SuperSpring install and review

I needed something for carrying heavier loads and towing so I decided to try the Supersprings. I know there are different options (airbags, roadmaster, etc.) but I decided to go this route first. Anyway.... here's how it went.

Tools you will need:
(2) 3/4" wrenches
(2) 1/2" wrenches
(1) C-Clamp




Step 1
Raise rear of vehicle and remove tires.

Step 2
Loosen but don't remove the 4 U-bolt nuts that hold down the bump stop. Remove rubber bump stop. Re-tighten 4 U-bolt nuts.



Step 3
Place mounting block between the factory U-bolts with the open ends perpendicular to the vehicle direction. Place the hole in the bottom of the mounting block over the bolt in the factory spring pack. Tap mounting block into position.



Decide which side you want to do first, keeping in mind that each spring can work on either side but there is a front and a back. The spring eye and roller bolts should be thread outward. Slide the spring in from the rear and position it above the mounting block with the short 90 degree shackle to the rear.

Step 4
Ensure all brake cables are routed clear out of the way of the Supersprings blades; slight repositioning or the addition of a zip tie should help. Select either the upper or lower bolt hole position based on how much spring pre-load you desire. Upper hole will increase pre-load and vehicle ride height. Ensure that polypropylene (black) and steel rollers are reassembled in the shackle. Attach bolt on front with threads facing OUT.



Step 5
Use C-clamp to pull down rear shackle. Use the Upper (top) bolt hole position. This provides additional vertical clearance to the frame. Install polypropylene and steel roller assemblies and snug tighten nuts. Eye bolts of all shackles are pre-set, do not tighten or loosen these nuts.



Step 6
Slide the flat steel bar through the bottom of the supplied poly bump stop and place it on top of the spring and over the mounting block.



place the other flat bar through the opening in the mounting block and bolt the 2 flat bars together with the bolts provided so that the mounting block, spring, and bump stop are all held together.



Step 7
Check final alignments. NOTE: The springs do not have to be centered on mounting block over axle. Position springs to provide rear rollers with 3/4" forward clearance from any obstacles. Recheck that no brake lines etc. will be interfered with by the vertical travel of the springs.

Step 8
Repeat the process on the other side. According to the instructions I had, there are some cases where the muffler hanger on the passenger side may interfere and they reccomend dropping the muffler hanger attachment bracket to the lower screw position where it ataches to the frame. I did not have this problem.

Review

I have already added a leaf with my lift and was concerned that I would have a problem with the spring fitting but I had no problems. The only fitment issue I had was the metal wrap that holds the factory spring pack together in the rear wouldn't let me clamp down the rear part of the superspring all the way without really clamping down hard on the C-clamp. I finally got it down enough to get the bolt through and noticed no ill effects. Here is a before pic with a camper we borrowed that weighs approx. 4000 lbs. dry weight. Notice the sag and the fact that I couldn't lower the camper wheel stand enough to even get the wheel off the ground.

BEFORE



AFTER
also with about 1200 lbs of gear in the trailer and the bed of my truck



And finally all folded up and with a weight distributing hitch (which helps a ton!)



Overall I am happy with the SuperSprings, they do stiffen the ride a good bit when not carrying a load but they also helped with the sag and sway when towing a heavier load. I thought about air bags but I have read that they can limit upward travel when going offroad. I'm not sure how these would be offroad, they seem really stiff and I think it would be a pretty hard ride going over bumpy terrain. Anyway...if your looking for something to help you carry a heavier load without bottoming out I would reccomend these.

 

nice...was thinking bout running the 5 lug versions on my truck...nice write up

 

very nice!! good detailed write up and pics

 

looks good, awesome write up!

 

Awsome write up. Where did you buy them?

 

+1 for you. awesome write up and good pics!

 

Just curious as to placement of your supersprings. It looks in you pics as though you have the super springs centered slightly behind the axle, is that correct? I am installing a set on my dad's '07 tacoma, and it appears that the springs have to be centered either slightly in front of, or behind, the rear axle. Is there a benefit for one over the other? Most of the time he won't need the added suspension, but he uses his truck to haul water a few times a month, and is looking for the best increase in payload he can get...

 

If I remember correctly I think I tried to have the same distance between the rollers on the supersprings, and the rear spring hanger and the front spring clamp. I'll look closer in the morning to make sure.

 

I have a response to that question, and a question of my own for supersprings users.

I picked up my set on here from douggytundra ( awesome deal, thanks again man! ) and installed them Saturday, adjusted them this morning. I will attached the pic he sent me that he received direct from the company. I had to set the springs more to the rear to clear the end of the bottom leaf and provide close to 3/4" clearance for the rollers. When centered the rear shackle was tight to the end of one of the bottom leaves, and the front was past the "clip" on the factory leaves. After viewing the file douggytundra sent me I loosened everything and slid them back so the front shackle/roller was behind that factory clip. It puts the rear roller close to the end of the leaves and a protrusion on the frame, but I have 3/4" forward clearance front and back for the roller, and about 1/2" rear clearance...but I believe they will roll in/forward with the flex not out so I think its good.

My question is, the directions say to tighten the clip holding the mounting block to the spacer over the axle. I tightened this all the way down so that the spring is held tight to the block. Should this clip be slightly loose?

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks for a great write-up!

... I talked to Super Spring tech support recently. They suggest tightening down steel clamps until slightly bent.

I'm about to install these on my 08 4x4 Access cab with the 4 leaf rear spring packs...but just wanted to check what torque setting people have been using on the U-bolts after removing the factory bumper stop.

I've done a little research and found an "OME rear leaf?" thread which posted pages from a factory service manual quoting 37 ft*lbf of torque...many say this is a typo and use 73 ft*lbf. Others are giving 85-100 ft*lbf as a safe range for the U-bold size given. It would be great if someone was able to narrow this spec down. Thanks again.

Link to referenced thread:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/87093-u-bolt-torque.html

 

to be safe, the lowest id go would be 80 ft lbs. if i remember correctly i torqued mine down to 90 ft. lbs (i have upgraded ubolts though)

 

Thanks hedlesbrmstkbass for the speedy response.

You were spot on!...just got confirmation from the tech at Toyota who installed my 4 leaf rear suspension upgrade. He torqued factory U-bolts to 90 ft*lbf.

He also said factory U-bolts do not need re-torque at intervals (i.e. @200 mi then @500 mi). I may do it at least once just to be on the safe side.

 

I am having issues with the front driver side shackle hitting the frame and side of gas tank when loaded. Any advice on placement for proper clearance?

 

Very important note there, thank you for adding it. I had put these on my F150 many years ago and they went on centered. I could not make them work centered on my Tacoma. Once I saw your pictures and this note, I tried again and they went right on!

Thank you for the excellent write-up!

 

I was looking for installation instructions for 5 lug and pictures,but no luck. Anyone can help me?