Leaf spring TSB - 2009 Tacoma - Just over 36K

A year ago I tried to get the leaf spring TSB done to my 2009 Tacoma DC TRD Offroad. The technician said that it didn't apply to my vehicle. So I gave it up. Now I've been carrying a lot more stuff and noticing the harsh ride. So called up Toyota 800 and gave it another shot.

Just got off the phone with my local dealer and they said they had the parts ordered and could do the repair as long as I was within specs. BUT she asked me how many miles I'm at and I'm at 38K. She said that could be an issue but she would try to get it done for me.

I have Toyota Extra Care. I think it's BS that it doesn't actually extend the 36,000 mile warranty.

I'm going to find out next week what happens when I take it in on Thursday. What do you guys think I can expect? Really hoping to get this done. Can't believe I'm just 2K over.

-Matt

 

E long as your prior complaint is documented you should not have a problem. Just got mine done at 35799 I realize this is under 36 k but complain loud enough and it should not be a problem. Good luck. By the way where are you located?

 

Well, when I asked about this a year ago, it was to the technician who had been working on my vehicle, not the service rep. So when I asked if my prior inquiry was documented they said they did not have records of this. I will be sure to complain loudly if it doesn't go well!

 

i would show them THEIR tacoma manual that shows your vehicle is capable of handling over 1k lbs. then tell them you had about 400lbs in the bed and it was bottomed out.

 

Good point Paul. I'll pull that one out if I need it

 

Is that true?

 

Here's an update to how it went:

Toyota Corporate refused to pay for it but the Dealer offered to "good will" the parts. Dealer offered to do the TSB if I paid for labor which amounted to ~$850. They had no record of my complaint because I only talked to a technician, not the service rep about the issue.

I called and talked to everyone: Toyota 800, Toyota Extra Care, CR rep. I didn't want to do it, but they gave me 60 days to decide.

Then I call the GM and he looks into it further. Get a call back from his senior service rep saying that because I have TRD, I have all the parts on the TSB except for the leaf springs. So they say they can do the leaf springs if I pay for the labor. They initially quoted $320, but I came down to $281.

I feel that is an ok deal and I am going to do it. But what do you think about the rep's assertion that all I need are the leaf springs for the TSB on a TRD?

I don't think I've ever pressed an issue as hard as this and I'm most likely not going to buy a Toyota for my next vehicle.

 

shit for an extra $100 you could get dakars or all pro expo.....much better than the stupid tsb pack

 

This sucks to hear. I hope this isn't a problem for all 2nd gens.

 

I hear you and I'm tempted, but $281 is the total price, dealer is good willing the parts.

Since I got Extra Care (questioning the wisdom of that), I'd rather keep it stock until 100K.

 

Thank you Coastalboy. I actually had the appointment scheduled for tomorrow. I'm probably going to cancel it after reading your response.

I haven't lifted it at all. I bought it new and left it bone stock except for xenons. What kind of effect does suspension changes make on Extra Care warranties?

 

Thanks for the info Coastalboy. I wish I had a dealer like you around me. This one actually forgot to tighten the lug nuts on one of my wheels after an oil change/tire rotation. 1/4 mile down the road and the brake pedal was intermittently sinking to the floor. Wheel almost fell off.

I don't do much off-roading, just been using it to haul 1/2 ton loads and not liking how it doesn't handle them very well. I just checked out those Timbrens. At $200 that's not bad. How do they compare to air bags?

 

If I am not mistaken the Timbrens are just going to be better bump stops, not give you any cargo capacity. Take Coastalboy advice and get the AAL. For less than $150 or so you will have the leaf spring TSB.

 

Thanks Coastalboy for the further information. Having to raise the front may hold me off from adding the leaf. I don't haul every day. But I feel annoyed every time I do and see it bottoming out at below recommended load.

I'm curious as to the level that this dealer lies to me. They told me that the parts bill for two new OEM leaf packs is $1200. They said they were hooking me up because they were trying to get my business back after I never came back because of the wheel almost falling off.

I'm in the mountains northwest of Boulder, Colorado. Boulder is where this dealership is. Know of any good ones in the area?

 

Also, what do you think of 3-4 hours labor for a leaf spring and charging $281? That's around $90/hr labor. Just looking for a gauge on their level of integrity.

 

$90/hr is a pretty standard lift shop rate around my parts

 

Wow....That's awesome Ben!!! Good rep points for you!

 

^^ now that's customer service!!!

If i had seen this before I bought my tacoma I would have bought it from you you Coastal

Glad to know we have reputable dealers amongst us

 

Ben, I am at a loss for words... never knew there was so much love on here!!

I left a message on Steve's voicemail, will keep you updated.

Thank you so much!!!!

 

i agree. i got the tsb and it helped for a few months then wnt right back to the same old problems. i got firestone airbags to fix it for good