Add a leaf suspension question

I recently installed a "new to me" camper top on my 2020 access cab. The rear end is sagging just a bit.


I want to "add a leaf" to the rear end and was thinking of this one 1995-2021 Toyota Tacoma Add A Leafs – Torch Off Road.
Does anyone have any experience with Torch Off Road?
They said that as long as I have 1/2" of extra thread on my U-bolts I don't need anything else. Does this sound correct? I know very little about suspensions.
Any advice would prove helpful.

 

Never heard of Torch but they look fine to me. Single add-a-leafs are pretty simple and are just scratching the surface of suspension modifications. Try them out and see what's up

 

I'd recommend the Headstrong Offroad 3 leaf AAL w/ u-bolts...

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s..._AAL_with_u-bolts_(PAIR)_-_HS-TOY516-3AL.html

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/now-available-all-new-redesigned-hs-3-leaf-aal.658544/

 

If you tow and/or load up alot consider airbags as well.

 

It's not good practice to reuse u-bolts, another $50 on new ones is inexpensive piece of mind.

 

I am running a Toytec (Deaver) 1.5" AAL and it supports the topper nicely. Ride quality is better than it was before. I would stick with a known brand such as Deaver, Headstrong etc. I reused my stock u bolts as they were brand new and length was not an issue. Guy at the shop said off the record new u bolts were not required if the ones being reused were in good condition and long enough.

 

I used the toytec aal progressive rate. Which is a 3 pack not a single leaf. Pretty nice.

 

It's not the condition that's the issue. U-bolts stretch when torqued so it's best practice to replace them if they're removed for pretty much any reason.

 

All bolts stretch when torqued. Nobody replaces lug nuts after rotating their tires etc. I know its not exactly the same thing but when has anyone recorded a u bolt failure from simply re-using them? I may as well take my chances in Chino!

 

A lug nut and a ubolt isn't exactly the same thing is it? :Cure video of quicksand taco loosing rear axle:

 

I reuse u-bolts on all different types of vehicles and have never had a problem

But they should be retorqued after a hundred miles or so

 

Thank you all for the input. I will certainly look into those options.
The single leaf looks like it will take care of my issue and seems to be a fairly simple and inexpensive option.

 

If you do the install yourself use a round punch to line up the AAL with the leaf pack. It will make life much easier.

 

I am also looking into this since I notice the back of my 2020 Sport DCLB sitting lower once I had my topper installed. I don't tow anything very often but I do carry camping gear, bikes, and tools (MTB trail maintenance- leaf blowers, trimmers, McLeod's etc.) all the time. I have no intentions of doing a full blown lift but this looks like it may solve this issue for me as well. My question is with a AAL installed with the topper, will the truck sit higher than what it did before I added the topper? Does anyone have any before and after pics?

 

It’s perfectly normal for the truck to sit lower when you increase the payload. The same thing happens when you over eat during the holidays and then get in your truck. There is nothing to worry about. Your truck might even ride a bit better with extra weight in it.

Also note that an AAL will increase the spring rate and lead to a harsher ride that you may or may not notice.

 

Yes, it will sit higher than stock with the topper on. I did a Headstrong 3 leaf AAL right before the topper, anticipating the sag. The AAL is advertised as 1.5” (with the overload leaves out) and mine measured about 1.6” over stock before any settling (pre shell). Since the shell, I’ve been sitting at 1” lift over stock for about 4 months now. I did a 1” front lift too so I’m at 1” all around (post-shell).

Stock (with a hard tonneau cover on and 265/75/16s):

AAL:

 

Thanks for the tip. I do plan on doing it myself.

 

No problem. It was easy but I had an issue lining up the hole in the leaf pack and AAL. Once I stuck a round punch through the hole it lined up perfectly. Enjoy!

 

Consider:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-hammer-hangers-soa-sua-archive-garage.519625/

 

OP…Whenever you decide on what route you’re going to take, can you update here with how it went?

I will be picking up my ARE cap in a couple months and am wondering if I’ll need a single AAL as well. I already have the Ready Lift 1 inch rear block kit so I’m hoping I don’t need an AAL. It seems to prevent the rear from sagging with the bed loaded. However, if I do need an AAL I agree that I would only need a single AAL like you said.

Truck looks great, by the way!