Aftermarket Suspension Tow Impact

So, obviously aftermarket suspension impacts towing. Just as obviously the impact depends what you do for lift. How does one go about figuring how severe or minor the impact would be and calculate a new tow capacity without trying out heavier stuff until the truck breaks?

 

If you replaced your springs, find out what the load rating is and compare it to the OEM, you could then get your per axle scale weight and that should give you an idea of where you are.

 

This is great

 

Weight capacity that comes from springs is not the only factor to consider in tow capacity.

The driveline ability to pull and the brakes ability to stop are just as critical.

 

Yep. The rear axle on the Tacoma is really light. It's the biggest reason the payload is so low on these trucks.

I suspect toyota keeps the payload so low on the Tacoma to sell more Tundras to those looking for the business vehicle tax break. Really stupid, IMHO. I actually wish I knew if there was a way to increase the GVWR with a stronger rear end.

 

The Tundra rear axle, while rated at gear of 4150lbs by Toyota, is actually built to carry somewhere in the mid 5000 lb range (the exact number escapes me). This info came from an employee at the Hino factory that manufactures it.

 

Itd be cool to know these numbers fire the Tacoma. I hate that the GVWR is only a couple hundred lbs below the tax break threshold.

 

I know of people who have Tundra rear axle swapped before, but very few countries allow the adjustment of GVWR that’s from the factory. I believe you can in Australia, but I’m fairly certain you can’t in the US. Maybe in Florida, because well, Florida.

 

All you can do is prevent squat, which distributes weight and much better driving performance.

 

Not looking to lift anytime soon, but don’t want to (down the road) spring for an Icon Stage 7 or Stage 8 lift kit (0-2.75”) and not be able to tow a simple uhaul trailer with supplies on it (or in it during a move from house to house).

 

Toyota was did the calculations for me and even put this handy sticker on my Tacoma. I didn't even ask them to but when I took my truck into Toyota for the blower fan recall they just did the work for me with out even asking. That is what I call service! I need to drop off a batch of Christmas cookies to those hard working folks at Toyota.