80 Series: Polyairs in 3" lift?

[ET4Runner]

Got an 80 with 2" OME suspension lift; decided to put some 30mm spacers in, and at the same time I bought some 'Airlift' airbags (exactly the same as Polyairs, but half the price) to put in.

Anyhow, spacers go in, then we put the bags in (removing bumpstops as per instructions), and they're about 80mm too short

Here's the question:
Do I have the wrong bags, or should there have been (or can I get) spacers to 'fill' above the airbags? The spacers would have to fit within the coil, and have a hole down the centre for the air line.

Any ideas???

[keencdk]

If it is an early 80 series, the springs are longer than the later 80 series, but not 80mm longer.

[ET4Runner]

Nah, it's a '95 model.

2" lift, but don't forget I've removed the bump stops, because that's what the instructions said to do.

[simkell]

is that wit the axle at full droop or at normal height?
try fitting them at rest, weight on axle

[ET4Runner]

Normal height (as in they're in, and I'm driving it around).

I'm thinking of trimming down the bump stops, and having them 'float' on top of the bag, with the air line up through the centre.

Anyone else done something similar?

[mick80]

hey lad i used to have same set up just had a spacer under air bag i still have them in now i got a four inch i made some coil dropouts to suit the airbags still works fine they are made to suit no lift so if you got 80mm you spacer the same
cheers mick

[dieseldude]

Isn't it a case that you fill the air bags so that they fill the voids between the coils of the 'coil springs' in order to limit how much compression you get? Obviously with a lift such as yours you would end up with progressive coils????????????????????????

This is my understanding of how these things are supposed to work. As far as I'm aware they're not meant to act as bump stops in that manner. After all, doesn't the air fitting come out of one of the ends (top or bottom) - wouldn't this result in the fitting getting squashed and possibly damaged / ripped off on compression?

I'd be interested to find out what you work out in regards to this as I'm looking at getting some for my 100 series.

Cheers,

Anthony

[mick80]

dieseldude look at my avatar i have polyairs have awesome tuck they still work lad
cheers mick

[ET4Runner]

dieseldude look at my avatar i have polyairs have awesome tuck they still work lad
cheers mick

Cheers everyone. Mick80 any chance you could post a larger pick of that so I can get a better look (most nights my eyes are shot; too many beers in my lifetime )

dieseldude, you're right about the fitting; we did mine the same as a mates Polyairs with the hose fitting out the top, through the (now vacant) hole for the bump-stop retaining bolt (had to expand hole a little); then hoses go along chassis to valves mounted in rear bumper each side. Also correct in what you say regarding their effect; when inflated, they expand more horizontally ("in the void" as you said), supporting the coil, not vertically (much anyway).


I was planning on a spacer with a hole down the centre, 'floating' on top of the bag, but Mick's setup (under the bag) seems a better option. Next q is, where do I get these?

.

[dieseldude]

Mate,

From memory, the 'camel' 105 series that they did up for touring in the 4wd monthly mags had polyairs installed. I recall reading that they fitted blocks underneath the bags. As such, I'd be trying Opposite Lock. I think they stated that they were only $25 each or something.

Maybe worth a phone call because I guess this proves that such a product is available off the shelf.

Regards

Anthony

[ET4Runner]

Mate,

From memory, the 'camel' 105 series that they did up for touring in the 4wd monthly mags had polyairs installed. I recall reading that they fitted blocks underneath the bags. As such, I'd be trying Opposite Lock. I think they stated that they were only $25 each or something.

Maybe worth a phone call because I guess this proves that such a product is available off the shelf.

Regards

Anthony

Ah, tops. Cheers!