Rear Leaf TSB + AAL -- OR -- Just the AAL...Opinions!

So here's the deal. I am putting on a 3" lift. I am going with the Toytec AAL in the back. I do not have the TSB done (only 3 leafs in back). I realize that I will get 3" one of two ways with this set up. I could do the 2" AAL and not get the TSB done (Stay with 3 leafs) -- OR -- I could get the TSB done (4 leafs) and add the 1.5" AAL to get the 3" of lift. I realize either way will give 3" of lift. My question is, if I choose not the have the TSB done and stick with the longer 2" AAL, will I be sacrificing on how much weight I can carry in the bed?

In other words, If I were to load the back up with a few hundred pounds of camping gear and bikes, fill it with 4 guys and a tank of gas, will I be dragging ass with the 2" AAL and no TSB? Or would it be better to deal with Toyota hassle, get the TSB done, and add the 1.5" AAL? My concern with this is the rest of the time with nothing in the back, will I have to glue my butt to the seat when going over any bumps (Harsh Ride)?

I have a 2011 DC SB...I do not carry heavy loads, but I do occasionally pull a small boat in the summers. Is the 2" AAL sufficient? I was told the 2" AAL would give approx 200#/sqft.

I have searched for this and havent found a specific opinion...

 

I would like to know the same thing. Sub'd

 

I did the TSB and a 1.5" AAL from Toytec. I baught a leer topper and the rear leafs are hurting. Stock leaf pack suck if you can afford it get a new leaf pack. I will not be able to post pics till next week. I have a Access Cab.

 

I'm in the same boat. I actually went to Toyota today and asked for the TSB, they said they would do it BUT I would hate the ride unless I had 200+lbs in the bed at all times. I opted not to and came back on here for the 20th time to try and figure out the best possible setup.

I am currently running Icon coilovers in the front and Icon 2.0 resi in the rear and was thinking about the Icon progressive leaf pack w/overload to help with what I assume is a weight issue now when camping. Last weekend I had about 300lbs of gear in the bed on the trail and while bouncing around one of my shocks burst a seal and oil went everywhere. I had to limp home with only the leafs supporting the rear. (this was only after 6 months of owning the Icons, verdict is still out on if i have to pay for the repair of the shocks)

 

Sub'd

 

They didn't hassle me at all, the service advisor even pointed out that I didn't need it but would be more then willing to do it if I really wanted it. He also said that about half of the people who get it come back about a week later complaining about stiffer ride quality.

 

My understanding is that you'll get the stated ToyTec lift amount.

They said in a thread, that I don't have a link to at the moment, that the 2" AAL will give no more than 2" of lift.

So it seems to me that a 1.5" TSB AAL will give you 1.5" over the factory TSB height, and a 2" non-TSB AAL will give you 2" over your non-TSB 3-leaf springs.

 

If you are doing an AAL in either situation, save yourself the hassle of taking it in for the TSB. Common sense, dudes. You can get to your destination in one stop or two, its up to you.

I did the Toytec 1.5" AAL and an OME front with no spacers (2 3/4") lift for reference. Looks great and handles loads fine. i did a week in the AZ Strip loaded with 20 gallons of gas, huge cooler, 10 gallons of water, plus food and gear without issues.

 

So it sounds like no one has a firm opinion either way....even thought its apparently "common sense, dudes"

I'm going to stick with what I got (the 2" AAL and not get the TSB). I will report back when it's done with how the ride is and how the weight carrying is.

 

My opinion is firm, it is uneccessary to complicate the process with the TSB if you are going to install an AAL either way. You are doing it right just getting the 2" AAL and skipping the TSB IMO.

If that doesn't meet your needs- the next option is replacing the whole leaf pack with an expedition leaf pack. I was fine with a weeks gear and 3 guys in the truck in the AZ strip going through some tough terrain with just the 1.5" AAL.

 

I went through the same dilemma not long ago.
In the end I decided to get the TSB for the simple reason that I would be putting an AAL into a new leaf pack and not a worn saggy one where possibly the AAL would be working harder and cause sag sooner.
Not sure if that's a logical conclusion or not but it worked in my brain...

 

I'm trying to trick the dealer into doing the tsb... unfortunately I just bought the truck 3 weeks ago and it has 41k miles on it...

So my question is similar. If I don't get the TSB is AAL sufficient for a stock ride?

 

I just finished the lift and IMO the ride is great with the AAL and no tsb. It's not stock, but I didn't really like the "stock" ride anyway. Felt too squishy. Ride is not jarring by any means, just slightly firmer. You "feel" the road more.

 

Just went to get the TSB installed today because I plan to carry 300+ lbs of gear full time now, except that they changed the TSB and now it includes a front spring. Since I have aftermarket coilovers Toyota (not the dealer) refused to let them install the kit. They said they have to use all the parts supplied and can't do half the kit.