AAL. Just purchased from ToyTec

Hello Forum,

I just finished ordering a 1.5" add-a-leaf kit from ToyTec for my 2008 Tacoma Prerunner 4.0 double cab with 5' bed. I am not lifting the front. I admit that I am a little nervous. I don't like messing with suspension but I want it for when I tow the 4000 pound boat (with trailer, full tank, equipment) and I don't want the rear end sagging. Has anyone had driveability issues with this set up? Do I need longer brake lines? Am I overreacting by being nervous since it is only 1.5"s? Thank you for help, advice, input. This forum is EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND EDUCATIONAL!

 

I don't have any experience with the toytec AAL, but it has to be better than stock. You might want to add some bilstein 5100's to the front just to level it a little.

 

Yeah your slightly over reacting add a leads are easy long as you are slightly mechanically inclined if not go to TW thy will walk you through it!

Brake lines should be fine, might need slightly bigger shocks.

 

just did it this past weekend. i already have 5100s set at 1.75 up front and there is a pretty good rake to it. use this thread for the install
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/54186-aal-install-second-gen.html

 

Just to confirm...you are installing AALs so that you don't get the rear sag when towing and NOT to lift?

If this is the case have you considered airbags? I am sure there is an expert her on airbags (I am not) but adding an AAL in the rear is going to give you even more forward rake that it is already stock.

Airbags are specific to this type of application. an AAL is not going to remove the source of the problem of rear sag.

 

I do not reccomend the toytec AAL. I had a terrible experience with mine.
-vibrations
-squeaks
-terrible arch
-would not stayed aligned with other leaf springs
-more than 1.5"
-broke in half while offroading
-Toytec has terrible Customer service and the broken peice is still in my garage

Changed to Wheelers 3 leaf pack
-Awesome
-None of the previous issues.

 

1.5" AAL in the rear and no front lift?? Baracuda!! That's going to be a lot of rake man... Did you consider air bags before making your decision? As fas as the install, putting in an AAL is very simple.

 

I disagree that Toytec has terrible customer service. I've ordered from them multiple times with no problems.

The AAL is probably not the best solution to help keep your truck from sagging when towing, airbags would be a much better solution.

 

Thanks for the info so far. I don't like the airbag idea but thanks for the recommendation. BTW, my vehicle comes with 3 leafs per rear wheel (total) and the letters "CD" written in white (whatever that means). When I called ToyTec I was asked if my Tacoma comes with 3 or 4 leafs. I guess some Tacoma's come with different set ups. I am interested in knowing if any of you have had any driveline vibration issues with a 1.5" AAL kit. Thanks again!

 

I have a different 1.5" AAL and have a slight driveline vibration that comes and goes. It's very slight and not enough to make me want to trouble shoot.

As far as the different leaf packs, they all came with 3 leafs. Some of use have had the TSB completed that gave us 4 leafs. I would just worry about the ride and look unloaded, it's going to be pretty high in the rear. Something like air bags or Timbrens would have been a good solution for you.

 

I don't think an add a leaf from any vendor/company will resolve the issue. If you are not a fan of the airbags, you may have to go with completely new rear springs. If you have only 3 leafs in the pack, I would suggest doing the rear leaf TSB. The TSB is done for free by the dealer if they "approve" it. As other on the forum have said go into the dealer and tell them that you bottom out and it has a harsh ride when towing.

 

I have the Toytec AAL , with 5100's and can tell you that you are going to have somer serious rake going on without any lift in the front. I put them on an access cab,and a year later after settling still have over 3" of extra height in the rear, and that is with a couple ladders and an ARE contractor cap. I have 5100's on the front set at 2.5 and my truck is a bunch higher in the rear still. It doesn't bother me, and worked out well because I just picked up a set of 885 X to put up front, to try and gain a little more lift over the Billies.

 

I have another brand AAL (dakar) instead of Toytec (alcan) and it's 1.5" and like someone mentioned, it was pretty easy to install. AAL are a stiff ride with an empty bed and it lifts it more than 1.5", more like 2-3 inches. No sag while towing though and without any lift for the front, you will have some serious rake. Another cheap solution is to increase your leafpack with another leaf from a stock leaf pack.

Also you might experience a driveline vibration with an AAL though I don't have one but I correctly shimmed and lowered my carrier bearing a little.

 

I have the Toytec 1.5" aal added to a 4 leaf Canadian Tacoma and have not had any vibration issues.

 

AllMountainToy mentioned that I should try for the TSB. My truck only has 34,801 miles but it is an '08 which I purchased a week ago. I want to go to the dealership & try to get this TSB authorized. If they don't, what is the 800 # to call?

If that doesn't work, wouldn't the aal be the same as adding one more leaf essentially? Changing my truck from a 3 leaf to4 leaf set up? DriverSound mentioned that I can add one more leaf from a stock pack but its easier to find the aal. BTW, I'm sorry that I did not mention this earlier but my truck sits almost level. Barely an inch higher in the rear. No added weight in the rear than how it came from Toyota.

 

From Toyota.com
Toyota Customer Experience Center
800-331-4331

If you can get the TSB approved, that would be a better option for you. An AAL in a 3 leaf pack is not quite the same as a 4 leaf pack. The AAL is generally a thicker leaf and arched more to provide lift (or load carrying ability) where as the 4 leafs in a single pack will have generally the same arch so they all share the load. Throwing an AAL into a tired leaf pack is more of a band aid. The AAL will end up supporting the majority of the load and will wear out very quickly. You'll probably have to replace the AAL in a year if you tow or haul frequently.

The TSB or 4 leaf pack is better but still not great. If you tow or haul frequently, you really should look at something like Timbrens or air bags.

 

I would suggest OME carrier bearing drop. I put on 2" Toytec AAL and had driveshaft vibrations on take off. Once I installed the carrier bearing drop it went away...

 

This is the way. I had Hellwig helper springs on my 07 Tacoma (no tsb) to stop the butt dragging when pulling my boat. They were decent, but did start squeeking. Added about an inch unloaded, but that depends on how tight you put them on. Airbags are probably the ideal way. What do you have against them?

I don't really think the Toytec AAL was designed with hauling in mind, just to give the lift. Not to mention its going to have crazy rake when you're not loaded down with anything.

 

OP, I know you don't like the idea of airbags, neither did I, it was recommended to me by Wheelers when I bought my 5100's and AAL, I came across a used set on TW and put them on, I have a constant load with a rack and cap but periodically haul rock, dirt or concrete and the occasional 5000lb trailer. The ability to match my load with air pressure to save the rear suspension is a life saver to me. When i take the load out i just deflate them down to 10 psi and i dont even notice they are there. It extends the life of my aal and leafs, it's stout when i need it to be and rides fine when i'm not loaded.

 

DriverSound. It looks as if I may go ahead and add an extra stock leaf. I called Toyotas 1-800 # and they declined to help me with the TSB since its an 08 even though I am under mileage. Now, my question. Where can I buy an extra stock leaf spring since the AAL is not what I am looking for? It makes sense for all 4 leafs to share the load.