The Airbag Man CR5038 Air Helper Kit fits the Toyota 4Runner/Surf 1988-1997 with factory coil rear suspension and adds up to 2 tonnes of load-levelling support without changing your unladen ride height. Twin air springs work alongside your existing coil springs, letting you dial in air pressure from empty to fully loaded so the rear doesn't sag under a canopy, tools or camping gear. It's a genuine airbag suspension upgrade, not a fixed spring swap, so ride height stays factory-level until you need extra support. Dispatched from Australian stock with a manufacturer warranty and fitment guidance from our team.
Browse all compatible suspension parts for your Air Helper Kit Toyota 4Runner/Surf 88-97 using our parts finder.
Note: Air compressor sold separately. Drilling and cutting required for fitment.
| Make | Model | Series | Years | Suspension Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 4Runner/Surf | Coil Rear Models | 1988-1997 | Rear Coil Spring |
Not sure if this fits your vehicle? Contact our suspension experts or check our FAQ page.
Because this kit is an air helper rather than a fixed-rate coil replacement, you control the effective spring rate by adjusting air pressure to match your load — no need to pick a rating upfront. Run low or no pressure for an empty vehicle to keep the ride soft, and add air when carrying a canopy, camping gear, tools, water tanks or towing a trailer. If you're regularly running a constant heavy accessory load, consider pairing the bags with a firmer set of rear coil springs so the bags only need to handle the variable load.
Fitting the air springs, brackets and air line is within reach of an experienced DIY installer with basic tools, though we recommend a suspension workshop if you're not confident working around the rear axle and coil perches. A wheel alignment check is good practice any time ride height changes noticeably, so re-check it after you've set your typical loaded air pressure. There's no fixed break-in distance for the air springs themselves, but inspect fittings and air line connections after the first 500km of use. If you're also addressing wear in the rear end, look at control arm and bush condition while you're under the vehicle.
Airbag Man has been designing air suspension components in Australia for more than 25 years, with kits developed specifically for local 4WD and touring use rather than generic imports. Every helper kit is backed by a manufacturer warranty and supported by our team for fitment questions specific to your 4Runner/Surf. You can view the full Airbag Man range for other applications across the fleet.
This kit suits 4Runner/Surf owners who tow a trailer or caravan, carry a canopy and drawer system, or load up with camping and touring gear on a regular basis. It's built for anyone wanting adjustable airbag suspension support rather than a fixed heavier spring that stays firm even when the vehicle is empty. Tradies running tools and equipment day-to-day also benefit from being able to dial support up or down as the load changes.
In stock in Australia and ready for fast dispatch, with our team on hand to confirm fitment before you buy. Browse our full lift kit range if you're also considering a permanent height increase alongside load support.
The CR5038 kit is built specifically for Toyota 4Runner/Surf models from 1988 to 1997 fitted with factory rear coil springs. It is not designed for leaf-spring rear variants of the same model range, so check your rear suspension type before ordering. If you're unsure which rear end your 4Runner/Surf has, our team can confirm fitment from the chassis or model details.
This is a load-support helper kit, not a fixed lift kit, so it doesn't permanently raise your 4Runner/Surf. Deflated, the ride height stays close to factory; as you add air pressure under load, the bags help carry the extra weight and reduce rear sag rather than lifting the vehicle. If you want a genuine height increase as well, pair this kit with raised rear coil springs.
The kit includes 2 x Airbag Man air springs, top and bottom mounting brackets, a nylon air line kit with tee fitting, 2 x chrome inflation valves, and mounting hardware. A compressor and in-cab control panel are not included and can be added separately if you want easier on-the-move adjustment. Full fitting instructions are supplied in the box.
Yes, it's commonly fitted to reduce rear sag when towing a trailer, camper or caravan behind a 4Runner/Surf. Adding air pressure to match your tow ball weight helps keep the rear end level and headlights aimed correctly. It works alongside your existing coil springs and tow bar setup rather than replacing them.
Not necessarily for this particular helper kit, since it doesn't change your static ride height the way a lift kit does. If you're also fitting raised coil springs or notice geometry issues after loading, our control arm range is worth reviewing. Contact our team if you're combining this kit with other suspension changes.
A wheel alignment check is good practice whenever you make a suspension change, even a helper kit like this one. If your typical loaded air pressure noticeably alters ride height, have the alignment checked afterwards. This helps avoid uneven tyre wear over time.
The air springs themselves aren't rated in a fixed kg figure the way a coil spring is — you set the support level by adjusting air pressure, up to the kit's combined 2 tonne capacity. This means you don't need to pre-select a rate; you simply add or reduce air to suit whatever you're carrying that day. If you want a firmer base spring rate as well, that's a separate rear coil spring upgrade.
Because this is a load-support kit rather than a height-increasing lift kit, it won't create the clearance needed for larger tyres on its own. If you're planning a tyre upgrade, you'll need a genuine lift kit or raised coil springs to gain the clearance, with this air helper kit fitted in addition for load control. Speak with our team about combining both if that's the goal.
This kit is covered by Airbag Man's manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Full warranty terms are confirmed at the time of purchase and our team can talk you through the process if you ever need to make a claim. Genuine Airbag Man parts are sourced from Australian stock, so support and parts are handled locally.
Yes — with the air springs deflated or at low pressure, ride quality stays close to factory for daily, unladen driving. You only add air pressure when you're carrying a load or towing, so it doesn't force a firmer ride all the time. This flexibility is the main advantage over a fixed heavier-rate rear spring.
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