helper springs

anyone have a suggestion? since the TSB is not valid anymore, what are we using to take the sag out?

thanks

 

Sag out of what?
What TSB?

 

my 2010 had a TSB regarding customer concerns for the suspension sagging when under load. dealer added another leaf on each rear end side to the tune of $1,700. Toyota picked up the tab.

with about 400# (cap, spare, partial built deck) my rear springs (2019 4 wd) are leaning a little south of level.

 

You pretty much want to change out the rear leafs for better ones once you start adding any weight that’s gonna be static

 

Timbren, you can contact them here @Timbren-Industries
https://timbren.com/

 

I am in favor of adding a leaf to the original "1/4 ton" springs (when the bed load goes over 500 pounds the originals flatten out). I'm not talking about one of those over arched "lift" leaves - but a designed for the purpose piece that augments the factory parts. Engineeringwise this would be a possibility - but I haven't seen this approach utilized.

I expected this truck to be as capable as a Chev or Ford 1/2 ton - just a smaller box volume. Sorely disappointed in that category. When I tried putting a half ton in it - the sag was horrible.

My truck is a second gen that has the "up-grade" toyota springs - but they aren't the answer. Finally put the Firestone air bags in there to get acceptable loaded behavior but it reduces axle travel upward like an oversize bump stop.

 

[QUOTE="GREENBIRD56, post: 26040216, member: 136508".... the "up-grade" toyota springs - but they aren't the answer. Finally put the Firestone air bags in there to get acceptable loaded behavior but it reduces axle travel upward like an oversize bump stop.[/QUOTE]

what don't you like? mine were fine with the leer firberglass cap but when i took off the cap about half way through the truck's tenure, the ride was really too hard.

could the bags be added Instead of spring enhancement?

 

With the usual load of tools and other "stuff", I use 15 psi in the bags to keep from bottoming too frequently in Tucson city chuckholes. I like the bags, don't get me wrong - they were in my opinion, the best option and adjustable. When a trailer is added (or a pile of cement bags), you simply up the static air pressure.

 

Blue Sumo springs. Easy install basically a big bump stop that prevents sagging. Blue rated for 500lbs black rated for 1000lb.

The only reason I haven’t picked up a pair is because I don’t have weight in the bed often enough to justify the rougher ride. If you have constant payload(rack, cap etc.) it wouldn’t be an issue as the frame is constantly in contact with the spring.

 

Have you tested them at 5psi unloaded? Any noticeable, negative effects?

I’m thinking about getting an air spring set up but want to see if it’s worth having to adjust psi as the weather changes. I don’t haul very often, but when I do the rear end is usually on the ground.

 

I tried using 5 psi for awhile, but there were just too many hard thumps - bottoming incidents just roaming T town. Finally arrived at the 15 psi number by trial and error. Unladen trucks (old school) are usually a stiff ride with an empty box and that was what I expected from the Taco. But it seems to have been configured more as a "personal conveyance" - not a truck.

Weather hasn't shown any change in performance - here in southern AZ. The bags hold a very small volume of air. You might check my album for pics, I put the bags on a u-bolt flip and Daystar cup for reasons of my own. When jacked up by the frame I hate to see an axle hanging on bags - and hammered u-bolt threads hung down in the rocks is another peeve.

 

No rough ride here with the blue Sumo springs while unloaded. I have maybe almost a half an inch clearance between the bump stop plate and the blue Sumo springs. I can't really tell the difference when on a rough road, compared to when I didn't have them installed.

 

I have both blue and black sumos. I use the black when pulling a trailer, blue when fully loaded with camp gear. Once I get new shocks I’ll probably get icon aal.

 

i've investigated the sumo muffins and they look just the trick; thanks

 

I agree with the Icon AAL approach - the 3 mechanical leaves appeal to me as a "hard parts" answer. That would maybe allow using 5 psi in the bags for everyday driving.

 

was there ever a decision made on shackle torque setting? some video said 50 fp, other 80 fp. any other choices?

thanks

 

Are you asking about the U-Bolts? If so...

Torque:

58 N·m {591 kgf·cm, 43 ft·lbf}

Derived the torque values from this reference: http://www.ttguide.net/reassembly-1890.html

 

thanks & for the link, too. super-useful!

 

Q: do we have a source for

spring 'U' bolts & nuts?

if one breaks, i'd like to have a spare at the ready; thx

 

i think i've found the perfect solution:

https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/new-tag-axle-improves-truck-camper-hauling-options/