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Rear sag fix w/o air bags?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by VagabondRanger95, Apr 9, 2021.

  1. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:22 PM
    #1
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 [OP] Member

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    My 2005 has some pretty bad rear sag due to the load I’m dragging around (camper shell, build, roof box w/gear, and a bike rack). Every stinking mechanic I’ve tried asking advice for has told me to go the route of airbags... which as someone who is regularly unemployed and off-grid, I don’t want to hassle with.

    I’d like to upgrade my leaf springs, but I’m not sure with what or how much more lift I need. My current springs are stock for the 2005 TRD off road 4x4 manual. I have a 1” levelling kit in the front from the previous owner.

    Any advice helps! I regularly carry this load around as it is my house in the winter so it’s pretty much the trucks final weight. 1A09D4B8-C09E-41A6-AC60-14F103AE6357.jpg
     
  2. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:26 PM
    #2
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 [OP] Member

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    Just looking for alternative advice. I’ve been told by a few mechanic friends that this is possible and it seems as though it will fit my needs better.
     
  3. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:26 PM
    #3
    Fargo Taco

    Fargo Taco Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Apr 9, 2021
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  4. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:31 PM
    #4
    HB Taco

    HB Taco Well-Known Member

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  5. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:32 PM
    #5
    You Suck I Suck More

    You Suck I Suck More Well-Known Member

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  6. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:32 PM
    #6
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 [OP] Member

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    Cross posted in new members page...

    9BDA88B8-25F1-4A92-9613-35474E177324.jpg My 2005 has some pretty bad rear sag due to the load I’m dragging around (camper shell, build, roof box w/gear, and a bike rack). Every stinking mechanic I’ve tried asking advice for has told me to go the route of airbags... which as someone who is regularly unemployed and off-grid, I don’t want to hassle with.

    I’d like to upgrade my leaf springs, but I’m not sure with what or how much more lift I need. My current springs are stock for the 2005 TRD off road 4x4 manual. I have a 1” levelling kit in the front from the previous owner.

    Any advice helps! I regularly carry this load around as it is my house in the winter so it’s pretty much the trucks final weight.
     
  7. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:43 PM
    #7
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 [OP] Member

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    to dive into this farther, do you have a recommendation for the model I should get? I just want to be level and not ride super stiff.. don’t care too much about the cost.
     
  8. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:43 PM
    #8
    Toyko Joe

    Toyko Joe Here for the pictures

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    Take all the shit out of the back. If you’re really that concerned about airbags maybe you should get a 12v compressor. They also have air bags with bump stops to prevent low pressure damage. If this is your house you could get some after market leafs that fit your truck with a higher load rating that are more favorable for the constant load at least.

    Larger question, why are you living out of your truck in such a way that adding an air compressor is a hassle?
     
    Mark77 likes this.
  9. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:48 PM
    #9
    Mully

    Mully Well-Known Member

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    Air bags, and I still have lots of flex.

    20190601_111406.jpg
    Screenshot_20191102-172251_Gallery.jpg
     
    Jimmyh likes this.
  10. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:51 PM
    #10
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 [OP] Member

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    Seasonal life, unemployed half the year and carrying around all of my belongings. Looking into aftermarket leafs, just unsure of what to get.
     
  11. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:53 PM
    #11
    Toyko Joe

    Toyko Joe Here for the pictures

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    What is your aversion to airbags? They are a proven solution for a very long time.
     
  12. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:54 PM
    #12
    Mully

    Mully Well-Known Member

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    www.nationalspringinc.com
    150 years in the business.
     
  13. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:55 PM
    #13
    HB Taco

    HB Taco Well-Known Member

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  14. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:56 PM
    #14
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 [OP] Member

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    It’s a mixture of things, but mostly that I don’t want to have to check them once a week and constantly worry about them popping. I understand that there are all of these things you can do to make it less likely that you pop them (I.e. carrying a compressor or getting the ones with bump stops), but this is a consistent load that I will be carrying (at least 600 lbs) and want something more permanent and less hassle.
     
  15. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:56 PM
    #15
    scottstrong89

    scottstrong89 AhsokaTaco

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    Headstrong progressive aal and you’re good to go
     
  16. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:57 PM
    #16
    Mully

    Mully Well-Known Member

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    8 years on mine, and I wheel in 11 different states.
     
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  17. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:57 PM
    #17
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    You can also find spring shops locally that can make a spring for you that meets your needs. Often cheaper than online.

    Not on old worn out flat springs. Normally I would agree.
     
  18. Apr 9, 2021 at 7:58 PM
    #18
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 [OP] Member

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    Do you camp in your bed though? I’ve heard the bags can give you a swaying effect... I don’t want to be rocked to sleep either.
     
  19. Apr 9, 2021 at 8:00 PM
    #19
    Toyko Joe

    Toyko Joe Here for the pictures

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    You could get custom leafs or after market off road leafs with a shackle set. If you’re not doing the work by yourself your probably going to be paying a lot especially if you have any rusty parts. I didn’t have to check my airbags but once a quarter. If you’re living out of your truck you should probably have a 12v compressor anyway.
     
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  20. Apr 9, 2021 at 8:01 PM
    #20
    Mully

    Mully Well-Known Member

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    No sway in my truck, I have 3" lift springs too, and yes I have camped in the back of my truck.
     
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