Running a 70 Series Troop Carrier loaded with a canopy, dual battery setup, water tanks and a rooftop tent puts real weight over the rear axle, and factory leaf springs weren't built for that kind of everyday load. This guide breaks down what to look for in airbag suspension for a LandCruiser 70 Series Troopy, and which type of kit actually suits the way these vehicles get used.
- LandCruiser 70 Series Troop Carrier airbags work with the factory leaf-spring rear end to reduce sag under touring loads.
- Match airbag capacity to your actual loaded rear axle weight, not the empty vehicle weight.
- A five-year warranty and Australian support matter more than price on a vehicle used for remote touring.
- Diff breathers and onboard air tanks are common add-ons once the rear end is sorted.
Why this matters
The 70 Series Troop Carrier is a live-axle, leaf-spring vehicle, which means rear-end sag under load shows up fast and it shows up visibly. A loaded canopy, long-range fuel, a fridge slide and a rooftop tent can easily shift the rear ride height down and the nose up, which affects headlight aim and handling on corrugated tracks.
Load assist airbags work inside the existing leaf-spring setup to help support that extra weight and bring the rear end back level. Choosing the right load assist airbag kit starts with knowing your actual loaded weight, not guessing it, because an undersized kit won't do much and an oversized one rides harsh when the vehicle is empty.
Boss Air Suspension has supplied airbag suspension across more than 50,000 kits sold to Australian 4WD, ute and van owners, and the same principles apply whether the vehicle is a dual-cab ute or a 70 Series Troopy.
Who this is for
This guide is for Troop Carrier owners running a canopy or tray fitout, touring or remote-area work vehicles carrying dual batteries, water and camping gear, and anyone towing a camper trailer or boat behind a 70 Series. If your Troopy sits noticeably lower at the rear once loaded, or the ride feels vague and wallowy on dirt, this is the problem load assist airbags are designed to help with.
What to look for in airbag suspension for a 70 Series Troopy
Capacity matched to your loaded rear weight
The airbag capacity needs to suit the actual weight sitting over the rear axle once the canopy, water, batteries and gear are loaded, not the vehicle's kerb weight. Undersized airbags run out of support fast; oversized ones make the unloaded ride firmer than it needs to be.
Compatibility with the leaf-spring rear end
The 70 Series runs a leaf-spring live axle at the rear, so the kit needs brackets and mounting designed around that setup rather than a coil-spring bracket adapted to fit. Chassis code matters here too — 75, 78 and 79 Series variants have different mounting points, so confirm the exact application before ordering.
Adjustable air pressure for changing loads
A Troopy might run near-empty for a school run one week and fully loaded for a three-week outback trip the next. Adjustable air pressure lets you dial support up or down to suit the load rather than living with a fixed ride height that's only right for one scenario.
Ease of installation
Most load assist kits for the 70 Series are designed as a bolt-on install using existing mounting points, without cutting or welding. That matters if you're fitting the kit yourself in a shed rather than booking a workshop day.
PSI range and pressure management
Getting the right PSI for load assist airbags is the difference between a kit that quietly does its job and one that either sags again or rides too stiff. Most load assist airbags operate across a wide pressure range, and matching PSI to load is something worth getting right on day one.
Warranty and local support
A Troopy doing remote touring work needs parts backed by a warranty you can actually use from regional Australia, not just a supplier reachable during business hours in a capital city. Boss Air Suspension backs its load assist kits with a five-year warranty and Australian-based product support.
Top picks for a 70 Series Troop Carrier
The core load assist kit — the safe pick. The Clearance Landcruiser Non V8 is priced at $710 and comes with new airbags, new airline and fittings, backed by full warranty despite minor cosmetic marks on the mounting plates. It's a straightforward starting point for a Troopy running a canopy or camper setup, but confirm your exact chassis code and engine variant against the application guide before ordering, since 70 Series fitment differs by model year. Consider this if your budget favours a clearance-priced kit and your fitment checks out.
Diff breather upgrade — the touring add-on. Running low tyre pressures on sand or corrugations pushes heat into the diffs and gearbox, and factory breathers sit low enough to draw in water on a creek crossing. The LandCruiser 79 Series tray-back airbag suspension guide covers this combination in more detail for tray and canopy Troopies. A relocated 3-way driveline breather kit at $68.50 is a low-cost addition once the rear suspension is sorted. Consider adding this alongside a load assist kit rather than as a standalone fix.
Onboard air tank — the extra mile. Once you've got load assist airbags fitted, a small onboard air system lets you top up airbag pressure and inflate tyres without carrying a separate compressor kit. The 1.5 gallon stubby aluminium air tank at $395 suits compact rear-end layouts where space behind the seats or under the tray is limited. Buy this if you're already running an onboard air compressor and want a tank sized for a Troopy's tighter mounting space.
What to avoid
- Generic "universal fit" airbag kits that aren't specified for the 70 Series leaf-spring rear end — brackets that need to be modified on the day usually mean the wrong kit.
- Overinflating airbags to compensate for an overloaded vehicle. Airbag suspension helps manage ride height and stability within the vehicle's rated limits — it doesn't increase legal payload or GVM.
- Skipping the PSI adjustment step after fitting. A kit installed at the wrong pressure for your typical load won't deliver the stability gains it's capable of.
Verdict comparison
| Criterion | Why it matters for a Troopy | Boss Air Suspension approach |
|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | Must match loaded rear axle weight, not kerb weight | Vehicle-specific kits sized to common canopy and touring loads |
| Leaf-spring compatibility | 70 Series runs leaf springs, not coils | Brackets designed for leaf-spring live axles |
| Adjustability | Load varies between empty runs and full touring trips | Adjustable air pressure to suit changing loads |
| Installation | Most owners want a shed-friendly bolt-on job | Bolt-on brackets using existing mounting points |
| Warranty | Remote touring needs support that travels with you | Five-year warranty, Australian-based support |
FAQ
Do airbags fit a LandCruiser 70 Series Troop Carrier?
Yes, load assist airbag kits are available for 70 Series LandCruiser variants, but fitment differs by chassis code and engine, so the exact application needs to be confirmed before ordering.
Will airbag suspension increase my Troopy's GVM or towing capacity?
No. Load assist airbags help manage ride height and stability under load within the vehicle's existing rated limits — they don't increase legal payload, GVM or towing capacity unless fitted as part of an approved GVM upgrade.
What PSI should I run in load assist airbags on a Troopy?
PSI depends on the load being carried at the time, and most load assist airbags operate across a wide adjustable range. Check the specific kit's recommended range and adjust up or down as the load changes.
Does a 70 Series Troopy need coil assist or airbag load assist?
Coil assist kits suit coil-spring rear ends, while the 70 Series runs a leaf-spring live axle, so a leaf-spring compatible load assist airbag kit is the correct type for this vehicle.
Is it a DIY install or does it need a workshop?
Most load assist kits use existing mounting points and are designed as a bolt-on install, which many owners complete in a home shed with basic tools, though a workshop fit is always an option.
How much does a load assist kit for a 70 Series cost?
Pricing varies by kit and condition — for example, a clearance-priced Load Assist Kit for a non-V8 LandCruiser is listed at $710 including new airbags, airline and fittings.
What warranty comes with Boss Air Suspension airbag kits?
Boss Air Suspension backs its load assist airbag kits with a five-year warranty and Australian-based product support.
Should I add an onboard air system with my airbags?
An onboard air system lets you adjust airbag pressure and inflate tyres without a separate compressor, which suits Troopy owners already set up for touring or remote work.
One last thing
Rear-end sag on a loaded 70 Series often shows up as headlight lift and vague steering long before it feels dangerous, which is why so many owners fit airbags after a trip rather than before one. Sort the rear suspension first, then layer in diff breathers and onboard air — in that order, not all at once.
