Options to increase payload

Having a '13 model not subject to rear spring TSB, I'm looking around for options to increase rear payload capacity by a good 600lbs.

So here's a list of options I've gathered. If you have tried any of these let us know how it worked out for you:

Bump-stop replacement option:
In general this involves replacing the factory polyurethane bump-stop with a taller, more gradual polyurethane bump stop. It's the easiest way to go, but not the most comfortable. They do not usually come with a weight rating. Polyurethane bumpstop prevent the suspension from bottoming-out metal-to-metal by having a somewhat gradual rubber flex. More info here. Here are a list of aftermarket bumpstops:

• Summit Energy Suspension bumpstop
• Daystar polyurethane bump stop
• $220 Timbren TORTUN4 Suspension Enhancement System
  Timbren bumpstop
• SummoSpring helper spring

Air-springs
Air springs are the bees knees in comfort. They're adjustable according to payload by pumping more air. A bicycle pump can be used since 40psi is usually enough. But airsprings are more involved to install, they can be lacerated/punctured by road debris, can leak and don't last forever. And they're expensive.

• Firestone ride-rite

Add-a-leaf
Adding a leaf to the pack is more involved than the bumpstop replacement but it's a tried and true method. It lasts forever (as long as a leaf pack). But the ride is harsher when the bed is unloaded.

• $78 Fabtech (FTS205) 1-1/2" Add-A-Leaf Kit for Toyota Tacoma
  Fabtech add-a-leaf
• $105 Hellwig EZ-550 Helper Spring Kit - 550
  Hellwig EZ leveler (metal spring with adjustable tension according to payload)

 

I love my Firestone Ride Rites. I've had them for a few years. I just put on Dakars with AAL and kept the air bags, but they're just expensive bump stops at this point.

I'd like to find someone who wanted to trade their Timbrens for my Firestones.

 

maybe look at finding someone local with the 4 leaf tsb on the cheap side and maybe add a leaf.

or just buy a dakar pack.

for the extra 600lbs the dakars will be just right without adding the

$81 d29xl leaf spring

d29xl extra leaf.

I would avoid air bags unless towing often.

some nice bump stops would be nice, but i would highly suggest the dakar pack first.

 

I keep a lot of weight in my truck and tow often. I can't recommend the Dakars enough. They are burly, yet ride smoothly. If you want to save money, buy me some Timbrens and I'll send you my air bags. They come with the Daystar cradles too.

 

How harsh does the ride get with Dakars over the stock with AAL? I don't haul big weight now but I'm trying to plan ahead for at the very least a decent shell and hopefully a little trailer for camping. Also have a hubby with back problems so trying to get a happy medium between performance and comfort as a DD here.

 

Dakars make the truck ride like .. a truck. Not harsh, but definitely stiffer than stock.

If you want to keep the ride supple but have adjustability down the road, get airbags. And spend the extra coin for the Firestones, the Air Lift springs suck. AMHIK. Daystar airbag cradles are a must if you wheel the truck on anything beyond a gravel road.

I have Dakars - and airbags. But I'm a belt/suspenders kind of guy.

 

I just installed Dakars yesterday (3rd leaf removed) along with new rear shocks (Fox 2.0 RR). With the limited driving I've done I'd say the he ride is better than stock...not firm or jarring at all. Once everything settles I should end up with about 2" of lift from the new leaf packs.

 

This is what I was thinking of doing. I have new Icon stage 2 RR shocks so I figure taking the one leaf out will help things a bit. Thanks for the input guys! Now I know yet another thing I have to buy for this truck... never thought I'd end up selling my soul to mod this thing when I first got it, but it's worth it.

 

Dakars and shackle flip FTMFW!

 

Not sure where in NNV you are but you're welcome to take a ride in my truck before pulling the trigger on Dakars. Also, check with Headstrong on pricing for the leaf pack.....they beat the GB pricing that was running last month.

 

No matter what you do, you won't legally increase payload over what is on the sticker on the door jamb. My truck is a 2007 almost identical to yours with a cargo capacity of 1200 lbs. Yours is probably pretty much the same. Trying to get another 600 lbs out of that would give you more than most 1/2 tons are rated for and is not a realistic goal.

If you need to carry an additional 600 lbs you need a bigger truck or use a trailer.

 

Upgrade to a full-size truck. If you start trying to exceed stock payload you're probably going to find the weakest links in a hurry.

A fairly basic F-150 (should still have similar features to a Tacoma) with the 2.7L EcoBoost and their 'payload package' might fit the bill.

 

I might just have to take you up on that offer... I'm just outside of Carson City, so not too far from you.

 

The way I see it, the 4.0L and its transmission are designed to easily support a supercharger, so they are both capable of more in stock form. Also if you look back at full-size trucks from 15-20 years ago, their torque figures were comparable to the 2nd gen 4.0 but their payload/towing capabilities were rated higher.

The 2nd gen chassis/brakes are plenty strong as well. Now everyone knows the weakest link on a 2nd gen is the rear suspension. Maybe Toyota did not want the Tacoma to compete with the Tundra and gave it such low payload figures, who knows?

Once rear suspension is improved, this weakest link is no more. I don't know which is the next weakest link but I believe an extra 600lbs payload (regardless of manufacturer rating) is feasible.

Also keep in mind that the 2nd gen Tacoma is a mid-size truck, like the T100 used to be. The 1st gen Tacoma was small size but the similarity is in the name only. 2nd get Tacomas have almost identical outside dimensions to the T100 and first-gen Tundras.

 

Keep us updated!

 

I have the Hellwig 550s and they work fine for what I need. Boat trailer with 250 lb tongue weight + bed full of camping gear. The Hellwigs keep me from riding nose up which is what happened before I added them.

 

Did you install 1 or 2 leaves per spring pack?

 

The engine and transmission aren't the issue. The truck is rated to tow 6500 lbs and will be able to move an extra 600lbs in the bed with ease. The issue is the suspension, and legalities. Adding 600 lbs of capability is a 50% increase over factory and would get it up to 1800 lbs. My 2014 F-150 is only rated at 1620. The newer aluminum body trucks are several hundred pounds lighter and it is reflected in more payload. But you'll find around 1600 lbs is pretty typical of most steel body 1/2 ton trucks by any manufacturer unless they were ordered with heavy duty payload packages. Even those will just barely get you to 2000 lbs. Not much more than the 1800 proposed.

You also have to look at the ratio of cargo weight to vehicle weight. My F-150 weighs almost 1500 lbs more than my Tacoma. Adding 200 lbs more in the Tacoma than the F-150 is rated for would push that light of a vehicle around a bit I'd think.

Just because you can find a way to swap components and put 1800 lbs in one of these trucks and have it ride level doesn't make it legal to do so. You could find yourself explaining a lot to a judge if you're ever in an accident.

I'd say the rear axle.

 

I run around with 400 pounds in the bed daily and 600 is common, plus I tow regularly. I don't think OP is suggesting increasing GVWR, though all vehicles are capable of operating past their legal limit.

Putting 600 pounds on stock suspension regularly is a bad idea. I ran air bags on stock 2+1 springs with all this weight for a couple years and it worked great. My main concern was axle wrap and the damage it can cause. That's why I added Dakars.