Thinking I need new leaf springs...

In the shop today, a mechanic told me the OME leaf springs in my truck are not the right size (too long). As you can see from the image below, the rear shackle is jammed up again the mount as the truck just site there. I went to another mechanic who agreed.

So to remedy this, I assume I need to install new leaf springs that are the correct size. If there is another option, I'm all ears. And if I need new leaf springs, I'm open to suggestions on what brand name. Thanks in advance.

 

Ooof, I'm guessing you truck is an early Tacoma? I think they changed the spring length in 98.

 

Take it to a leaf spring shop to get their opinion. You may just need a new top leaf. Or nothing to change if there is no damage being done.

 

As stated the 95-97 tacomas have shorter springs than 98-04 so someone probably installed the later ones if you have an early taco. If everything else is where it should be, I.e. axle is still where it’s supposed to be front to back, the cheapest solution would probably be to cut those rear hangers off the frame and move them back to where you get a good shackle angle.

 

For my 02 ex. cab 4wd I had a spring shop install aftermarket heavy duty leaf springs. When I got the truck back I noticed the wheel didn't look centered in the wheel well. It was kicked back around a half inch. Then I noticed a shinny spot on the driveshaft that was 1/2 or 5/8 long at the slip joint. I went back to the shop and they said that's how those heavy duty springs are made. Either go with stock or live with it. I chose to live with it. But now that I'm in the process of redoing the truck and had to fix the rust at the front spring saddles, I just moved them forward a half inch. My shackles were not as angled as yours are but now they're much better. Seems as though as soon as I get away from OEM it turns into a crap shoot. However, I had 1800# of scrap steel on that little thing a month ago and it really didn't even look like it was carrying anything. I was shocked when I got the weigh ticket. Cutting those saddles off the frame isn't a joy unless you can just cut out a section of the frame the surgically remove them from your frame on you bench. It can be done on the vehicle but like I said, it will be a pain. At least in my experience, anyway.
John

 

Yeah, indeed those springs were originally intended for a later Gen 1 Tacoma, but ended up on my 1996 rig. So they are indeed too long. If I could find a new top leaf, that might do the trick.

 

So the problem with these too-long leaf springs is that my rear suspension is essentially non-existent because the spring can't extend horizontally as it compresses vertically. So I have to address this. I'm thinking new top leaf (if possible) or new properly sized springs are the way to go.

 

Those don`t look like the stock shackles either.

Just replacing the top leaf is just as much work as installing the correct springs.

If new correct springs are within reach it would be my choice .

Depends how much work you want to do moving the shackle mount to the correct place for the 98 + springs is an option .

Good Luck!

 

Since Covid many things have changed.

I have heavy Duty springs that fit just fine. From 10 years ago.

Glad it was a easy fix in your case.

 

Just FYI OME also makes aftermarket springs for the 95-97s. That’s what I have.