Hauling lots of firewood/upgrading suspension

So I've been using my 2011 double cab 4x4 sr5 to haul and sell firewood. The rear has been sagging a lot and bottoming out under loads. I've realized that I was carrying too much weight in the bed. While I still want to use my tacoma to haul wood, albeit much less, I'd like to beef up the rear to accommodate for the weight. I don't do any real off-roading and am not interested in making a hobby out of modifying my truck. I would possibly like a small lift (1.5""-2") but want to maintain factory performance. I'm leaning towards new rear leaf packs and shocks. Any suggestions on brands or specifics? I'm also wondering what I'll have to do to the front end to level it out? I have basic tools and some mechanical aptitude and am wondering if I can take this on or should I pay a mechanic?
Thanks!

 

Could always get air bags in the rear.

 

If you don't want a lift I'd say either replace with Alcan custom springs or air bags are the 2 best options. The cheapest option is get a helwig helper spring or maybe a set of 2 per side.

With Alcan, you can give them your requirements and they'll make a set of springs to fit your needs and it isn't much more than any other rear leaf replacement set.

 

If you want to maintain stock height and ride when unloaded, air bags might be a good option for you. You can adjust them to the load you're carrying. If you want a lift, you can check out Old Man Emu full kits that come with replacement leaf packs and shocks for the rear and coilovers for the front. You can vary the amount of lift depending on the kit you choose. Install isn't terrible if you're mechanically inclined and it helps to have another set of hands. You only need basic hand tools and a couple floor jacks for install (impact tools make it easier to break free some of the stubborn bolts). BJMoose made a great thread with pictures on installing a full OME kit. Read through the thread and see if it's a job you'd want to tackle.

 

No problems with breaking/cracking the plastic bed yet?

 

I have the OME 3" lift with a Dakar spring pack in the rear. it's working great I have never bottomed out with the new leafs.

 

I'm running the OME Dakar's in the back and they'll take a load.

 

X2 on the airbags, they work great for me hauling a pretty good amount of weight in the bed.

 

Yeah, recall seeing a couple incidents that popped or cracked the bed. I just think of throwing in firewood as a risk factor for that (more than the dead weight) but maybe it's loaded with reasonable care...........

 

x3 on the airbags, easy to adjust on the fly so that the truck doesn't sag under load or ride overly stiff when empty

Also recommend the Daystar airbag cradles, that way you don't loose suspension travel or risk tearing the airbags when offroading or putting the truck on a lift at the shop.

 

I'll look into the airbags. I'd like to get this done for under 1000. I also have a roadmaster active suspension spring on the rear which I beleive does help on the hwy with a load.

 

Don't know if they are the cheapest out there, but the kit and a hour of your time will be substantially less than a grand.
http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/77A2966A2341544.aspx

 

Does anyone have experience with this brand? The price is certainly right.

 

I do. Put them in a couple weeks ago and have nothing but good things to say about them. Quick easy install, about 5 pumps per bag with a bike pump and they are around 30 psi. Didn't go with the electric pump to keep it dirt simple.

 

It's simple and effective so far. I'll report back this week after I have a few thousand more miles on them.

 

I haven't done taxes either.

 

Firestone ride rite

 

I'm hauling 1/2 cord of semi seasoned birch.

 

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