GA Tacoma Owners BS Thread

I would love to, but the RXT's come out a couple hundred dollars more than the Dakar pack. I don't think Dakars could possibly squeak worse than my factory pack already does so the sound isn't a huge bother to me.

AAL is SUPER easy, it's worth it to do yourself. You don't have to take the springs off the truck. This guide is super straightforward. Like @Built2Ride said, it's a 1.5-2HR job and a spare set of hands helps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq9nv_3vU4Y

 

Video's fake. Didn't hear one swear word. If you don't cuss while working on a car at some point during the process, did you every really even work on the car?

 

You mean a 1 hour install taking 3 days happens to other people too?

 

Welcome! Post up a pic of the truck! Where are you at or what city are you near?

That or cut yourself on something, literally changing the oil and boom wrench slips and cut myself....

 

There are plenty of people on here who are mechanically capable and willing to assist. One of those "we take care of our own" situations. I few hours and a 6-pack should get it done in most cases.

It boils down to 4 u-bolts, 6 bolts, 2 nuts and 2 c-clamps.

 

That is nice! Where that be at?

 

This. SO MUCH THIS.

How can I emphasize that more....

SO MUCH THIS!!!!

Now that that is out of the way.



The pros far outweigh the cons.

Cons: higher up front cost.

Pros: lower overall cost (because you will likely eventually buy a full leaf pack anyway)
less time wrenching. --> your time is worth something
less risk of damaging leaf pack
less cursing (especially if the center pin is seized or otherwise corroded)
more expo points
higher weight carrying capacity
higher overall leaf count
The factory leaf pack isn't engineered to have an additional leaf. You can do it, but it wasn't designed for it. A new pack is designed to be exactly as it is.


you didn't ask how I know, but I will tell you anyway.

I started with the Deaver 1.5" AAL when I first lifted my truck. Then I got vibes. Toyota replaced a ton of parts, including the driveshaft. Eventually determining that the leaf pack was the culprit. How can the leaf pack cause vibrations you might ask. I asked the same thing. They didn't really have a good answer, but I swapped the leaf pack and the vibes went away.

 

It seems like I've got a bit of research to do before I do anything. Thanks to all for the feedback.

 

Nothing fancy quite yet, finally gonna be able to save up some money and do some mods to it now that I moved in with my gf and not on my own in overpriced SoFlo. But I live in Lawrenceville and work in Atlanta, can't wait to explore some up here around the mountains and find some fishing spots.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome!!

That truck will look nice with some pinstripes

 

Oh and AAL's....if I can do it... then pretty much anyone else can

 

Welcome! We'll try and get you out on some meets here shortly! Until it gets cooler it'll mostly be lake, river, creek side camping

 

@GA_Goat
Definitely do some research on the options out there, and how they’ll fit YOUR needs and uses. Get the data on each option from the manufacture, not TW.

Not all leaf packs are created equally. Same can be said the AAL. Adding anything to the rear may result in the need to add lift to the front as well.

 

So, the AAL is great for just a bit of weight and leveling out truck. Which is why I did it, so that I could get some use out of this over priced Pro suspension, but none the less I really like my shocks, and how plush it’s tuned.
The AAL did exactly what I needed it to do. Get my ass end back up, however it will be replaced down the road with a full set once the front comes up.
So if I never lift the truck the AAL would stay there...but we all know I am gonna end up with LT and 37s, so there you go.

 

Shit just get custom made leaf packs. That's the only way to "fix" all your problems, get something custom made for you. It'll cost about $800 or so. I plan on doing that whenever I need to replace my pack.

 

If you have the means, I highly recommend it...

 

Hey JB,

Take a look at this platform that @turbodb made for his 4Runner. This looks like it might work for what you were talking about doing in your girl's.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/turbodbs-1997-4runner-build-and-adventures.607429/#post-20723636

 

LoE is just Level of effort. Sorry about that and thanks for the response.

 

I do like this setup. I have been rolling several ideas around in my head. I need to sketch them up and present for conversation. Basically, have gone thru as much research as I want to at this point and would like to move forward.

The one I got from you worked perfectly in her 4th gen, so I made a little addition and it has a sliding platform for sleeping.

I am wanting to do one for my FJC, but I have been going back and forth about where I want my dog to be.
The other major decision is if the backseat is staying, or maybe of the seats is removed.
I would like to create a one sided slide in the back, that extends out like the Camp Kitchen.


So if this goes in the back if the FJC, then should I leave the rest of the back open for the gear or dog access.

Or should I put a dedicated long drawer in there next to it. For straps, snatch blocks, tools, etc.