Rear Spring & Tailgate TSB Quick Reference

[tcBob]

-This is a quick reference for new Tacoma owners on two oft-discussed TSBs they should be aware of
-A more comprehensive list of TSBs (thanks to Angus_NB)

A TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. The two most talked about TSBs regarding 2nd gen Tacomas are the rear spring TSB and the tailgate TSB.

Rear Spring TSB

If you are still under warranty (36k/36mo) and have a 2005-2007 Tacoma 4x4 or PreRunner (including TRDs), you are eligible for the rear spring TSB, which replaces your shocks with the Bilstein shocks normally given on the TRD package and replaces your 3-leaf springs in the rear with 4-leaf springs. This is to help with bottoming out and sagging that's experienced when a heavy load is placed in the bed. Currently, the TSB is only specified for the 05-07 models, but since the 08s have the same 3-leaf setup in the rear, some members here have had success getting their dealers to perform the TSB on the 08s as well. YMMV.

If you approach your service dept about getting this TSB done, it's good to have the TSB printed out in-hand when you show up.

The TSB to print out: TSB-SU006-07.pdf

See this post & discussion for tips on getting it approved without too much hassle.

Bent Tail Gate TSB

On 2005-2008 models, there is a TSB to strengthen the tailgate which can be bent under certain conditions. Note this has been fixed in 2008s made after a certain date (details in the pdf below).

Here is the PDF for the tail gate TSB: BO018-07.pdf

(thanks to Flycatcher for assisting with this)

[wiscdave]

Thanks, do I have to bend the tailgate to get it fixed? I'm already trying to get my springs updated from the weak ones.

[Flycatcher]

Originally Posted by wiscdave

Thanks, do I have to bend the tailgate to get it fixed? I'm already trying to get my springs updated from the weak ones.

That is a good possibility. Every dealer is different. You might try calling Toyota first at 800.331.4331 and see what they say. If they give you a case# you can take that and the PDF to a dealer and give it a try. It seems absurd to wait for the tailgate to bend, replace it and then strengthen the new one, but that is what some places require.

I replaced my bent one before I knew about the TSB. I called Toyota, they gave me a case# and a Fax number. I faxed in my receipts form 6 months ago and they are reimbursing me. I may try to get the TSB work done as well.

[lsocoee]

I've heard that the gate has to be bent for them to replace it.

[hymus]

I took my truck in to the dealer for service and when the service manager noticed that I actually use my truck bed he prompted me with questions on if I had noticed it bottoming out or having poor handling with a load in it. Once I figured out that he was trying to get a yes out of me, he informed me of the TRD suspension available for my 06' 4x4 via the TSB!! I was excited until he called me back later that day and said my claim was denied since my truck didn't actually exhibit a malfunction. Basically what he told me is I have to wait until a shock fails to get the TSB suspension upgrade. Has anyone else run in to this and been able to work around it?

Thanks!

[slackdaddy2001]

Hymus, I think it failed the suspension inspection by the Toyota dealer because they have must looked at your bump stops & saw there was no evidence of the bed bottoming out. If your bed bottoms out it leaves marks on the bump stops. Load your truck with about 700 lbs (truck is rated at 1350 lbs) & take it for a ride to feel it bottom out. Then your bump stops will have evidence with the bump stop marks. The only other reason it could have failed is if you have 4 lugs on your tires.

[rick]

depends on the dealer i guess. i took my truck in and mentioned the tsb. the service manager ordered the parts then and there, no exclamation or inspection needed

[rick]

Originally Posted by hymus

I took my truck in to the dealer for service and when the service manager noticed that I actually use my truck bed he prompted me with questions on if I had noticed it bottoming out or having poor handling with a load in it. Once I figured out that he was trying to get a yes out of me, he informed me of the TRD suspension available for my 06' 4x4 via the TSB!! I was excited until he called me back later that day and said my claim was denied since my truck didn't actually exhibit a malfunction. Basically what he told me is I have to wait until a shock fails to get the TSB suspension upgrade. Has anyone else run in to this and been able to work around it?

Thanks!

do you have more than 36,000 miles on your truck?

[hymus]

Thanks for the tip Slackdaddy. The service manager at the dealer I go to actually thought it would be a "no brainer" just call it in like he had done for other owners, Toyota approves and the parts are ordered. I think what is happening is Toyota is cracking down on all the people asking for the upgrade and they have made it more fact based - i.e. actual evidience of the problem. I called the Toyota care line directly after reading another thread and after going through a couple service agents, I finally got one to issue a service request to my dealer (playing dumb and being nice can pay off sometimes!). The dealer called me last night and i need to follow up this a.m. with them but from his message said, t sounds like he has a few questions and then he can order parts...

I am going to definatey check the bumpers since I know i have had it loaded up to 700 lbs in the last few months. Worse case, i might squirt some oil on a shock and see if that will qualify as a "failed" part!

[Keason1*]

I probably wont be able to get this done since I did AAL already. Or would I?

[007Tacoma]

I can't wait until they add the 2008's to the suspension TSB.

[lsocoee]

Originally Posted by 007Tacoma

I can't wait until they add the 2008's to the suspension TSB.

It doesn't apply to diesel Tacomas anyway.

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by lsocoee

It doesn't apply to diesel Tacomas anyway.

Damn - I guess I will have to put the gas engine back in...

...oh, wait, that was only in my dreams.



DOHT!