2001 Tacoma xtra cab suspension help

Hello,
I have a 2001 Tacoma Xtra Cab with a camper on it (pictured below). It is stock height at the moment. I was thinking that I would keep it stock height, I don't do any crazy off roading and I want to keep the gas mileage as good as possible. However, I want it to still be capable of moderate dirt roads. The camper weighs about 300lbs, though I am shaving some of that weight off with a rebuild of the inside walls. I am going to build out the inside as well and anticipate adding around 300-350 with that build and gear. My guess is there will be a constant of around 650-700 pounds in the back. I was thinking of just putting heavy load leaf packs in the pack and upgrading the shocks. Any suggestions?

I wanted to go OME heavy load leafs. However, I cannot find them for a first gen without a lift? Would a small lift be bad? I've only found heavy load springs for a first gen with a 2.5" lift. Do I need to lift the front as well or will the rear lift just offset the sag the rear currently has. Additionally, if I go with a spring that has a "lift" will I need shocks with the corresponding "lift"? Also, will the exhaust need to be moved?



Not sure if this photo helps to see what the leafs are currently doing.

 

You might try Alcan spring in Colorado. Made in USA springs. Tell them you want zero lift or sag and will have 700lbs on the bed always and they'll make the spring. I've never used them, but I've only heard positive reviews.

https://www.alcanspring.com/

 

Any lift spring you look at will not give the listed lift amount with your 700lb load. The stated lift will be when empty.

 

Thank you, this is helpful. If I put new shocks in would they need to match the lift of the springs though?

 

I would check into add a leaf, you can get that under 1" lift or higher..

The way you are now is front high.......probably looks strange pulling away from a light.


tacoma add a leaf - Search (bing.com)


If would be a shame to spend all that $ on a new high performance leaf pack you'll never utilize,,,

 

I think I am going with these springs: https://store.arbusa.com/rear-leaf-spring-el122rb/
Will I need bushings and U-bolts if swapping these springs in for the stock ones?

No one has OME shocks in stock for my vehicle. Can I forego the shocks for now? I need this truck ready for a trip to washington in june.

Sorry for all the questions, I know nothing.

 

I've been happy with OME leaf packs but I don't have a camper on the back. Some have been disappointed with the lack of height under load, but it might work out perfect for your stock front setup. You may need to add the extra leaf. Yes new ubolts, not a bad time to replace any bushings that aren't included. They used to include pre installed bushings in the front eye. New shocks aren't critical, you'll just have limited down travel which would only be a factor offroad. And they don't have to be OME shocks.

Keep in mind that without that load you will be way higher in the rear. Isn't there a camper section or thread here somewhere? I would browse that to see what route some other 1st gen owners went.

 

I can't figure out for the life of me what size U bolts I need for these leafs... help
https://store.arbusa.com/rear-leaf-spring-el122ra/?Year=2000&Make=Toyota&Model=Tacoma

 

Or would these be better to fix the sag? It says unweighted they will give the truck about 1-1.5" of lift in the rear.
https://www.generalspringkc.com/200...ner-heavy-duty-rear-leaf-spring-4-3-1-leaves/

 

Did you look at Alcan Spring? Good luck --

 

I have the OME Dakar springs and I think they came with u bolts. I also ran them for awhile at stock height in front and stock shocks in rear. I replaced the rears with rough country 0-5" shocks and made a world of difference for $100

 

I did, but they want $1200 just for leafs...

 

I went with Alcans as I wanted no lift, but wanted stock height with my camper build-out - O" lift, HD, +800lbs.

When I reached out, the first task I was assigned was to get a front/rear weight - with fairly close to typical load. I could not be happier with the choice. Spendy? Sure. The quality and service are outstanding.

 

Yeah they don't come with U bolts on ARB's site. Anyone know what size U-bolt is needed?

 

Yeah, I kind of want to go with them but unfortunately I am going on a trip in June and their wait time is 6 weeks...

 

Alcan or Deaver

 

https://store.arbusa.com/rear-leaf-spring-el122rb/?Year=2001&Make=Toyota&Model=Tacoma

So I am going with these springs because I found a new pair locally someone doesn't need for $300. The only thing is both springs are part #EL122RB where on should be #EL122RA. I guess one spring is stiffer to account for the gas tank on the vehicle. Would I be okay with two of the same side part? I could probably up the difference in weight by building more weight on one side of the camper.

 

What's wrong with the mentioned Alcan or Deaver brands?

 

$1200 vs $400....

 

$1,200 is cheap for quality suspension components