Little more load capacity

I spoke with my local dealership this morning, I am taking my '05 in for scheduled service...when I mentioned the rear spring TSB, he said they would check it out, and if it qualified, they would order the parts and schedule the installation...no biggie.

My concern is, I really want a somewhat better load capacity without sacrificing ride quality. Is the general consensus on the rear spring TSB that the ride is about the same, or harsher, for the most part?

Is there an AAL that would accomplish what I want, somewhat better load capacity while still maintaining a decent ride, that would be a better option than the TSB? I don't mind paying for an AAL if it would be a better solution...

The reason I say general consensus is that I've seen responses both ways: 'yes, the ride is stiffer' and 'no, I couldn't tell the difference'...I am simply wondering if there is an AAL that doesn't stiffen up the ride too much.

On my '02, I was able to replace the OEM rear springs with a new set from Wheelers, which restored my ride and capacity to like new...is there a replacement OEM type spring pack for '05 that will accomplish the same result?

 

That sounds like a viable solution, I will look into that, thanks.

 

Wheeler's Offroad often recommends Timbrens for this. Perhaps check with them.

 

If the dealership will give you a brand new leaf pack, go for it. It will have a stiffer ride when it's done because you're going from a 3 leaf pack to a 4 leaf pack but it will handle loads better. Other options are mentioned above. FWIW, it's doubtful you'll qualify for the TSB since I'm imagining you're out of warranty. Hopefully I'm wrong and you have a great dealership!

 

I have an extended warranty, so we'll see what they say. The rep I spoke with on the phone today said 'you need to know if you have this done that the ride will be a lot stiffer in the rear', so at least they are willing to do the work if my VIN qualifies, he said...

 

People who are used to driving cars will say the ride is harsh. People who have always driven trucks will say it rides like a truck.

 

If the truck qualifies according to the dealership (they have worked with me on other stuff) and will be covered under the extended warranty, I am going to have them go ahead and do the TSB. I think a truck should handle like a truck. If they are building all the qualifying (as far as cab configuration) Tacomas with the four leaf pack sold in Canada, there is no reason they shouldn't be here...other than the thousands of drivers that want a cushy ride, that is...

Thanks for all the input...let's see what happens...

 

Truck went in this morning, waiting for the decision from the dealership. Again the service writer stated "you know the ride will be a LOT rougher with the new springs"...I said "I bought it because it was a truck, not a car"...they just seem to want to push the plush ride over the load carrying capacity...probably want to discourage me from getting the upgrade also - less work on their part.

 

Service writer said they will not do the TSB on my Tacoma due to it's past the 36 month time limit...seeing as how the original TSB came out in September of '07, that didn't give us '05rs much time to get in on the TSB...oh, well.

Now the decision as to whether to add air bags, or go to an upgrade on springs.

Do any of the manufacturers offer a spring replacement that is nearly the same or somewhat better, ride and capacity-wise, as the TSB spring pack?

I'm not looking for a lift per se, but just better load capacity with a decent ride...

 

Alcan can make you a custom set of springs. You can tell them what you want for lift (if any), the every day load and how heavy you haul. Go to Alcan's website and you can get a quote online.

FWIW, air bags aren't a bad option, they do work well if you tow/haul frequently.

 

Do the Firestone Ride Rite air bags affect the ride when only at 5 psi?

 

I did not install them on this truck, but on other trucks, they have a minimal affect when at low PSI but come through big when you have a heavy load and you pump them up to help out the stock suspension. Do a search on Ride Rite and you'll find a lot of threads and member's opinions on them.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/165934-firestone-rite-ride-air-helpers.html

ill be installing mine this weekend

and this guy has some for sale. as long as the shipping wont kill you its a good deal. mine ones i got in the above link were $259.16 shipped!
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/166509-fs-firestone-ride-rite-airbags.html

 

I'm very interested in your take on how this all goes down, and how they work for you in the end. Keep us updated on how it works out with the installation. I will be following your thread above to see the end result, thanks. If you can, let us know the ride characteristics after the installation...

As far as the ones for sale on TW, I would probably come out even with buying them new with free shipping...

 

"I really want a somewhat better load capacity without sacrificing ride quality."
Seems this question gets asked frequently. Here's my opinion for what it's worth.
The best solution is determined by "when" this "better load capacity" is needed. Is it your intentions to have "added" load capacity full time or do you need only part time? Answer this question, an your 3/4 of the way to your best solution.
For example, if you maintain a full-time load such as a bed mat, truck cap, hitch and 100 lbs of miscellaneous stuff (like me); then springs or leaf packs(i.e. AAL) are probably the preferred choice. Leaf springs need to flex to "smooth-out" the ride. The flip side is leaf springs should flex-less to carry a increased load. So, if you put "full-time" load capacity on your truck and don't load it full-time, your ride is going suffer some.
If you carry a part-time load, then helpers (i.e. air bag) is a better choice to maintain a "smooth" ride.
Adding load capacity is a compromise.