We reveal the best airbags for the 79 Series LandCruiser...
Airbag suspension on the 79 Series is one of the most-asked-about and most-misunderstood upgrades. The airbags assist the factory rear leaf springs under load - they do not replace them and they do not raise legal GVM. What they do is keep the truck sitting level under tow ball weight and heavy rear cargo loads, improving ride and handling.
1. Airbag Man Coil Air Kits
Premium kit with proven Australian distribution. Compatible with both leaf-rear and coil-rear setups (where the 79 has been coil-converted). $600 to $1,200 fitted depending on configuration. The market leader for serious touring builds.
2. Polyair (Tough Dog) Bellows
Mid-range kit at $500 to $900 fitted. Tough Dog is the budget-friendly mainstream Australian suspension brand and the Polyair bellows are their proven entry product. Adequate for most family touring use.
3. Boss Triple Load Assist Kits
Multi-fit kit (one part number suits several vehicles) at $550 to $950 fitted. Reasonable for owners who want adequate quality without paying premium tier.
4. Thor Air Suspension Kits
Budget option at $450 to $800 fitted. Adequate for occasional towing use but not the premium pick for full-time touring builds.
5. Airbags Are Not a GVM Upgrade
The single most important point. Airbags do not raise legal GVM. They help the truck sit level under load but they do not allow you to legally exceed the factory or upgraded GVM rating. If you are over GVM, you need an engineered GVM upgrade, not airbags. Airbags complement a GVM upgrade rather than replacing it.
6. Onboard Compressor Recommendation
An onboard compressor (ARB or similar) allows real-time inflation/deflation as load changes. Recommended for any airbag install on a touring or working vehicle. Compressor adds $400 to $600 fitted on top of the airbag kit cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best airbags for a 79 Series?
Airbag Man Coil Air Kits at the premium tier ($600-$1,200), Polyair/Tough Dog mid-range ($500-$900), Boss and Thor at budget.
Do airbags increase GVM on a 79 Series?
No. Airbags assist the factory springs under load but do not raise legal GVM. A separate engineered GVM upgrade is required for legal payload increase.
How much do 79 Series airbags cost to fit?
$450 to $1,200 fitted depending on tier. Add $400 to $600 for an onboard compressor.
