my leaf spring extraveganza

Well picked up a set of dorman leafs to replace my 360 000km frowning flaps of steel...
Had to cut everybolt except the shackles!
I cut the 3" lift block in half and gave it a small angle. I figured with new springs and 3" blocks it might look funny.
So anyways I install the newly fabbed 1.5" lift blocks and new leafs, go to bolt up the shock and it's 4" short!!!
The passenger side mount is bent upwards, From the shock over extending going over bumps.
So I jacked up the axle to the point of where it's flat! And get the shocks installed. I didn't even want to drive it so I looked threw the specs on every monroe shock they make and found a super cheap extended shock to use but have to drill the rubber bushings out..
Monroe 32270. 15" collapsed and 25" extended. 25 bux a peice. That's all I can afford right now and don't wanna wreck the new springs.

 

How are the new Dorman springs working out? I just picked up a brand new set off Craigslist for 150 and I'm planning on installing them

 

They seem pretty decent. Ride good but a little soft. I ended up making my own add a leaf to add to the pack. I tow all the time and have a truck camper so it was needed.

 

What size I bolts, and U bolts did you use?

 

Not sure what size the hanger bolts were, But I got everything in grade 8.
The u bolts were custom made @ winnecott spring. It's a spring shop.
They were 2.5" wide and 3" longer then stock.

 

according to Dorman's site they only have leafs for 95-97 and 98-2000

which ones did you get?

 

I got the 98-200p ones. The older ones are noticeably shorter

 

Here is a link to the add a leafs I made for these springs

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/326149-diy-add-leaf.html