General Spring of KC - Need input on quality, etc.

Alright, I need some input from the pros.

I have OME 881 Coils and Billy 5100s in hand. I planned on ordering the J59 Deaver 8 Leaf Pack from Wheelers, but really want a more HD spring that adds around 1.5" of life. I called about Wheeler's about getting a pair of their 5 leaf pack. They haven't made them for almost a year and plan on pulling them from the site, but said call General Spring of KC and they could take care of me.

General Spring sells an HD 4 leaf pack that adds 1.5"-2" of lift. They already have the bushing pressed in and you have add the u-bolts.

My question is does anyone have any experience with the GS leaf packs? It sounds like Wheeler's probably used them to produce their 5 leaf packs until they decided to discontinue them (I'm only assuming here). The price difference between the Deaver on Wheelers is around $780 (shipped) vs $494 (shipped).

 

I installed the HD General Spring leaf packs and they do lift the rear 1.5 to 2 inchs. They are a quality product, had them for almost two years.

 

I've also been looking at the HD general leafs for my truck. Mine are frowning. Shipping cost sucks on leafs. Lol. Do you have to get a exhaust drop bracket or new longer brake line for that much lift?

 

Im still on the fence. Search Tacomaworld 1st gen leafs and read for hours. Most don't like the GS, but they come the closest to what I want. Not much lift, but a little more load capability. Mine aren't completely frowning yet, but soon.

 

I have the HD general on my double cab. Work great for my purposes which is a daily driver, towing a boat and light tent camping. Plus an occasional load to help out friends haul stuff. Picture with fiberglass topper and boat hooked up.

 

They are my go to people on any thing spring related Great Customer Service prices even with shipping much better then the local spring shops Since I tend to stick with stock type height .

Going with the Heavy Duty Springs if I got any lift it was not enough that I noticed but both my springs were broken

I have had mine installed for about 100,000 miles .

Been some time have things changed with them who knows .

 

Im personally not a fan of their HD leaf springs for 1st gens. They began squeaking after 8mo to the point where I had to disassemble them and replace the isolator pads with thicker ones. Now, about 2yrs since I got them they are nearly flat and almost as bad as the OEM ones they replaced. It sounds like I may have just gotten a bad set but thats my experience with them thus far.

 

Thanks for all the great input everyone! rmorit_DC_04 what you described is literally exactly the way my truck functions for my needs. Daily driver, hauling the occasional light load for myself/friends, and towing our 18ft camper. What made me skeptical about the Deavers was the fact that they stated explicitly that they weren't designed for hauling or towing.

Shipping and handling from the 3 spring suppliers I've looked at seems to be in the same range... between $130-$180. A pair with hardware is easily 100lbs+ so there really is no way to get around shipping and handling on these things. At the price point of the HD Generals I guess I'll take the gamble with the majority of the feedback being positive.

 

Sounds good hombre, I'm really curious about your opinion on them after a few months so keep us posted

 

Have you looked at airbags? Varying loads like that with nothing or a heavy camper is where they seem to excel because of their adjustability. Firestone has a kit for ~300 that may be a place to start. Just another option a lot of people don't think about.

 

I'm thinking of going the airbag route. Airlift has a kit for $276.00 plug and play.

 

For what it’s worth I’ve been pleased with the OME Dakar leaf springs on my DC. They ride good whether loaded or not and seem to handle hauling and towing well. I’ve had them in for about 2 years and I’m pleased.

 

I'll second this. The mistake I made was ordering and installing the OME AAL. OME AALs do not have friction pads. I ended up giving them a squirt of WD40 (not my first choice) up in the front where they were squeaking and so far so good. Back to being quiet. Other than that, ride is awesome.

Perhaps it was my install of the AAL, maybe I botched it (not sure how you could though). My advice - if going the OME Dakar route and you need that AAL as part of the pack, order it at time of placing the order.

 

I have the HD's on my 97 and the standard duty ones on my 2004

Go with the HD's unless you want it bone stock height - they settle at least .5" after about 4 months. The SD springs a pretty soft with i love for my DD

 

Appreciate the input. Glad to hear someone else is happy with this setup.

I have 5100s and OME 881's so I need some sort of lift from the springs to match. In your experience do you foresee me having to modify anything to accommodate the 1.5" added by the HD springs (brake lines, etc.)?

 

Dont worry, your 881's will settle down. I rub with 275 tires

 

For the most part I like the general HDs on my 04 BUT I did end up with axle wrap again after about 14 months of use. They’re pretty darn stiff out of the box (like any new spring)and really raised the truck which I was after. I matched them with a set of Rancho quick lift struts in front. Would I buy again? ..probably. Here’s a picture literally taken 5 minutes after installing.i now have a snug top and honestly don’t notice much drop in height.

 

Customer service at GS told me the HD springs add approximately 1.5"-2" of lift over stock or their standard replacement springs.

 

I have an 04 dcab TRD off-road. When my factory leafs were shot, I orderded Alcan 5-leaf packs. They provide 1.5 inches of lift. I also switched to Wheeler's extended, braided brake lines.

This is my daily driver. I have approximately 75 to 100lbs of recovery gear in the truck all the time. My taco does ride a little stiff, but I have all off-road suspension(King coil-overs on the front and Bilstein 5100s on the back) and full armor, so that is expected. I occasionally pull a boat or a 5x10 trailer loaded with 2 ATVs. The springs handle it well. The axle wrap that I had with the factory springs is gone.

I went with the 5 leaf packs(4 leafs plus overload) because I wanted the additional lift. When Toyota replaced my frame they sent new factory leaf springs. I had my Alcans put back on, after I added Wheeler's 3 leaf progressive add-a-leaf packs to my Alcans for more lift. I also switched from King 600lb springs to 700lb springs on my coilovers to add lift and to compensate for the weight of the armor and front bumper,because didn't have it all when I got the Kings, and I have a Warn VR 10000lb winch to put in my front bumper.

I need to post the new factory leafs for sale.

 

Yes you do, they'll go quick. Many looking for an OEM height solution without paying OEM price. You'll sell em quickly