How long does an AAL last?

Hi Folks,

I was wondering how long you can expect an Add A Leaf to last? I installed a 1.5-2" add a leaf to the stock springs back in 2019 (2012 DCLB 4x4 SR5 with stock springs, bought brand new in 2012) and tow a boat regularly. It has a Leer 100XR camper shell that I added last year and when I don't tow/ have it loaded, it sits 1.5" higher than the front. When loaded up and/ or towing the boat, it sits level or slightly lower than the front.

I was wondering how long I should expect this set up to last. I don't like to have the truck level, I like to have a rake (1.5 - 2" higher in the rear) and have been looking at getting an OME Medium Duty leaf pack. However, I wasn't sure if I should go with the Heavy Duty leafs and am still going back and forth.

If anyone has any info/ experience with how long they kept their AAL before feeling the need to a full leaf swap, I would really appreciate your response.

Thanks!

 

Should last as long as any other set of springs. Really depends on how much you abuse them.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you. So I've been researching for a while. I finally decided to go with the Dobinsons Light Duty Springs. Mike said that their spring pack is upgradable from light - to medium - to heavy by just purchasing additional springs. I chose them because of the expandability of their product. I looked at Icon, OME and Deaver. The Dobinsons seemed to be a little less expensive. OME get a lot of complaints about squeaking. I believe that Devers are probably the best. But also more expensive.

 

I haven't checked Dobinsons yet, thanks for the info! If they last as long as any other springs I figure I probably have at least a couple more years before I feel the need to do a swap. Thanks!

 

@hanahou7
Dobinsons 16+ Taco Suspension | Tacoma World

 

So it sounds like the L59-111-R are equivalent to "Medium Duty" OME Dakars? If I have a camper and tow regularly, do you think that should be sufficient or would the L59-112-R (Heavy) be better? Thanks!

 

I think it's a good place to start. I'm pretty sure you can add another leaf if needed. Talk to @Crikeymike. He has been very helpful to me.

 

I have the 3 leaf aal from HS - tow a trailer with tongue weigh of about 270 Lbs - and about 250 Lbs of stuff in the bed - decided to add SumoSprings to help prevent sag. Went with

$290 SSR-612-47 | SumoSprings Rear for Toyota Tacoma, Black

SSR-612-47. So far so good - will see how they hold up after a few years of service. Even if I went with a heavier duty leaf set-up I'd still supplement with the Sumospriings.

 

You'll want to match up how much constant weight you carry with the 3 leaf spring options. If your camper is over 500-600lbs, then the L59-112-R's will be more ideal.

Yes, we also sell add-a-leafs now to each pack offered.

You can also buy a L59-112-R pack and remove a leaf if they're too strong for the weight on the truck, then keep that leaf handy and put it back in later if you ever need it again.

 

I’ve had a single AAL with a new take off OEM pack on for 3 years and it’s starting to sag. I expect if you added a new AAL to an older, tired pack it would sag even quicker.