werewolf

Hi all

I am trying to think ahead on the rear suspension. I've read most of the relevant threads (I think)

So far
1) The OEM parts look very expensive particularly the rear shocks but the bags look ok
2) I am thinking to put in Bilstein 5100 (losing the sport/comfort switching) but using OEM airbags when the time comes
3) The airbag replacement options look to be a bunch of coil options
4) There is no clear winner as to which coil is better than the other (no lift/desire to replicate Lexus/OEM ride)

Questions
1) After putting in new OEM airbags, how much service life did you get (yrs/miles) before needing to do it again?
2) Is using aftermarket shocks and OEM bags a bad idea?
3) Somebody wrote that 1/3 of the weight in the rear sits on the shocks and 2/3 on the bag. Is that right? Does it matter?
4) Does using coils in the rear create problems? How does the coil stay in the right place all the time (load/adapter)?
5) Are the aftermarket bags better / worse than OEM?

Thanks

chiph9

I haven't heard of anyone having to replace their bags twice. If the factory ones made it to 150k miles, you'd expect to change the replacements at 300k, and very few people are at that mileage.

That's not how suspensions work. The airbag supports the full weight of the vehicle, and the shocks dampen the vertical oscillations to more quickly return the vehicle to level (reducing the bouncy "yo-yo" effect)


Chip H.

IanB2

The rear coil conversions kits available from SSO and Metaltech serve to locate the springs.

Bilstein 5100's might be good shocks, but they are unlikely to be valved as soft as OEM shocks, so keep that in mind if you're chasing stock ride quality.

If you have air suspension issues, doesn't really matter what the problem is, converting to coils is going to be the cheapest solution, and zero chance of something else failing a month later.

RPH74