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

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by adamdsgn, Jan 9, 2019.

  1. Jan 15, 2019 at 5:41 AM
    #21
    adamdsgn

    adamdsgn [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Can I ask where you ordered the Alcan springs from and approximately how much they were?

    The package I'm considering from GS (HD Spring package with hardware) is around $400 plus shipping ($120).
     
  2. Jan 18, 2019 at 7:35 AM
    #22
    pontoon

    pontoon Well-Known Member

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    I hate my General Spring HD. Bad axle wrap, and a horrible driver side lean. Customer service told me 1.5” driver side lean is normal. I hate my truck after this.
     
  3. Jan 26, 2019 at 3:13 AM
    #23
    brs127s

    brs127s Well-Known Member

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    TRD Headers, Aero Turbine AT2525XL Deckplate Mod, TRD tranny cooler, King Coilovers, LR UCAs, Alcan 5 Leaf springs and Bilstein 5100s, Shrockworks front bumper, CBI rear bumper.
    I ordered them directly from Alcan. Icalled and talked to the owner, as I had questions.

    I think the 5-leaf pack and bushings was $500 shipped.
     
  4. Jan 27, 2019 at 6:55 PM
    #24
    pontoon

    pontoon Well-Known Member

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    I haven't run Alcans but from the sound of it they're another level above General Spring. And since they're about the same cost or CHEAPER than the General Spring HD once shipped, it's a no brainer. if I could go back in time, I would get Alcans or Deavers. Currently I'm planning on Deavers because I think a J59 with one leaf added will be sweet. Thinking I'll ditch the topper, add a roll up cover, ditch the hitch hauler, ditch the unneded camping/recovery gear. Basically by reducing the difference between loaded and unloaded, the spring can be tuned to handle both unloaded and loaded more easily. That's the theory... Now I just have to sacrifice a weekend day and hundreds of dollars to find out... Meh, my spine is worth it :)
     
  5. Jan 27, 2019 at 7:02 PM
    #25
    Tfs94gt

    Tfs94gt Well-Known Member

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    There must be a difference between first and second gen? I have had HD general springs for over a year on my 2013. No extended brake lines or anything. I replaced and add a leaf set up and it’s much better. I tow and haul regularly and they suite me perfectly.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2019
  6. Jan 28, 2019 at 5:54 AM
    #26
    adamdsgn

    adamdsgn [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Called and spoke to Alcan and the price point is well above GS. Every pair of Alcan's is a completely custom and built to order. I gave them info based on talking to GS about the HD setup. General Spring HD springs delivered to my door (with hardware and bushings) are just under $500. Similar set of Alcan springs (with bushings, but no hardware) is $650-$700 before shipping (shipping would be in the $90-$120 range).

    If you into wheeling I'm sure the Alcan spring is a superior spring and would work better for your needs. For those of use who just want an upgraded HD spring compared to stock, I think the GS HD pair is a better ROI.
     
  7. Jan 28, 2019 at 6:05 AM
    #27
    MFTAF13

    MFTAF13 "If it ain't broke, fix it till it is"

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    Lift, sliders, skids & some other stuff.
    I've had the GS HD springs on for almost a year. Put them on with the TRD Pro shock kit (Bilstein 6112 / 5160). I got 2" of lift in the rear. I did developed some creaking so I loosened and retorqued everything and squirted them with a little waterproof silicone and they've been quiet ever since. Still at 2" lift unloaded after 10k miles.
     
  8. Jan 28, 2019 at 6:12 AM
    #28
    Wsidr1

    Wsidr1 Well-Known Member

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    @adamdsgn

    3 weeks ago, I repaired my 95 ext cab 4x4 with broken left spring. Basically stock truck, minimal off road plans, just light mud and snow.

    General Spring was my first choice, but shipping was killer. I bought one form O'Reillys off the shelf for just under $180.00. Steel is obviously softer as the "stock" part from them is a 3+1, vs factory 2+1. I was skeptical my ride height would match since I only replaced left side. However, I was surprised it matches almost exact, at least initially. I assume if my right side didn't have 250,000 on it, it would sit higher than the new left side. So far, I am satisfied with the part. It meets my needs.
     
  9. Jan 28, 2019 at 6:22 AM
    #29
    adamdsgn

    adamdsgn [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yah, unfortunately you can expect to tack on AT LEAST $100 for shipping since two leaf packs weight 100+ pounds. I'm in TN and most of these places are out west, if you're closer I'm sure you would pay slightly less. I went with the GS HD setup because I wanted an HD spring over factory, plus I needed a tiny lift to match the Bilstein 5100 setup I purchased. I'll report back once I get them put on the vehicle.
     
  10. Jan 28, 2019 at 6:39 AM
    #30
    Wsidr1

    Wsidr1 Well-Known Member

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    I am in Southern Indiana, so about the same as you.

    I think you made the good call. That is what I would have bought, but I am trying not to get much more money tied up in this truck... haha famous last words.
     
  11. Jan 28, 2019 at 6:47 AM
    #31
    adamdsgn

    adamdsgn [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I feel ya. I rolled over 335K this weekend. Stock EVERYTHING! My goal is to make upgrades to worn out parts, keep up with maintenance and hand the truck down to my oldest daughter in a couple of years when she starts driving. Then daddy's getting him a new TACO!
     
  12. May 9, 2019 at 3:40 PM
    #32
    806Taco

    806Taco Mr. Worldwide

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    Bilstein 6112 (Front) Bilstein 5100 (Rear) General Spring KC - HD Leafs Poly Swaybar Bushings Braided Stainless Steel brake hose Intake Manifold Spacer Retrofitted Headlights
    Have you installed the GS HD leafs? If so, what are your thoughts? I’m thinking about getting them for my truck with 95k miles.
     
  13. May 9, 2019 at 7:15 PM
    #33
    weenerdog

    weenerdog Member

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    My ext cab had about a 3" lift in the rear after the General HDs. It's great for a heavy load, but more than I anticipated. You can see the entire frame rail above the tires.
     
  14. May 9, 2019 at 8:26 PM
    #34
    806Taco

    806Taco Mr. Worldwide

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    Bilstein 6112 (Front) Bilstein 5100 (Rear) General Spring KC - HD Leafs Poly Swaybar Bushings Braided Stainless Steel brake hose Intake Manifold Spacer Retrofitted Headlights
    Do you carry anything heavy in the bed? I have a small tool box about 50 pounds and a tonneau cover about 50 pounds also. Then I have a large subwoofer box with 2 drivers total about 90 pounds behind the rear seat. I imagine this extra weight will settle the truck slightly lower than your 3”.
     
  15. May 10, 2019 at 1:04 AM
    #35
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    I can see the year of the truck and maybe when the Springs were bought making a big difference.

    I have close to 60,000 miles on my General Springs HD and Super Springs I am quite happy
     
  16. May 10, 2019 at 5:49 AM
    #36
    wolfgang123

    wolfgang123 Well-Known Member

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    I have the HD springs on my 97 and the SD springs on my 04

    HD's have been great stock replacements the SD's are nice and soft but otherwise turned in total garage recently
     
    cruiserguy and 806Taco like this.
  17. May 10, 2019 at 6:18 AM
    #37
    Tfs94gt

    Tfs94gt Well-Known Member

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    There seems to be a difference from the 1st to 2nd gens. On my 2013 dcsb I got around 2” of lift after it settled and it has stayed there around a year and a half so far. I haul with it regularly and it won’t start to squat until around 500 lbs and even then it isn’t much.
     
    806Taco[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. May 10, 2019 at 6:52 AM
    #38
    806Taco

    806Taco Mr. Worldwide

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    Bilstein 6112 (Front) Bilstein 5100 (Rear) General Spring KC - HD Leafs Poly Swaybar Bushings Braided Stainless Steel brake hose Intake Manifold Spacer Retrofitted Headlights
    That’s great news!
    Did you have to get extended brake lines?
    Maybe I’ll put two bags of quick-crete in the bed to help it settle faster lol
     
  19. May 10, 2019 at 7:42 AM
    #39
    Tfs94gt

    Tfs94gt Well-Known Member

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    Nope. Factory brake lines. Zero issues at all.

    CBB1CB70-07B3-42FB-B370-2B03DA4CEFB4.jpg

    That’s after about 25k miles with them.
     
  20. May 10, 2019 at 7:49 AM
    #40
    806Taco

    806Taco Mr. Worldwide

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    Bilstein 6112 (Front) Bilstein 5100 (Rear) General Spring KC - HD Leafs Poly Swaybar Bushings Braided Stainless Steel brake hose Intake Manifold Spacer Retrofitted Headlights
    That looks nice man.
    Are you on stock shocks/coilovers?
     

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