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Couple Leaf Pack Questions

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Pugga, Mar 27, 2011.

  1. Mar 27, 2011 at 10:09 AM
    #1
    Pugga

    Pugga [OP] Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I've got a few questions for the experts regarding the leaf pack for a 2007 Double Cab SR5. When I first bought it new, it would bottom out with a very light load so I took it in and got the TSB completed. Now, a couple years later, it's starting to ride like crap again and bottoms out lightly just going over speed bumps (unloaded). I crawled under to see whats what and found the leaf pack is sitting on the overload. The TSB pack temporarily fixed the problem but they settled out quick and I'm now riding on that thick overload leaf so it rides like crap. I rarely tow or haul and never anything overly heavy, how the hell have I flatened out a leaf pack already?!?! I'm not even at 50,000 miles! The everyday load is about 200 lbs since I have a shell and a plywood platform in the rear. This was just installed in November, it's been an open back up until then.
    Here are my questions, is this even worth taking back to Toyota (my guess is no)? Can I fix this with an AAL or are the leafs too far gone? Any other options? I've got Eibach coils in the front and would like to stay close to what was stock height in the rear. I've heard Dakar leafs are great, but I don't want that much lift in the rear.
    Here are some pics of what my leaf pack looks like today.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Open to suggestions!
     
  2. Mar 27, 2011 at 3:09 PM
    #2
    mlittle

    mlittle T O Y O T A

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    The leaf springs on my 2003 looks the same as your leaf springs, so I would like to hear what others have to say.
     
  3. Mar 27, 2011 at 3:16 PM
    #3
    Pugga

    Pugga [OP] Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    I'm hoping someone weighs in... I don't want to waste money on an AAL if they aren't the best option. Another option I forgot to mention is Ride Rites... I know they'll solve the problem but would like to avoid air bags if possible since I don't tow/haul very often. Just seems like overkill.
     
  4. Mar 27, 2011 at 3:21 PM
    #4
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    My factory 4 leaf pack looks like that . I'm going with the Dakars .

    FWIW , you can remove a leaf from the Dakar pack if you wish less lift .
     
  5. Mar 27, 2011 at 3:48 PM
    #5
    Pugga

    Pugga [OP] Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Interesting... I'd have to look into the Dakars, I wonder if anyone has removed a leaf and how well they function. I'm guessing I'd remove the bottom leaf and maybe one of the overloads. The problem is, I can't grow much because I won't fit into the parking garage. The trial and error with the dakars could work out but it seems like a very expensive option if I'm not going to use them as they were intended. If I definitely need new leafs I'll put this at the top of the list and will need to save up a little more...

    Do you think I'm beyond what an AAL will fix or should I look a little harder at the Ride Rites?
     
  6. Mar 27, 2011 at 3:52 PM
    #6
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    OME recommends only removing the 3rd leaf down from the top of the pack , you don't remove overloads.
     
  7. Mar 27, 2011 at 3:53 PM
    #7
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    Regardless of the why, looks like a leaf pack in your near future. I wouldn't try to force a poor AAL to deal with that by itself.
     
  8. Mar 27, 2011 at 4:08 PM
    #8
    Pugga

    Pugga [OP] Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Is this common? I've never had to replace a leaf pack on any other trucks I've owned. Like I mentioned before, I don't tow or haul hardly at all and when I do it's nothing overly heavy. My everyday load now is just over 200# but that wasn't the case until last November. Did Toyota really make their leaf packs that weak??
     
  9. Mar 27, 2011 at 4:09 PM
    #9
    Pugga

    Pugga [OP] Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Thanks for the help! Looks like I'm going to have to give this some serious consideration.
     
  10. Mar 27, 2011 at 4:41 PM
    #10
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Have you extended the centering pin on the Dakars in the lower picture ?
     
  11. Mar 27, 2011 at 4:45 PM
    #11
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    Common? Not at your mileage. Eventually, all leaf springs do wear out. There's a million factors that determine it. Load carrying, suspension maintenance, suspension travel (flex it more often? It's gonna crap out quicker).

    2nd gen tacos are known for having some soft spring issues.

    Leaf packs in the scheme of car parts really aren't that bad...$500 or $600...and if you go with some custom spec'd Dakars/Deavers/Alcans, you WON'T be replacing them again in another 50k miles...
     
  12. Mar 27, 2011 at 4:51 PM
    #12
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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  13. Mar 27, 2011 at 5:02 PM
    #13
    trd sport

    trd sport Well-Known Member

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    Do the Dakars increase payload? I am having the same problem with my 07 DCLB 4x4 Sport. I have had the Tsb springs done by Toyota about 14 blem months ago and I get alot of squatting after loading my Polaris 700 quad in the bed (roughly 660 lbs). Looking to remedy this problem without using airbags... Anyone have more info?
     
  14. Mar 27, 2011 at 5:06 PM
    #14
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    They don't increase payload , but they react to loads differently .

    They will not sag under load like the factory springs .
     
  15. Mar 27, 2011 at 5:24 PM
    #15
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    Not sure about Dakars, but I know you can have custom-spec'd packs made by Deaver or Alcan.

    Pretty much tell them the model of your vehicle, what load capacity change you would like, and how much you want that to be a compromise with flex.

    Bear in mind: Payload is a product of MUCH more than just leaf springs.
     
  16. Mar 27, 2011 at 5:32 PM
    #16
    trd sport

    trd sport Well-Known Member

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    I understand that increasing payload would probably not be the best thing to do to the Tacoma but, would the Dakars accept a 700 lb load from my quad without being nose high and bottoming out like I do now? According to the other post the Dakars would handle the load differently from the TSB springs, would this be the way to go?
     
  17. Mar 27, 2011 at 5:35 PM
    #17
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    If you are frequently carrying a 700 lb quad , then yes , the Dakars would be well suited to your application .

    Air bags may also be a good option for you .
     
  18. Mar 27, 2011 at 8:00 PM
    #18
    Pugga

    Pugga [OP] Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Ya know, I just may take you up on that (I'd throw in some cash of course). I'm driving down to VA for a wedding in a couple months. If you've still got them I may take them off your hands if you're willing to let them go.

    Thanks for the help, I'm going to look into the custom spec'd leafs. I'm guessing Wheelers would be a good place to start?

    I still can't believe I've flattened out a set of leafs with what I use my truck for. Very disappointing, especially after having the TSB done. I don't flex it much, it's a daily driver. Every once in a while it sees a dirt road and twice a year I haul a motorcycle that weighs in at 400 lbs. I have a cap and plywood platform that was added last November so I guess that did it... I've never had to deal with replacing leaf springs on any truck I've ever owned.
     
  19. Mar 27, 2011 at 8:09 PM
    #19
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    Wheeler's has been awesome (a bit slow, but awesome) every time I've dealt with them.

    Who knows why your leafs happened to go quick. But a replacement set is a pretty easy install (can do it yourself with jackstands and hand tools in an afternoon) and should set you right for a good long time.
     
  20. Mar 27, 2011 at 8:17 PM
    #20
    MAXTacoma

    MAXTacoma Well-Known Member

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