Rear leaf spring upgrade

Got my rear springs replaced over the weekend in my DCLB 09 Prerunner, and so far, pretty happy with the feel of the new ones. I don't feel the axle wrap that I used to, and the ride seems just a little stiffer in the back. Now a couple questions: do the new leafs increase the total cargo capacity? Also, it seems like the rear end sits higher now. My leafs actually have a curve. Do you think I should have my headlight alignment checked? Appreciate your responses.

 

Mine are pretty new as well. I agree with everything you've noticed. I'd wager they will settle back to near the same as what was replaced, just my opinion. Pretty sure capacity has not increased.

 

As mentioned capacity has not increased. Your rear likely does sit a little higher, I'd give it a little while before adjusting your headlights to see if it settles. The higher rear will aim your lights down more so it won't blind oncoming drivers, do you feel like you are outrunning your headlights? If you do then I wouldn't wait to adjust them upward.

 

Thanks for your reply, t4daddy. I wonder if anyone else has some input?

 

No, I don't think that my headlights are that low that I am outrunning them, crashnburn80. But, as you are well aware, the weather is changing pretty quick here and I don't want to be caught with under-aimed headlights when I really need them. If I had thought about it in advance, I would have measured before and after.

 

I suppose worse case that if the weather does go south, you can throw a few sandbags in the back as a temporary measure.

 

I see you are in Western Wa, if you happen to be in the Seattle area Eastside, I'd be more than happy to help you with the headlight alignment. I still have my tape marks on the garage wall.

 

That's weird that you guys are saying the new leafs gave you an increase, I just got my leafs replaced when they did my frame and now the rear of my truck sits about 1.5" lower than before swap and the new leafs are flat as a board and ride like shit.

 

Day I got mine:



150 miles later:



I wouldn't worry about the headlights since you'll most likely be sitting near where you were at pretty soon.

 

The your previous leafs were not stock. You had aftermarket leafs, AAL, shackles or blocks that were not reinstalled.

 

It's funny that you ass-u-me I don't know what I'm talking about,,
I had stock leafs with 1" lift blocks that were reinstalled on the new leafs, and it's still lower!

 

Fair enough. Very odd that your new leafs would sit so much lower. Your outgoing one was the 2+1 w/ 1" blocks and now you have the 3+1 w/ 1" blocks?

 

You can adjust your own headlight quite easily. Let me search for a pic. I can remember what size the adjustment screws are.

 

yes

 

I have a mini ratchet for that that works well since getting a screwdriver in there isn't always easy. The screws on mine (aftermarkets) are hex heads with philips inside, but I'm pretty sure the stock ones are too.