Leaf Spring recommendations - 2nd gen with Topper and 3rd gen coils/shocks

2010 access cab 4x4 4.0L base Tacoma with 190,000 miles.

I replaced the coils and all 4 shocks with basically new 3rd gen Bilstein 4900 takeoffs about 20,000 miles ago. This gave me about an 1.5" of lift upfront but pretty much none in the rear. Just this last weekend I installed the Icon AAL hoping to gain some lift in the rear, removing the overload as I just didn't like the look of the leaf clip rubbing on the overload, and instead of gaining list I lost another inch in the back.

I have a Leer 180 topper and drawer system in the back at all times. Probably 400lbs, and regularly load it up to ~800+lbs with additional gear.

I am looking for recommendations on new leaf springs that will give me a inch of two of rake with the normal 400lbs load and be level with up to 800lbs or even slightly more. I am hoping to keep the stock shocks for now, and install myself. Budget is tight so looking for the most bang for my buck.

I am thinking the dakar medium pack (is driveshaft spacer required?) unless someone talks me out of it...I probably need new U-bolts and bushing as well. Also have basically new icon AAL's (will need new U-bolts as I grinded them down) if anyone wants them!

Thanks!

 

Yeah rear shocks don't lift, that is solely a function of the leaf springs.

I've heard a few bad reports on the OME springs myself (squeaking/creaking/sagging), although I've no personal experience with them (maybe do a Search here on them and see what others have said).

I have the Icon RXT leafs on mine (option 1) and so far am quite happy with them. I've put probably over 1K lbs in the back a few times without them reaching the bumpstops... I would think on option 2 or 3 they'd suppoert 400-800lbs nicely. Options 2 & 3 may be a little stiff when unloaded though (I think most any spring setup to carry that amount of weight would be).

Many also swear by Dobinsons leafs (again no personal experience though).

Can't help much with the driveshaft CB spacer, mine's almost 4" lift out back, and so a spacer (also reshimming the pinion angle) became mandatory. At 1-2" lift though, some have reported reduced vibes with spacers, others have said they didn't need them.
CB spacers are cheap though (you can even use stacks of washers if you want), and take just a few minutes to put on/take off, I'd suggest just experiment with some different thicknesses until you find something that works for you.

 

Thanks! Super helpful info

 

These springs, as well as bushings and u-bolts would do the trick. Those are all linked on that page.

https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...air-for-toyota-tacoma-2005-to-2023-l59-111-r/

And the carrier bearing drop isn't a bad idea at the same time.

https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-toyota-carrier-bearing-spacer-kit-wa59-553k/

The only concern is those stock shocks, they're not really suitable for 2" of lift, as you won't have hardly any down travel left from ride height.

 

I have had medium dakars... You absolutely do not want those. First of all they can't support that weight. They will be sagged right out within a year. You'd have to go with the heavy duty versions. However...

Dakars are arguably the worst leafs you can get for a Tacoma. I'm not just saying that cause I hated mine. They are objectively the worst option if you compare them to anything else. If they were half the cost that might change things, but there's no good reason to buy them over Dobinsons or Icons at basically the same price. They are flat or even negative arch from day one (ARB says this is normal, leaf spring engineering says otherwise), they squeak both between the leafs (slider pucks have a stupid design that traps rust) and at the bushings, they ride stiff because the main leaf is too beefy, they don't have much progression (not enough leafs), don't have a full military wrap on the ends, and the worst part is the 2nd leaf actually touches the shackles and eventually wrecks them. 0/10, do not recommend.

 

Deaver U402 Stage 2 sound like a good idea if regularly in the 4 to 800 pound range. I use Stage 3 and love them. Many many miles with far more weight than that. Lotsa leaves for a more progressive spring rate. I paired mine with Bilstein 5160s which came with a small spacer to help alleviate tension on the rear brake lines.

 

General Springs heavy duty. Gave me 2”. Have been on for about a year and a half. No squeaking and haven’t sagged. Price is right too

 

Did you get the recall replacement on the springs? I know my 2010 AC PreRunner was covered, but I'd already put on my Alcan leaf packs by the time they came up with the fix, so I never needed the recall fix on the original packs.

I can definitely recommend Alcan for quality, especially if you want to specify how much lift and how much normal weight you're looking to carry. They're not quite "bang for the buck" friendly, except in that they're a quality product at a "quality" price (my set was $600 plus shipping in 2016, no idea what they're charging now). You'll definitely need new u-bolts and probably taller bump stops (I think I've seen an option which comes with a u-bolt flip kit but can't remember where at the moment) along with a new leaf pack.

I can't remember if a shackle lift is an option with the way these trucks are configured, but that might be another lower-cost option to "fine-tune" your rear ride height once you find leaf packs which work for you.

 

Supposedly that particular issue has been fixed (can't seem to find the post where I saw it), though the rest of the issues appear to to remain. So yeah, Avoid.

 

That was Dobinsons that fixed it. They used to have the same issue.

 

Ah, ok