Recommendations for new leaf springs

Getting the frame replaced soon and hoping to take advantage of free labor having new leafs put on. Looking around and it seems like they are running about $400 a set. Want something that will hold up long term. Do some light to moderate off-roading and would like something that could actually handle an occasional load. Unlike the negative arch factory springs that were replaced under the recall 6 months ago. Please include best place to purchase as well.

 

Are you planning on lifting the front as well? Most of the aftermarket leaf springs will lift the rear, asfaik.

Some good options: I went with their 2" single add-a-leaf, in the recall 3+1 leafs, and I have been pleasantly surprised with their performance- much better than stock

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm really on a budget and don't know crap about lifting as I have never dealt with it. What would be the pros cons and additional parts cost to do the front lift?

 

A good place to get started:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read-this.11282/

The best budget friendly, but still quality front lift is probably bilstein 5100 with stock coils, one step up would be 5100 with ome or eibach lift coils. If you keep it under 2" of lift, you can get away with stock UCAs (budget friendly). Some people have trouble with vibrations in the front diff, this is the solution:

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html

But really, if your only issue is payload with the flimsy leafs, maybe look into sumo springs or timbrens.

What are you hauling and what is the problem?

 

I only tow a 16 foot boat. But they bend pretty good. And squeak like crazy. Tried cleaning them and putting rubber inserts in and they still end up squeaking in a week or two. Driving me nuts. But I was hoping to keep it as cheap as possible without getting junk. I'll check the thread out. Thank you

 

Oh and the squeaking is constant not just under load

 

OME dakar packs

 

What are my options without changing anything else out? Just the leaf packs. Sorry if these are dumb questions. I've never dealt with suspension much and generally only swap like parts.

 

I don't think there is a good option for an aftermarket leaf spring that doesn't significantly lift these trucks. Maybe the wheelers hd pack, if you've got some weight in the bed? Or, look into sumosprings or timbrens to help with the load capacity. Can't help you with the squeak- I just got used to it.

 

Actually I have read of people buying the Dakars and remove a leaf before installing them to reduce the lift. If you remove the top overload, you reduce lift by 1/2". If you remove the third leaf from top, you drop around an inch of lift (stockish height). You reduce some of the extra payload capacity with the second option.

 

I still think that might lift the rear too much, if you're not doing anything to the front. Do you know of any examples of anyone on this site or otherwise that are running dakars with NO lift in the front?

 

I've read about it, but nobody comes to mind. Could be a new thread.

 

Most of us want the lift and added payload.

 

Yeah, I've read about people removing the 3rd leaf and/or overload, but not sure if any of them were stock in the front that I've seen.

 

I'm making a thread. I'm curious.

 

https://www.generalspringkc.com/Default.asp

Check these folks out. Several on here have went with these as stock replacements. I'd use the search function and see how they liked them and what kind of lift action they got.

 

I have a 2010 double cab. There was a leaf spring recall and I got new leaf springs, where one was actually added. In addition, my mechanic recommended something he installed to prevent the back end from sagging over the years. Something like a block lift I think he called it. I am also getting a new frame, so I'll take any recommendations on what else I should replace since they have my truck taken apart.

 

Anybody familiar with or tried icon rxt leaf packs? Not the 3 leaf progressive aal. Supposedly 3 different configurations

 

My springs were worn out and squeaking constantly on my stock 2013 OR with non TSB 2+1 oem leaf pack. 75k. I tow a lot & have a gardening business. The Vermont guys here recommended I go to local Spring shop. That shop rebuilt the stock pack and AAL. Also replaced the friction pads. I love the ride now. So much better than factory. I added a leer Shell no sag & just enough rake for towing & loading the bed. It cost $420 otd.

 

This is what i did. Had the dealer do the recall, then i added the 2” aal and a ubolt flip kit. It was nice having fresh new hardware by the time i had to do work. Lol!