Next to, rather than in between

Following Mic’s column “Tow ball weights and your suspension” in the May issue, I’d like to share my thoughts. My brother fitted extra air bladders to his Land Cruiser 200, and they appear to work well. I decided to fit them to my Hilux D-4D double cab too. They sit on the rear axle by the leaf springs, but they were a disappointment. The air bladders were fitted between the leaf spring and the chassis, and reduced the suspension’s travel by 6 cm. I think in this way it reduces the burden on the leaf springs instead of supporting them. So when the springs are fully compressed, they impact with the air bladder as opposed to the chassis. I decided to remove the bladders and put them on the axle next to the springs. What an improvement! I’ll do it this way on my next vehicle, too. I don’t understand why they are designed to fit between the chassis and the leaf springs.