1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Rear suspension moron in need of assistance

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by CRU, Aug 5, 2012.

  1. Aug 5, 2012 at 2:31 PM
    #1
    CRU

    CRU [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2011
    Member:
    #50946
    Messages:
    597
    Gender:
    Male
    Seminole Cnty, FL
    Vehicle:
    07 SSM TuRD Sport DCLB
    20" Enkei WT4 wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 265/50, Steel braided brake lines, Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS deck w/JBL GTO cones, OEM Smoked headlights, OEM LED tails, Clazzio seat covers, aFe Pro-Dry S air filter, Fumoto oil valve, Grillcraft MX grille w/Land Cruiser "TOYOTA" emblem, Redline QuickLIFT hood struts, Leather TRD shift knob, 13" shorty antenna
    I tried sifting through the multiple threads on rear suspension and nothing has come close to answering my questions. Most of them cover lifts and getting extra height. I'm pretty well versed on what's going on under the hood and around the vehicle, but when it come to the drive line and suspension, I'm pretty damn ignorant. Here's my scenario.

    I was under the truck a few weeks back torquing my loose u-bolts and I noticed the OEM 3-leaf pack was flat. No curve to it at all. I found out the previous owner did a lot of towing with the truck so I guess he wore out the rear suspension. I don't have any odd bouncing or anything of the nature to suggest everything is dead, but I'm guessing it's a matter of time before the flat leafs kill the rear shocks. My plan is to put 5100s all around, reuse the stock springs up front, and set the billies at 1.75. I want to replace the flat rear leafs only I'm not looking for a major lift. I'd like to keep it as close to stock height as I can. Or at least level. No funny car stance. I realize I'll get some lift with a new leaf pack but I'm trying to keep it as level as I can. This is strictly a street vehicle. I don't off road and I don't tow. I haul things from time to time, but that's about the extent of it.

    What options do I have available for the rear? I'm guessing a set of all pros or dakars will have too much of a lift in the rear and give me that dragster look I'm trying to avoid. I've read that wheelers makes a 5-leaf set that might be up my alley. I'm just completely clueless about this stuff and I'm open to suggestions. Can any of you suspension gurus give me a hand?

    TIA
     
  2. Aug 5, 2012 at 2:37 PM
    #2
    08pretaco

    08pretaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2008
    Member:
    #9502
    Messages:
    9,321
    Gender:
    Male
    az
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 4x4 CM 5.7L SR5
    @ADSracingshocks - F 3 point ohh / R 2.5 - w/clickers @camburgracing - uniball UCA @rigidindustries - 40" amber/white split, Dually XL, D2 @coopertires - 35/12.5/17 STT MAXX @bayareametalfab - low pro bed rack @toyotausa - 17" rock warrior @sdhqoffroad - rock sliders, a-pillar @hondogarage / @apple / @gaiagps / @dualgps- navigation @wheelersoffroadinc - superbumps
    You could just re-arch the leafs you have on there now.
     
  3. Aug 5, 2012 at 3:50 PM
    #3
    CRU

    CRU [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2011
    Member:
    #50946
    Messages:
    597
    Gender:
    Male
    Seminole Cnty, FL
    Vehicle:
    07 SSM TuRD Sport DCLB
    20" Enkei WT4 wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 265/50, Steel braided brake lines, Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS deck w/JBL GTO cones, OEM Smoked headlights, OEM LED tails, Clazzio seat covers, aFe Pro-Dry S air filter, Fumoto oil valve, Grillcraft MX grille w/Land Cruiser "TOYOTA" emblem, Redline QuickLIFT hood struts, Leather TRD shift knob, 13" shorty antenna
    I've thought about that. Having the packs refurbished. But I'd like to add a little strength for when I haul if at all possible. That would mean an AAL. After the cost of refurb and an AAL, it's probably easier to just replace the packs.
     
  4. Aug 5, 2012 at 5:10 PM
    #4
    Large

    Large Red

    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2011
    Member:
    #63268
    Messages:
    22,455
    Gender:
    Male
    I think alcan makes custom leaf packs, give them a call and tell them what you want.
     
  5. Aug 5, 2012 at 5:18 PM
    #5
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2010
    Member:
    #37674
    Messages:
    29,365
    Gender:
    Male
    Belly of the Beast
    Vehicle:
    4x4 TRD Off-Road Full-Auto
    LED Headlights, Volant CAI, 32" Duratracs
    Deavers makes leafs with ~1.5" of lift, right?
     
  6. Aug 5, 2012 at 5:28 PM
    #6
    greenrustic

    greenrustic Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2012
    Member:
    #70776
    Messages:
    676
    Gender:
    Male
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2012 DCLB 4x4 TRD SPORT
    Access LTD Tonneau Cover, Weather Tech Digital Fit Mats, Weather Tech Rain Guards, 35% Tint up Front, AFE Dry Power Intake Filter, Debadged, GrilleCraft, OME 884x, OME 9000 NitroChargers, Icon 3 Leaf Progressive AAL
    Keep your eyes out and you might find someone getting rid of their stock pack. Otherwise I like the custom leaf pack idea.
     
  7. Aug 5, 2012 at 5:33 PM
    #7
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Member:
    #18122
    Messages:
    16,129
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '09 FourDubDee TRD OR
    A-TRUCK, Fat Kid in the Bed, Custom Pinstriping, Ported and Polished Muffler Bearing, Hi-Performance Bed Mat
    I actually have 2x TSB pack with 1.5in add-a-leaf sitting in my storage unit. They had about 22k miles on them, many offroad, before being taken off the truck. They're still in serviceable condition.

    Interest? I could ship through Fastenal and get you a quote sometime this week if so.
     
  8. Aug 5, 2012 at 7:07 PM
    #8
    CRU

    CRU [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2011
    Member:
    #50946
    Messages:
    597
    Gender:
    Male
    Seminole Cnty, FL
    Vehicle:
    07 SSM TuRD Sport DCLB
    20" Enkei WT4 wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 265/50, Steel braided brake lines, Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS deck w/JBL GTO cones, OEM Smoked headlights, OEM LED tails, Clazzio seat covers, aFe Pro-Dry S air filter, Fumoto oil valve, Grillcraft MX grille w/Land Cruiser "TOYOTA" emblem, Redline QuickLIFT hood struts, Leather TRD shift knob, 13" shorty antenna
    Thanks but I'm preferring to go aftermarket. I don't want to be in the same boat 60K miles from now.
     
  9. Aug 5, 2012 at 7:52 PM
    #9
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2011
    Member:
    #64877
    Messages:
    684
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2011 Tacoma 4x4 Regular cab automatic trans,
    Rear Leaf TSB, Bilstein 5100s, extra leaf added
    jandrews, I am interested in your spring pack. PM sent
     
  10. Aug 5, 2012 at 9:11 PM
    #10
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2009
    Member:
    #18122
    Messages:
    16,129
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '09 FourDubDee TRD OR
    A-TRUCK, Fat Kid in the Bed, Custom Pinstriping, Ported and Polished Muffler Bearing, Hi-Performance Bed Mat
    PM replied.
     
  11. Aug 6, 2012 at 6:03 AM
    #11
    CRU

    CRU [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2011
    Member:
    #50946
    Messages:
    597
    Gender:
    Male
    Seminole Cnty, FL
    Vehicle:
    07 SSM TuRD Sport DCLB
    20" Enkei WT4 wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 265/50, Steel braided brake lines, Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS deck w/JBL GTO cones, OEM Smoked headlights, OEM LED tails, Clazzio seat covers, aFe Pro-Dry S air filter, Fumoto oil valve, Grillcraft MX grille w/Land Cruiser "TOYOTA" emblem, Redline QuickLIFT hood struts, Leather TRD shift knob, 13" shorty antenna
    I did a little research into the Alcan and Deavers sets. Though they meet the height requirements I'm looking for, they reduce the weight capacity of the truck. I still need to be able to haul stuff. Looks like these sets are more for off-road and racing. It looks like I might have to bite the bullet and go with something like an allpro standard set. :confused:
     
  12. Aug 6, 2012 at 6:33 AM
    #12
    sandjunkie

    sandjunkie Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2010
    Member:
    #42055
    Messages:
    1,871
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Aaron
    OC
    Alcan and Deaver will custom make any carrying capacity you need.
     
  13. Aug 6, 2012 at 8:32 PM
    #13
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2011
    Member:
    #64877
    Messages:
    684
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2011 Tacoma 4x4 Regular cab automatic trans,
    Rear Leaf TSB, Bilstein 5100s, extra leaf added
    CRU, I suggest for your needs one of two things.

    1) Contact "4WD" a member here for the suspension you want.

    2) Go to a local to you "Spring Shop" and talk with / have built exactly what you need.
     
  14. Aug 7, 2012 at 6:23 AM
    #14
    BlueSteel

    BlueSteel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2009
    Member:
    #15179
    Messages:
    413
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    The Woodlands, TX
    Vehicle:
    09 Magnetic Grey Doublecab TRD Sport Debadged
    Camburg 4" Spindles, Icon CB 2.5 adjustables front and rear, Total Chaos Upper/Lower CAs, Alcan 5" Rear Leafs, Timbren Bumpstops, 5" SS Brakelines, 295/70/18 Nitto Trail Grapplers on 18" KMC Monsters, Grill Craft Black Mesh Upper, Predator Running Boards, All Pro Rear Bumper and Hitch, Wet Okole Covers, Toyota Roof Rack, Limo Tint, TRD CAI, TRD Exhaust, Weathertech Mats, Redline Hood Struts, Red Top Odyssey battery, BDF Light Bar, Foglight anytime Mod, Lo Pro QT Truxedo Tonneau cover, Rocky Mount Bike Pegs.
    Just go with the Standard leaf replacement from All Pro Offroad. The 3" Standard leaf pack will give you the extra height needed to work with the fronts, are a great stock replacement, and they are not pricey either. I purchased the "Expedition" leaf pack from them but may step down to the "Standard" Pack because I never haul anything and the rear rides stiff. The All Pro leafs are good quality. I would like Custom Alcan leafs for my setup but they are a little pricey for me.
     
  15. Aug 7, 2012 at 6:44 AM
    #15
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    Member:
    #39131
    Messages:
    38,409
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    '19 Ford F-250 6.7 SCrew
    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    If you want stock height and better ability to handle loads, check out air bags. This is the easiest solution by far and cheaper than a new leaf pack. They are also adjustable to the load you're carrying.

    Next option, talk to 4WD, he slips other leafs into a stock leaf pack to build up a leaf pack. The downside, it's a little guess and check but it's cheap and, when you get it right, you'll have a nice, smooth riding truck with the load capacity you want.

    Last, and most expensive option, have Alcan custom make you a leaf pack. This will cost you between $5-600 but they can make you a custom leaf pack to your specifications. You'd need to give them the 'normal load' which is whatever you carry all day every day, the max load and the ride height. They'll figure out how to make it work.

    Also, one thing to realize is that the stock Tacoma leaf pack is pretty flat anyways. It doesn't have a nice arch like other trucks. I was able to tell that my leafs were shot because I was planted on the overload leaf full time.
     
  16. Aug 8, 2012 at 5:24 AM
    #16
    CRU

    CRU [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2011
    Member:
    #50946
    Messages:
    597
    Gender:
    Male
    Seminole Cnty, FL
    Vehicle:
    07 SSM TuRD Sport DCLB
    20" Enkei WT4 wrapped in Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 265/50, Steel braided brake lines, Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS deck w/JBL GTO cones, OEM Smoked headlights, OEM LED tails, Clazzio seat covers, aFe Pro-Dry S air filter, Fumoto oil valve, Grillcraft MX grille w/Land Cruiser "TOYOTA" emblem, Redline QuickLIFT hood struts, Leather TRD shift knob, 13" shorty antenna
    Great info. Thanks Pugga. And thanks to everyone else. Looks like I have a lot to think about. :eek:
     
  17. Aug 9, 2012 at 8:10 AM
    #17
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2011
    Member:
    #64877
    Messages:
    684
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2011 Tacoma 4x4 Regular cab automatic trans,
    Rear Leaf TSB, Bilstein 5100s, extra leaf added
    CRU, Going to a local spring shop and having one leaf added to your existing spring pack should run around $300 installed. You tell them what you want, they build it and install it. You drive away with exactly what you want.
     
  18. Aug 9, 2012 at 8:14 AM
    #18
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2010
    Member:
    #39131
    Messages:
    38,409
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    '19 Ford F-250 6.7 SCrew
    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    Wholly Sheet Batman, a $300 AAL?!?!?! :eek:

    I'd use 4WD's method long before I shelled out that kind of money for a 'custom' AAL.
     
  19. Aug 9, 2012 at 8:48 PM
    #19
    wolftree

    wolftree Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2011
    Member:
    #64877
    Messages:
    684
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2011 Tacoma 4x4 Regular cab automatic trans,
    Rear Leaf TSB, Bilstein 5100s, extra leaf added
    Pugga, I agree with you. But if he does not have the tools, time and location, then a local shop is the next best thing to 4WD method, You can also have a shop make exactly what you want and install it yourself, cost is usuallly $50 a spring, so $100+U-bolts etc.. This will be Amertican steel, whatever thickness and length you choose. This is not China steel like so many of the AALs.

    I am trying to give him all of the options for him to make a choice that best fits his needs and budget.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top