Regain factory rake and load capacity with a topper

I'm assuming the answer is add a leaf, but which one and how much "spring" do I need?

I'll eventually do a 5100 or similar lift but no money for that now but I'm annoyed enough with the slight sag with a topper one that I'd like to regain the factory lift and load capacity.

I was thinking maybe the Icon AAL but not sure 1 vs 3 leaf and whether not to leave the overload leaf. I'll probably have this installed somewhere so maybe they can advise but not sure I trust shops to know what they are doing.

Also, I'm assuming I can keep the stock shocks since I'm trying to lift per se but just return to what was normal.

Anyway, any advice appreciated.

 

The cheapest is a $100 single AAL pair and leave the overload in. It’ll give you 1.5” lift and you’ll have to see the Net after it settles.

 

Aside from price, is this a better choice over the 3 leaf ones for any reason?

 

No, just price.

 

I found this thread that might have more information for you.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/single-aal-vs-3-leaf-aal.488053/

My understanding is that a 3-leaf pack will give a slightly softer ride than a single one. I have a 3-leaf AAL in my truck and I'm happy with it.

 

Thanks. Stock suspension? Any extra weight in the back?

 

Not stock suspension. I added the rear leaf pack restore the rake/balance out the 1.5-2" lift from my coilovers in front. I left the overload off because, at the time, I didn't even know leaving it on was a thing.

As for weight, I'm normally carrying about 150ish pounds in the bed, which is probably in the same ballpark as a cap.

If you're putting new springs on, might want to consider upgrading the shocks while it's all taken apart. edit: nevermind, I see you're trying to save some cash.

-Craig

 

Shocks for the rear probably wouldn't cost too much, but I really don't want to get into a lift and suspension upgrade at this time. Wouldn't it be odd to just do new rear shocks? I'm not trying to lift but just un-sag if that makes sense.

 

There are a lot of guys here who are bigger experts than me (most of them, actually), but I think you'd probably benefit from a heavier shock since you're adding a permanent load. It wouldn't add any lift -- only the AAL will do that.

BUT I don't think you NEED to.

 

I am doing my aal for the same exact reasons. I leveled my truck and now it sits about 2” higher in the front after my shell. I am installing it today. Hopefully all goes well

 

Which AAL? 1 or 3 piece? Are you doing the install? How involved? Post how it goes.

 

I went with the toytec single aal. I am doing the install, i am on a pretty tight budget and dont want to pay someone to do something I am capable of doing. Will update after I finish

 

I just learned there are AAL springs and helper springs. Now I don't know which I need. I'm not trying to lift but just help it not sag so maybe I need the helper spring.

 

Helper springs? Like Sumo springs or what exactly?

 

You don't need helpers. They are designed to, "help" as you load heavy. It's like normal springs until it gets to a point then the helper spring kicks in for support.

 

I used the wheelers single aal talked to them about constant load support and they said for that the single is better than a three leaf progressive. 77 bucks for the pair and I am very happy with them. AL22 is the model I used

 

No, it's apparently a leaf spring and goes under the leaf stack and engages under load to help resist sagging but doesn't lift. At least that's how I understand it.

 

If you want load capacity then the overload leaf is critical. Most people pull it out as they’ve put too much “spring” in the rear and the overload is the easiest way to take out some of that extra spring. But it’s a shitty solution for a truck if you actually want to use the load capacity.

 

It's a "lazy" leaf, designed to sit there with no load on it until the truck sags enough for it to make contact and take on load. Won't help you as it will not fix the sag that causes it to take load. You need a constant load leaf.

 

How much did it sag? 1/2" 1"????