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I Just Bought a 2014 Toyota Tundra with an Aftermarket Airlift System, and I'm Dealing with More Bouncing and Roughness in the Rear Suspension

Dealing with a bouncy, rough ride after installing an aftermarket Airlift system on your Tundra? This article unveils expert solutions and real-world advice to smooth out your suspension and invites you to share your own experience.
I Just Bought a 2014 Toyota Tundra with an Aftermarket Airlift System, and I'm Dealing with More Bouncing and Roughness in the Rear Suspension

When you invest in a truck like the 2014 Toyota Tundra, you're expecting to experience smooth, comfortable rides whether you're cruising down highways or tackling rough terrains. But when you add aftermarket systems like the Airlift system to the rear suspension, you're opening up a whole new realm of adjustments, considerations, and potential issues that may not have been an issue when the truck was stock. This is something Kelsey McNevin recently found out after purchasing a 2014 Tundra with a rear aftermarket Airlift system.

Kelsey recently shared her frustration with the Toyota Tundra 2007-21 Facebook group, saying: "I bought a 2014 Tundra that has an aftermarket Airlift system in the rear. Has anyone else experienced more bounce and roughness in the back suspension with this system? We lowered the PSI as much as the remote allows (we never had this issue with our old truck). Perhaps inflating it more will solve the problem, as it's on a 2" lift. We're also considering heavier rear shocks to accommodate the setup. This is all new to us, so please be patient."

2014 Toyota Tundra

Aftermarket Airlift systems are designed to add additional support to the suspension, particularly useful for those hauling or towing heavy loads, or simply seeking improved performance under varying conditions. However, they can come with a set of challenges that weren't expected. For Kelsey, the issue lies in the increased bounce and roughness in the rear suspension. The stock suspension didn't have these problems, even when handling the same load. The question is: what caused the change, and how can it be addressed?

What's Behind the Bouncing and Roughness?

The root of the issue could stem from multiple factors related to the installation of the Airlift system. While this setup aims to make your ride more adjustable and tailored to your needs, it may also cause some unintended effects if it's not properly balanced. In particular, the stiffness or harshness of the ride is often a result of mismatched components, air pressure settings, or other physical limitations of the system itself.

In Kelsey’s case, adjusting the PSI (pounds per square inch) is a common first attempt to fix the issue. Lowering the air pressure should, in theory, smooth out the ride, but there's a possibility that it's not enough to address the root cause. When the airbag is underinflated, it may not provide sufficient support, causing the suspension to behave in an unpredictable manner. On the other hand, inflating the bags too much could create additional harshness, leading to a bumpier ride.

Kelsey’s thought of adding heavier rear shocks is worth considering as well, but before going down that path, it's important to understand why the problem exists in the first place.

A Deeper Dive: The Role of Jounce Bumpers and Lift Blocks

In the comments under Kelsey’s post, Jared Linkhart offered a helpful suggestion that could solve the bouncing and roughness she is experiencing. He explained: “Some airbags have an internal jounce bumper that is more aggressive than the OEM jounce bumper the airbag setup replaces. A better shock might help, or you could potentially change your leaf spring setup. For example, if it has a lift block, you could remove the lift block and add longer leaf spring shackles to lift the rear. This would increase the space the airbag rides in by 1-2 inches, depending on which shackle you use, giving you more space before the jounce bumper engages. Additionally, if the rear was lifted 2 inches and still has factory-length shocks, it could cause a harsh ride because the shocks run out of down travel 2 inches too soon.”

In essence, the internal jounce bumper, which is meant to limit the suspension’s travel to prevent it from bottoming out, could be more aggressive in the Airlift system compared to the factory setup. The consequence? More force is applied to the rear suspension, which can amplify the roughness and bouncing sensation. Jared’s advice to switch out the lift block and install longer leaf spring shackles could help provide more space for the airbags to operate, potentially reducing the issue.

Additionally, if the rear suspension was lifted by 2 inches but the shocks haven't been upgraded, they might not have enough travel left to effectively manage the additional lift, leading to a stiffer, bumpier ride.

Solutions and Adjustments: Making the Ride Comfortable Again

So, what should Kelsey do to fix the issue of bouncing and roughness? There are a few paths to consider:

  1. Check the Air Pressure: Airlift systems are all about adjusting the air pressure to match the load and driving conditions. Make sure the PSI is optimized for both comfort and performance. If the pressure is too low, the airbags won’t provide enough support. Conversely, if the pressure is too high, you may feel every bump on the road. Experiment with different PSI levels, keeping in mind that the ideal setting can vary based on your driving style and load capacity.
  2. Upgrade the Shocks: Adding heavier rear shocks, as Kelsey considered, might be a good idea. Heavy-duty shocks are designed to handle more aggressive suspension setups like an Airlift system. They will also help with reducing the harshness of the ride, as the shock absorbers will better manage the movement of the suspension.
  3. Consider a Leaf Spring Adjustment: As Jared suggested, removing the lift block and adding longer leaf spring shackles may be an effective solution. This adjustment could give the airbags more space to expand, reducing the engagement of the jounce bumper and improving the overall ride quality.
  4. Replace or Modify the Jounce Bumper: If your Airlift system’s internal jounce bumper is causing too much resistance, it may be worth replacing it with a softer option. Alternatively, modifying the jounce bumper to engage at a later stage in the suspension’s travel could reduce the harshness.
  5. Revisit the Installation Setup: If you suspect that the installation wasn't performed correctly or that certain components were overlooked, having a professional inspect the setup might help identify issues that can be easily fixed.

By trying out some of these strategies, Kelsey may find a solution that balances comfort and performance, ensuring that the Tundra’s rear suspension is ready for both heavy-duty work and everyday driving.

Key Takeaways for Toyota Tundra Owners with Aftermarket Suspension Systems

It’s clear that modifying your Toyota Tundra’s suspension can have a significant impact on the ride quality. Whether you’re adding an Airlift system or other aftermarket components, understanding how these modifications interact with the rest of the truck’s suspension system is crucial. From adjusting air pressure to upgrading shocks or making changes to the leaf spring setup, there are several avenues to explore to smooth out the ride.

For owners looking to make similar modifications, it’s always a good idea to research thoroughly and ask for expert advice when needed. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to suspension modifications, but with some trial and error, you can achieve the perfect balance of comfort and performance.

Curious About More Toyota Tundra Experiences? Check These Out:

Have you ever dealt with suspension issues after modifying your vehicle? What solutions worked best for you? Share your personal experience in the comments below!

And for those who own a Tundra or a similar truck with an aftermarket airbag system, how did you dial in your suspension setup? What changes made the biggest difference in your ride quality? Please let us know your thoughts.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.

Automotive News
Pickup Trucks
Toyota

Comments

Risk Week (not verified)    February 15, 2025 - 7:11PM

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It's interesting how modifications can change a vehicle's ride quality so dramatically.