weight and squatting

I need some pointers and advice. I am looking into purchasing a rear pump such as the All Pro steel bumper (aluminum if I can find one) with tow hitch and side wrap around. I am also going to put a camper shell on the truck with a small wood plank in the back for sleeping. The concern is weight and making the truck squat. I would prefer not to have to add blocks to level the truck. Do you guys think the truck will squat from this configuration?

I do have the truck leveled from the Baja suspension.

 

The stock suspension is crap and will absolutely squat with that weight.

 

+1, you can get Hellwigs but will have to modify the keepers to make them work right. I just sent Toyota my second email on this subject. I asked for help either install the helpers, add a 5th leaf, or get me some heavier springs. I do not expect much but some times the squeky wheel gets greased. I measured my drop with about 500 lbs and it was 2-1/4". This is not acceptable to me. I do not think my 09 dropped as much but even if it did 2-1/4" would have just levelled it. On the Baja it makes it ride nose up.

 

Sounds like I might have to add a leaf to increase payload to eliminate squatting.

 

Air bags and you are set....

 

Toyota responded with the usual crap which I totally expected. Some mumbo jumbo about towing weights and not covering mods. Quoted the trailer weight in the owners manual and said something about them filing my complaint with the NTSB. Looks like I will proceed with the helper install.

 

I piled some friends in the back and it does not take much to lower these trucks. I am looking at maybe 2 - 2.5 inch drop for 500 pounds. I think going with a 2.5 inch block will be best. I can get them for 30 bucks and it wont affect the ride like adding a leaf will.

 

A block is far from the best solution... Blocks will further weaken the leaf pack and promote axle wrap (negatively affecting the truck's ride). An AAL will be a much better solution. Look into the Icon or Wheeler's 3-leaf AAL, Air bags, or something like Timbrens.

 

Air bags will easily solve your problem.

 

Airbags are expensive, ill look into the AAL. Thanks guys

 

I think I paid 230 to 240 for my bags.
Also faster and easier to do then the AAL.
Plus you do not need to mess with the spring pack or bolts that they could say would void the warranty.
When I was talking to them about the load problem was told by them (Toyota) if I replacd or rebuild the springs adding an AAL that I would be on my own for warranty for all stuff that it could change, as in axle, springs, Driveshaft, vibs or U joint problems.

 

Yep, same for me, mine was hitting the bumpstops all the time.
The ride was crap.

Went to them with the trailer and an TW scale to show them, 250lb to 275lb TW and they said there is nothing they can or will do.
They told me it what overloaded, then used the scale, and they said the trailer was not loaded like it should be.

Ask about the rated 600 lb TW and they really had nothing to say other then they will not do anything for me or help me with the problem.

 

A smooth-riding AAL isn't cheap either and will likely add more height to the rear than you want if you're keeping the front stock. The single AAL's can ride a bit stiff, not bad, but stiff. The 3-leaf progressive AALs ride nice and smooth but they cost $180 and come with new u-bolts and centering pins.

 

This.

 

Looks like they did go up a little, I had a free ship and 15% off when I got mine

http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/75A4899A0A0.aspx

 

I think Toyota is taking the wrong approach on the springs. I get the impression that after all of the TSB spring replacements they are getting tired of hearing about them. I think they quit doing them for financial reasons. My dealer charged them about $1400 on my 2009. Everybody needs to just keep after them on this but the problem is I think we are outnumbered by the ones that never load their Taco or take it off raod. I am going to send them another email today.

 

The Icon AAL is looking promising. I am also going to wait for an aluminum option rear bumper. I talked to All Pro they are in the works for making an aluminum high clearance rear bumper.

 

I have the Icon 3 Leaf in my truck and it's not that bad. The ride is great, however I left the overload in for about 2" of lift and that is supposed to make it a bit stiffer. Even with that installed I still had issues with squatting when carrying a moderate load and towing a light load. So, now I have Firestone Ride Rite airbags on the way to add to my system. As soon as I get them installed, I'll report back.

 

I am absolutely impressed with my wheelers 3leaf progressive aal. my truck used to noticeably squat with just the bass boat (I would guess 100lbs tongue). now it takes considerably more to get it to squat that much. it has a little bit of squat still with some loads, but I associate that with having that plush bit of travel before "the stiffness" kicks in. great ride, great investment imo.

one thing I noticed though is that the bolts for the "keepers" need to point outward. otherwise they hit the fuel tank support strap if the driver tire hits full bump with droop on the passenger tire

 

I had Firestone Ride Rite airbags on my 06 DCLB and I hated the ride it gave me. Super stiff. (though I did always have about 25 psi in them to level the truck....When I went to my 2013 and felt the stock ride I was so happy with it. Even with 10 ply's at 45 PSI it is still very smooth.