Forum Discussion

marc71's avatar
marc71
Explorer
Jan 19, 2019

Our Tundra

So just before Thanksgiving we were getting things ready for our 3,500+ mile trek to Texas with trailer in tow. I deceived to replace the shocks on all four corners and I’m happy to report what an incredible difference in ride quality. In the front I went with MOOG coil overs and Bilstein shocks in the rear. Our truck is also equipped with Firestone Ride-Rite air springs and a wireless one onboard air compressor. With the trailer loaded with the necessities for our journey I found just 28 psi in the air springs kept the “ shock” out of ride from our great interstate system.

On a side note, when traveling through Louisiana (we were north on the way to Texas and south on the way out heading to Florida) if you’re towing anything don’t eat a big meal, the roads are so terrible you might not be able to keep it down.

Happy Travels

7 Replies

  • marc71's avatar
    marc71
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2019
    CaLBaR wrote:
    I have a 2009 Tundra with nearly 130K miles on it with the original shocks and coil overs. Been thinking of replacing them but dealer says that they are still fine. No airbags on mine and towing heavy. find squat is around 2" with WDH set up properly.

    Glad you are happy with your Tundra too. Makes a good TV IMHO.


    I didn’t add the airbags to correct the squat, though now there is none. It’s truly a much better ride with the camper in tow, took the shock out of the rough roads.
  • marc71's avatar
    marc71
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2019
    SouthpawHD wrote:
    What made you go with Moog over Fox, King, or some of the other brands?

    If I may ask, what did you pay for the airbag system?


    Honestly I went with MOOG because of the reliability and quality of the name, plus the excellent reviews.

    The Firestone Ride Rite airbags were $300 and a breeze to instal, didnt even remove the rear tires or spare. The Air Lift Wireless One air compressor was $230 from Amazon, the unit I bought was discounted because of what they called cosmetic damage and open packaging, I found absolutely nothing wrong with it. I dropped the spare tire and mounted the unit inside the opening of the spare so it adds in protection from the elements. Because it’s wireless there are no hoses or wires going to the cab, just a remote velcroded to the dash.
  • RoyJ's avatar
    RoyJ
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2019
    I believe shock / strut replacement is the most under-rated maintenance item. They degrade at such a slow rate, that our brains take forever to register that something is not right.

    When I got my old Dodge V10, it was all over the place with a Bigfoot on the back. Every motion on the road seems amplified, and the whole thing feels a lot heavier than it was. All because the shock can no longer control the body motions. Replaced all 4 with monotubes, and wow, what a difference!
  • spoon059's avatar
    spoon059
    Explorer III
    Jan 19, 2019
    Ron3rd wrote:
    Loved my old 2007 CrewMax. Sold it with 106K on the clock and never a problem, just needed a bigger truck

    Same. I loved my 2010 Tundra 5.7. Between the doublecab being a little too small with a couple car seats and the 1600 lbs payload being too small with the new trailer, I had to move up to a bigger (true crew cab) and heavier (3/4 ton) truck.

    Love my Ram, but that Toyota was a great rig! I really wish they made a heavy half or true 3/4 ton frame underneath it... I'd still have one. That 5.7 and the transmission were great. Brakes always felt firm. Comfortable, reliable and affordable truck.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jan 19, 2019
    Loved my old 2007 CrewMax. Sold it with 106K on the clock and never a problem, just needed a bigger truck
  • CaLBaR's avatar
    CaLBaR
    Explorer II
    Jan 19, 2019
    I have a 2009 Tundra with nearly 130K miles on it with the original shocks and coil overs. Been thinking of replacing them but dealer says that they are still fine. No airbags on mine and towing heavy. find squat is around 2" with WDH set up properly.

    Glad you are happy with your Tundra too. Makes a good TV IMHO.
  • SouthpawHD's avatar
    SouthpawHD
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2019
    What made you go with Moog over Fox, King, or some of the other brands?

    If I may ask, what did you pay for the airbag system?

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