Replacing leaf springs w/suspension mods...Squatting hard

Hello!

I've got a 2009 Tacoma V6 6-spd MT. I bought the truck about two years ago from a guy with 60k miles on it. Originally, it had 33's on it and the previous owner had put some either a lift or leveling kit on it-I'm not quite sure. Now, I've moved down to a quieter and smaller tire and some 20k miles have been put on it. The leaf springs have gone flat and I'm looking to replace them. I've got a canopy, bed/drawer system, and keep an aluminum bike rack on here and there but the squat in the rear is just getting worse and worse...

So, I'm looking to replace the springs with something heavier duty but, because of the unknown lift/leveling kit), I'm unsure of how that will alter the selection process for the right spring. I see there are skyjacker shocks in the rear and what appears to be a lift block?

If anyone could lend some advice about any of the above I.e. if I just buy new, stock dimension leaf packs will I be ok using the lift block/u-bolts? It'd be greatly appreciated. I've attached pictures of the block on the axle, strut in the front, and shocks in the rear.

Thanks in advanced!

 

As far as rear springs, I would call Lew at Alcan and tell him what you want. You will get the right lift at your intended weight, and a good quality spring. You do have to do your homework though. You need an actual scale weight of the back end, not a WAG. As for the rest of it, I've had experience with Fox, King, Icon, and Dobinsons. All I run now is Dobinsons. I do have two sets of Fox coilovers that I haven't had time to list. One is 2.5 extended travel with remote res, and one is 2.5 extended travel with remote res and DSC. If that's of interest hit me up. Your truck with such low miles is worth investing in.

 

So looks like you have spacers both front and rear. You should measure their height so you at least know that piece of data.

You didn’t say if you had any plan to change up the front, so I’m assuming you will that leave as is.

You have a few options in a few price ranges, but the important concept to think about is whatever you install, it should be able to 1) sit at the ride height desired, particularly with respect to the front suspension, and 2) be designed for the amount of weight you have on the rear full time.

For the springs themselves you could either go with new stock leafs with an add a leaf, there are multiple brands out there. That would give you ride height and performance. Or you could replace the stocks with a standalone system rates for your rear added weight. Dobinsons, Icon RXT, etc. Either way ditch that spacer. I can only comment from experience on the Icons, which have three possible settings depending on weight, Option 2 or Option 3 being what you would choose from. Read up on their web site. Obviously you need to replace your ubolts and related hardware either way.

The other consideration would be, should you replace your rear shocks at the same time. Budget and condition dependent, but from the photos my vote would be yes. You could install Bilstein 5100s for example with whatever leaf spring you decide on, as a lower end price option that still has performance value. There are tons of other options, make sure they correspond to the ride height you desire.

Think of your ride height as lift deviation from stock, not from your current setup. Your sag combined with your spacer is probably a negative 1” relative to stock given the weight in the rear, but I’m just speculating as an example.

Good luck! You’ll get lots of other comments here to give you ideas and reviews of various products that folks have installed.

 

Thanks for the replies!

It looks like there's either a 1.5-2 in spacer on the coiler and a 1in block in the rear. As you said and looking at the rear shocks they're definitely on their way out (or gone by this point I should say). The 5100 kit seems like a solid option, I'm not looking for a lot of lift so much as balancing things out with good rideability and to my knowledge I wouldn't have to replace the UCA's nor get into Dif drops etc provided it is under 3in. The cost is on the lower spectrum (college student here) which is enticing. I also looked into the Dobinsons, a great option as well. I've got a buddy who has OME suspension all around but I'be read a mixed amount of reviews by now...Here's some rusty pics of the blocks.
If you've got any other advice to lend, pass it along , knowledge is certainly power!

Thanks!

 

I would plan on UCAs with anything over 2". As you lift the truck you need more Caster, and you won't get there with stock UCAs.

 

Icon RXT probably set to 2 or 3