Is there a definitive answer on which shocks are closest to OEM?

I bet your axle is wrapping like someone is beat boxing next to it non stop. Those leaves are TIRED. Turn that frown upside down and proceed to send it.

Don't torque anything until the truck is back on the ground under its own weight. Re-torque your new bolts after 100 miles or so.

 

I think this depends on what you buy. My J59s from Deaver are still positive and I installed them four months ago. I may even be a tad bit oversprung but I enjoy the ride feel.

 

The nice thing about the dealership is they have to stand behind their work (for a 12 months, anyway). The problem with them is they are more expensive than anyone else and their quality of work is not as high as you may think. Most of the technicians who knew our old trucks inside and out are retired or moved on by this point and the younger generation of mechanics don't like working on older vehicles much. I kept my truck dealership maintained for about 15 years and at some point I just had to admit none of the Toyota shops in my city cared about my truck as much as I do. They screwed it up almost every time! I had to take on the responsibility and learn how to work on it myself. Now it's a fun side hobby and I save money by doing it myself.

Edit:

As far as OEM springs go, they are more expensive than aftermarket options and provide less performance! Yes, it will give you a stock feel, but let's be honest, the stock ride on these trucks was always a bit harsh. If that's what you want, at least you'll have the peace of mind it's exactly as Toyota designed it. Modifying the suspension can come with headaches if the lift is taken above 1.5 inches (or so).

 

I've been running the Deaver J59's for 2 years now and they still look and feel new. They run a bit nicer with about 50-100 lbs in the bed, but it's not required. Great choice!

 

So, just an update, I did install 4600s and a pair of standard/OEM General Springs leaf springs. I didn’t feel the need to replace the front springs.

The back end has been raised noticeably, and the truck now has a slight rake, even though this can’t really be discerned in the attached pictures. The old leaf springs were definitely shot and sagging. Ride quality has definitely improved, and the truck’s ride height has been restored.

I was warned to not expect the springs to have a lot of positive arch after installed and as the second picture shows, that’s the case. There’s still a slight “W” even though the back end has been raised in comparison to the old springs.

If the General Springs leaf springs start to sag prematurely, I’ll post an update.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

That's interesting because my rear leafs are kind of like a W as well but the truck drives fine. It is the stock OEM leafs and they are about 18 years old now. I was going to replace them because I heard that they are shot if they are in the shape of a W. Now that you said your new springs are kind of like a W....I'm wondering if it's normal and that I should leave my leafs alone.

 

My new SD springs have exactly the same W. I think it’s the true normal for these trucks

 

If you go to the first page in this thread, I posted pictures of what my original leaf springs looked like. You can see that they’re a bit worse than the new ones. Even though the new springs have a bit of a W shape to them as well, they lifted the back end of my truck considerably. I immediately noticed more space between my tires and the fenders. The garage that did the work told me that the old leaf springs appeared much flatter than the new ones once they were out of the truck.

It would be difficult for me to say how much the new springs contributed to the improved ride quality, since I had the shock absorbers replaced at the same time.

 

My Deaver leaf packs are still looking and riding good after 2 years. Perhaps they resist bending around the axle because there are 5 springs instead of just 3.

 

Interesting. My J59 Deaver packs have 8 leaves each.