Leaf springs and axle wrap

I recently bought a 2000 Tacoma Prerunner earlier this year so I'm fairly new to the Tacoma.
My leaf springs are very flat and I think they're experiencing something called "axle wrap".

What do people recommend for flat leaf springs? Take it into a shop and have them re-arch it and add a leaf? Install a new leaf spring set?

I was looking at buying aftermarket leaf springs such as the Dakar ones and I have several questions. Are the extended brake line assemblies necessary? Will the Dakar leaf springs work with Monroe rear shocks? It states that the leaf springs will provide a 2.25" lift so will the front end need to be lifted as well? How is easy is the job on installing new leaf springs?

 

Check out Deavers website they’ve been around for a long time, their grandparents did Bonnie&Clydes ride. They’re good enough for me solved my axle wrap for good. They can re -arch your leaves too.

 

If you're not looking to lift your truck, or do anything outside the ordinary, just stick with stock leaf replacements.

Dakar's are a good, budget leaf pack, that provide not only lift, but nice travel.

I wouldn't recommend, stock length shocks with leaf springs that provide longer-than-stock travel otherwise you'll bottom out one side while over extending the other.

With that being said, I went with OME Dakar's and installed Fox 2.0 shocks (now Bilstein 5100's), as well as an extended brake line and longer bump stops.

The extended brake line isn't really necessary unless you want to take advantage of the added flex and travel and really, it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Deaver's are a more premium leaf pack, and offer different options based on your needs. I may be going with Deaver's if I decide to get a bit more travel out of my setup.

 

Oh and installing leaf springs on these trucks is easy, just need a few more tools such as 4 jack stands, and between 21-24" of lift from your jack (depending on the tire size).

Here's a PM I sent someone a few weeks ago that had questions about a leaf spring install -

You'll notice a small bracket near the diff; that's the brake proportioning relocation bracket kit. You can make one yourself really, but I chose to buy one online.

 

Thanks for the reply. I think I would prefer to just do a stock leaf replacement.

I looked up some and I found General Springs listed on this page. https://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/90-201.htm
Are those generally recommended?

 

I'll let others chime in on where to buy and what brand for stock replacements.

The procedure for installation is the same as depicted above, less the added extras such as bump stops, extended brake line, and BPV relocation bracket kit.

 

I have Generals on my 97, I like them. Before you go through the adventure, tacos with flat springs is a common thing...that is just how these trucks roll. I did not get the HD generals...regular ones are more like stock. It was really easy to do. Good luck

 

I just got through putting a set of General HD springs on my son's 2000 Tacoma TRD this weekend. Not enough run time yet but there were some surprises. I didn't know what to buy and saw some users here with good feedback on the General's. I don't like the idea of custom left right springs (over thinking the problem) so I went with the HDs plus somebody mentioned carrying wood so more load is good for me. Talked with sales rep and he said they were made in Mexico pretty good quality control with no warranty issues. A lot of steel/car parts are coming out of there so I was fine with that as long as it not China with no quality control. They were supposed to be factory ride height but they are not. The truck sits much higher. I could barely get the factory shock seated with my son bouncing in the bed. Yes they maxed out, rode like crap telegraphing left to right but that only lasted 2 days until the Bilstien 5100 came in now the ride is nice. Getting the springs off had to cut the front bolts they would not drive out, had to press out the rear bolts. Set the rear pin first then use a pry bar in the shackle to move spring forward and set the front bolt. Afterwards the truck was pretty well jacked with a heavy rake angle. The next day we did the front with the adjustable Blistiens and had to do the full 2 inch lift setting just to get reasonable. Front left shock was broken so it had a bit of sag on driver side. Attached is a picture of my measuring stick to wheel well. Rear went from 36in to 40in and front went from 35in to 39in. I was going to do more pictures after the alignment and mental shock wore off. Rake angle is about 1/4 in in 3 ft

 

The Bilstein 5100's say they need a minimum 1in lift over stock for application

 

Kwikvette Did you have to cut your exhaust with those Dakar springs? Was it hitting?

 

Hacked that sumbitch during install; I'm sure I didn't need to but I did it to prevent pinching it off at any point in the future.

 

I wouldn't recommend, stock length shocks with leaf springs that provide longer-than-stock travel

What he said ^^^

I got Deaver J59s and tried to pair them with standard length Kings... the learn-as-you-go plan ...

-Mike