TSB Leafs

Well here it goes for my first post.

I own a 2008 Sport Package SB Taco. Yes, PreRunner, I know.

I've been hauling loads in the 5-600 lb range lately and started noticing that my truck bed is sagging/bottoming out. Found the TSB info on this site and took it to the dealer. Unfortunately I am out of warranty by a couple months or so.

My question here is what is my next best option?

I will be hauling loads of 500-600 lbs quite regularly in these coming months and plan on hauling a dual axle trailer with ~400lb tongue weight.

I tried using the search function and couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for, apologies if I missed something.

Thanks,
Mike

 

You can keep an eye out on here and try to pick up a set from someone selling theirs off, add air bags, add an add-a-leaf, buy a more built up leaf pack. If you tow consistantly, the air bags wouldn't be a bad investment but I've heard they limit you if you do any serious off roading.

 

Awesome response time.

Would a Toytec lift kit with an AAL included solve my problem?

 

Thought I read somewhere in here that AAL doesn't add load carrying capacity?

I'm getting ready to go down this road...thinking about going to Alaska Spring and Performance for their read on my best course. I just want to increase my load carrying capacity for ATV in bed and towing my trailers (approximately 2500 lbs).

Chris4x4...are you out there?

 

Essentially what I want to do as well.

 

They do not INCREASE load capacity- They do stiffen up the leaf pack which makes the load ride better.

I would look at a whole new leaf pack if you are thinking about a lift.

 

Thanks Brunes...that's what I thought.

 

My understanding was that while it doesn't add load capacity, it does improve load-handling performance of the truck at rated capacity. OP wants to haul 500-600 lbs without sagging and hitting bumps, an AAL helps him with that as does the TSB.

 

Are there specific AALs that are better than others? More reputable supplies than others? Not sure where to go to get AALs.

 

Downsouth Motorsports sells the Icon 3-Leaf progressive AAL (1.5" lift)
Wheelers Off Road sells their own 3-leaf progressive AAL (1.5" lift) as well as a couple single AAL's for 2" (I think they have a 1.5" also)
Toytec also sells single AALs

I went with Icon's 3-leaf progressive because it is supposed to ride better than the single leaf AAL. I don't haul very often but I'm leaving in my overload leaf for the few cases that I do. The singles I've heard are better for load handling although I have no first hand experience with them.

 

The more and more I read the more I realize that this may start becoming expensive.

I'm looking at Toytec's website and it looks like my options are AALs that add 1 1/2 inches or 2 inches. I'm assuming that I go with the 1 1/2 inches?

I imagine my read end being too high after this and then wanting to level the truck. When I should probably just go for a lift kit from the start.

 

I am not trying to increase load capacity. Trying to get the same results as the TSB fix without paying the dealer $1000.

 

Thanks.

 

If you do not want to lift the truck, air bags may not be a bad option for you. That way you can leave them at a low pressure for every day driving and pump them up when you need to tow/haul. You'd remain at stock height but it would make the truck much more stable when loaded. They're more expensive than AAL's but have a different purpose.

 

Maybe all I need is the AAL...I'm not really looking to increase capacity...just handle 600 lbs of ATV without the rear sinking below level and hitting bump stops. With my trailer the truck sits level so that's not a concern. You guys might have just saved me some money.

Thinking I should consult the DSM guys and go AAL and Bilsteins? Does that make sense?

I've been meaning to do the research on this...'bout time I got around to it!

I was 3 months late to get the TSB; bought truck used.

 

I have airbags but I tow this and they work great. But if you are going to offroad, those bags won't necessarily limit you but will get damaged overtime...trust me I know I wheel my truck and my bags are shot I need new ones from firestone. thay have been on for about 2.5 years. So it depends; I might have some leaf springs available in about a month as soon as I replace my bags I'm switching to the Dakkar leaf pack. I currently have a stock pack with Icon add a leaf.