Suspension/weight question

Hey, I am about to go on a 2 month-long trip across the county. I have a 1999 2WD Prerunner with what I think is an after market lift. I am loading in some heavy stuff, but not absurdly heavy. I notice even with no weight, the truck is pretty clunky and ridgid, but never bottoms out obviously, as it has a pretty high clearance. But as I have been loading, I noticed the suspension leaves are bending downward, no longer in an upward "U" form. Is this supposed to happen so quickly? There is avout 2.5 inches clearance above the axel bumpers still. Should I worry? See pictures. Thanks!

 

Any thoughts would be much appreciate, even if to tell me I have nothing to worry about!

 

Does no one have an opinion on this? I feel like this is a pretty big safety issue. Should the leaves not look like this?

 

Would really appreciate some help here!

 

Those leafs look tired and worn out...time for new leaf packs

 

Wow, that's just another thing to do on this thing. Do you think I should not drive across the country on this?

 

So I am new to Tacomas but not vehicles. You will be fine to drive cross country. But you'll want to replace it soon.

 

You really have no rear travel left. 2” is not much. A good bump and you’d bottom out.

 

You mean the clearance between the axel bumper? I won't be taking many bumpy roads. I'm more worried about the suspension snapping or something. Do you think that's possible? I just don't see how this is happening. I've only loaded boxes in like half the bed. It should be able to handle more, I would think

 

A pot hole, speed bump is enough. It shouldn’t break.

 

I think you'll be fine to drive, but hard bumps will bottom out easy.
https://www.1aauto.com/1999--toyota...edium&utm_term=4577610504486893&utm_content=S

 

is the 2nd image with weight in the bed? tire looks pretty close to your fender, id be worried about hitting a bump or pothole

eta, pretty close to bump stops as it is too, i would be looking for another set of leafs

 

Yeah that's with weight. I really didn't think it would be a problem as it was lifted but I do see that now as problematic. I guess the leafs are not as strong as they used to be? I really only packed the bed with heavy boxes, but only half way so far...

 

Its not that the leaf springs have been overworked, it's just that they're old...I'm assuming these are the stock leaf springs that came with the truck? If so they're simply old and tired from 18 years of being ridden, its common to have to replace them after a certain number of years. 18 years is a good run.

 

Okay cool. There must be a lift somewhere though. The clearance seems kinda high. I will replace them but I would love to do the trip first. Are you confident this will be okay cross country?

 

the 4wd/prerunners are naturally lifted due to the way Toyota did the suspension

 

Ah. Interesting. So I'm good to go on cross country? Just be careful on bumps?

 

as others said, shouldn't "break" but the leafs are worn out and any load will cause them to be negatively arched. it will start causing problems with cornering as well, will feel more like a boat and you may get more body roll with that added weight. kind of doesn't bode well on a cross-country journey. if you need leafs https://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Toyota_Tacoma_1998_1999_2000_s/1931.htm has stock options if you never plan to haul heavy loads. but if you'll be carrying weight more often than not you should get the HD leafs.

 

The shackles don't look like the stock shackles, if you think a previous owner modified the suspension it may be that they just added longer "lift" shackles, which really aren't that great for your leaf spring setup. Other than that, those are stock leaf spring packs, and they're just worn out - they were never designed to carry much weight to begin with. You will be fine driving with them for now, just take it easy and don't load it up with too much stuff if you can help it.

Luckily, leaf springs are fairly cheap and easy to replace, you can find something that fits your needs and budget when you get back from your trip and it'll be good as new.

 

Haha, yeah def a stock leaf pack, maybe lift shackles though. I'm surprised I didn't break any on our last trip...