heavy Duty Landcruiser 80
  Standard height Heavy Duty Landcruiser 100
  Standard height Heavy Duty Landcruiser 200
  Standard height Landcruiser 100
  Standard height Landcruiser 200
  Standard height Landcruiser 80
 PradoAir Bags 2" inch lift Heavy Duty Prado 120
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Heavy Duty Prado 150 (5 Door)
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Prado 120
  Air Bags 2" inch lift Prado 150 5 Door
  Standard height Heavy Duty Prado 150 5 Door
  Standard height Prado 120
  Standard height Prado 120
  Standard height Prado 150 3 Door
  Standard height Prado 150 5 Door
 Rav4Standard height Rav4 2006
  Standard height Rav4 96-05
 
Great Wall Standard height X200 & X240 10-12

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Leaf Spring Vehicles Table

Firestone Ride-Rite airbags are designed to fit between a vehicles chassis and the axle / leaf spring to provide levelling control, front-to-rear and side-to-side, when a vehicle is under load. These suspension airbags will give you the extra support needed in your suspension. http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/4×4-suspension/air-bags

Leaf Spring Airbag Suspension Vehicle List
MakeModelType
FordCourierStandard height Courier PC-PH Diesel & 4 cyl Petrol 85-06
  Standard height Courier PH 6 cyl Petrol 04-06
 F-250Standard height F-250 00-07 4×2
  Standard height F-250 00-07 4×4 outside chassis
  Standard height F-250 00-07 4×4 under chassis
 RangerStandard height Ranger PJ & PK 3lt Diesel only 06-11
  Standard height Ranger PX 2011 on
 
Great Wall Standard height V240 & V200 09-12
 
HoldenColorado & RodeoStandard height Colorado & Rodeo 03-12 4×2 non V6
  Standard height Colorado & Rodeo 03-12 4×2 V6,4×4
 ColoradoStandard height Colorado RG 12-13
 JackarooStandard height Jackaroo 82-91
 RodeoStandard height Rodeo 81-02 4×2, 4×4
 SuburbanStandard height Suburban 98-00
 
Hummer Standard height H3 06-09
 
IsuzuD-MaxStandard height D-Max 4×4 09-12
  Standard height D-Max 4×4 2012
 
MazdaBravoStandard height Bravo 4×2 89-06 excl V6
  Standard height Bravo 4×4 & 4×2 89-06 V6 only
  Standard height Bravo 4×4 89-06 excl V6
 BT-50Standard height BT-50 4×2 & 4×4 3l td
  Standard height BT-50 4×2 2.5l td
 
MitsubishiPajeroStandard height Pajero 83-94
 TritonStandard height Triton 4×2 V6, 4×4 96-07
  Standard height Triton 4×2, 4×4 06-12
  Standard heightTriton 4×2 96-07 non V6
 
NissanNavaraStandard height Navara D21/D22 4×2 86-09
  Standard height Navara D21/D22 4×4 86-09
  Standard height Navara D40 4×4
 PatrolStandard height GQ Patrol 88-97
  Standard height GU Patrol 98-09
  Standard height MQ Patrol 80-87
 
Toyota4 Runner SurfStandard height 4 Runner surf 89
 HiluxStandard height Hilux 4×4 05-09
  Standard height Hilux 4×4 84-04
  Standard height Hilux 4×4 TRD 08-09
 LandcruiserAir Bags 2" inch lift 78,79 series 2012 on GLX 2" Lift
  Air Bags 2" inch lift 78,79 series 99-12
  Air Bags 2" inch lift 78,79 series 99-12 RV 2" lift
  Standard height 60 series 81-90
  Standard height 73-75 series 85-99
  Standard height 78,79 series 2012 on GLX rear)
  Standard height 78,79 series 99-12
  Standard height 78,79 series 99-12 RV

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Airbag Suspension Myths Busted

Michael Hayes tells you what you need to know about airbag springs for your fourby.

We’ve all heard the rumours and hype surrounding airbag springs used in the back of 4WDs.

There’s no shortage of myths and misinformation flying around. Hands up if you’ve heard these – airbags will change the amount of suspension travel off-road; airbags will often tear under flex; they’ll make the ride hard and bouncy; they’re prone to punctures; vehicles fitted with airbags routinely bend their chassis. Sounding familiar?

Close-up view of a well designed airbag which allow for similar amount of suspension travel
Figure 1 : Well-designed airbags allow for a similar amount of suspension travel.

Let’s deal with them in order. In most applications, wheel travel is NOT reduced. Well-designed airbags allow for a similar amount of suspension travel regardless of load conditions. In many circumstances due to the lower linear rate of the airbag fitment, it may provide more suspension travel compared to that of fitting traditional heavy-duty load carrying springs.

As for toughness – kits are available to suit lifted vehicles and some are also available with protective abrasion sleeves or covers so that the bags will not get damaged when off-road.

What about the ride? A correctly inflated airbag is only really providing support for the extra loaded mass. For the times when that added load capacity is not required, you simply deflate or reduce the pressure. It is then that an airbag system is superior to having HD springs, which affect the ride in all situations. If you’re noticing bounciness, check your shocks haven’t had it.

Puncture resistance is also good these days. A quality airbag is very durable and resilient (they’ve been used in trucking for years) and will only lose pressure for reasons similar to that of your vehicle’s tyres. So when you check your tyre pressures, check the pressure and condition of the airbags as well.

The bent chassis problem is also vastly overblown. Overloading and / or poorly positioned loads combined with driver error are the common themes here. Always adhere to the vehicle manufacturer’s load and axle ratings, and consult the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook for load positioning and driving recommendations. In some vehicles it is actually far better to spread the load back into the chassis at more points.

With that said, with GU Nissan Patrols and Navaras, running airbags can increase the risk of chassis damage and a suitable brace kit will need to be added before tackling big trips.

But what about off-road performance? In some situations the use of an articulation kit for 4WDs may be required by owners who want increased upward wheel travel and increased droop (downward wheel travel). This is achieved by a top that opens airlines between the two air bellows to allow the passage of air to move from one to the other. This is ideal for rocky 4WD conditions and some outback areas. Air bellows are also great in aiding a loaded 4WD in the bush. When used correctly they can increase both ramp over and departure angles.

chassis brace kit may need to be installed to prevent any issues
Figure 2 : On some vehicles, a chassis brace kit may need to be installed to prevent any issues.

Contact Superior Engineering

Phone: (07) 5433 1411
499 Uhlmann Road
Burpengary Queensland 4505
Australia
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