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Cracked rear spring leaf help

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by SoCalTaco714, Feb 27, 2010.

  1. Feb 27, 2010 at 12:07 AM
    #1
    SoCalTaco714

    SoCalTaco714 [OP] New Member

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    I have a 2006 Tacoma Prerunner Double Cab. My rear spring leaf assembly has a cracked spring leaf (center), can I just replace that spring leaf or do I have to replace the entire spring leaf assembly? I would prefer a simple replacement with no other modifications (meaning either replace the one springleaf or the entire assembly only). My truck has 55k miles on it so it would not be covered by the TSB. I can't seem to find any help online, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Feb 27, 2010 at 3:36 AM
    #2
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    The leafs in a spring pak are matched set with similar 'arch' - so technically - you shouldn't swap out single leafs.

    However, in a situation like this... If you can find a used leaf pak from a similarly equipped truck, you could get away with swapping the single leaf. Look in your local junkyards....

    Other than that.... You shouldn't put a single leaf in unless its similar (and that includes, wear & tear). If you buy a 'new' leaf of the exact specs - the new leaf is fresh, no wear/tear, and not 'settled' and all that can put extra stress on the older leafs in that pak. Hard to explain....
     
  3. Feb 27, 2010 at 7:15 AM
    #3
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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    FOX 2.0 RESIS,LRUCAS,BILLY 5100S ON THE REAR.MAGNAFLOW 11264,COLOR MATCHED GRILL,YELLOW FOG MOD.OVER HEAD DVD,FEDERAL COURAGIA M/T
    very good janster,and that "new"one will give you that taco lean.
     
  4. Mar 2, 2010 at 7:07 PM
    #4
    SoCalTaco714

    SoCalTaco714 [OP] New Member

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    I got it, thank you very much for your help and your time to explain it. That was exactly what I needed to know.


     
  5. Jun 7, 2010 at 11:06 PM
    #5
    raycie

    raycie Well-Known Member

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    Does this all apply if the "new" leaf is arched to match the rest of the pack? I took my truck into a spring shop which fabricates / installs.. a very respected off-road shop here the the island recommended them.

    After looking at my non-tsb 3 leaf pack, they commented that the tacoma leafs are weak partly because #2 leaf is a fair bit shorter than the main leaf (looking at the rear). Their suggestion to get rid of my 1.5" block and "rebuild" leaf pack was to: 1) make a new #2 leaf (longer than the current #2 leaf), 2) cut current #2 leaf and make into #3 leaf (essentially the aal), and 3) arch rebuilt pack to give me about 2" lift..

    Anyone also have pics of the rear end of their tsb 4 leaf pack? I would be interested in how much longer leaf #2 is..

    Sound sane or stupid?
     
  6. Jun 8, 2010 at 4:15 AM
    #6
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    If all the leafs have the same 'arch' - that's much better than throwing an un-matched leaf in there.

    A SEARCH resulted in finding this - TSB leaf pak.
    http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/medium/4_leaf_spring.jpg

    Your plan sounds good. Since you are having all the leafs re-arched, why not ask them how much to put an additional leaf in there? It'll add even more structural integrity to the pak and be heavy duty. The ride will be stiff - and I guarentee you won't have axle wrap. That's up to you...and how much additional cost it'll be.

    Be prepared to get about 3"+ lift at first - and you'll probably end up with driveline vibrations also. You might need axle shims to prevent the vibrations. The leafs should eventually settle down to give you 2".

    I did this to my 96 years & years ago. I re-arched the entire pak and had 2 additional leafs made with the same arch. I had 3"+ at first with obvious driveline vibes. I added 2.5 degree axle shims to fix it. The truck settled down to 2" of lift (which is exactly what I wanted) after several months. The axle shims stayed in.....
     
  7. Jun 8, 2010 at 9:17 AM
    #7
    raycie

    raycie Well-Known Member

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    Janster - thanks for the input. I did ask about putting in a 4th leaf, they didn't think it was necessary. It did sound sensible that a longer #2 leaf would help out with the strength of the pack.

    That pic cuts short of seeing how far leaf #2 comes up on the main leaf. I would be interested to see if the tsp #2 leaf looks similar or different than my non-tsp (only talking about the main and second leaf.
     
  8. Jun 8, 2010 at 9:20 AM
    #8
    HBMurphy

    HBMurphy Ban Pending

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    People replace single springs all the time - but in my opinion, I would go back to the dealer and see if they would work with you... especially if you have had any service done by them. Dealers know of springs cracking and they may take care of you. I would try.

    Alternatively, springs are being swapped out everyday. You could easily find a set on cl or here. They are not hard to swap out (I have done it solo before). Otherwise you could always find someone on this board that would help you.

    Good luck
     
  9. Jun 8, 2010 at 3:47 PM
    #9
    raycie

    raycie Well-Known Member

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    This is kinda what I am talking about with the #2 being short..

    Pic of TSB leaf:

    [​IMG]

    Pic of non-tsb leaf.

    [​IMG]

    Maybe I need another picture, but the 2nd leaf on the top pic does look like it extends further up the main leaf..
     

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