Best Add-a-leaf?

Hello all,

Yes I know what you're thinking. Add-a-leaf is the wrong way to go... replace the whole pack. I am a grad student so I don't have much extra cash to throw around (not $400 on Dankars), but I do need to do something about the saggy butt of my Taco.

I have a 97 Tacoma DLX 3.4L 5 speed and I tow a 4000# boat frequently for short distances. My rear suspension sucks ass, to say the least. I put new KYB shocks on it, still seems to bottom out a lot on rough roads. The leafs look flat without a load, so I am hoping to bandaid the situation with an AAL until i get a real job. I am throwing some tundra coils up front to fix my droop from a winch bumper next month, and think I should balance that in the back too.

Thanks for the help in advance!

-Tom

 

Wheelers Progressive HD 3 leaf is what I went with. About to install but it looks quality and many have had good luck with it.

 

This is what I put together for an AAL, built a few for members also ...

 

Thanks for the quick responses guys! What have you salvaged here? I was thinking about digging through the salvage yard for something that would work but I don't know much about leafs or where to even start looking. I have heard of people reusing old chevy springs, any recommendations?

Kinda like the idea of building my own leafs for cheap if possible.

 

What are the advantages of it, meant for towing heavy loads? I need something that will tow fine, and still let me act like a jack ass on dirt roads (I like to pretend I own a trophy truck from time to time). Thanks for the help!

 

OMD (Old Man Doug) does Quality stuff as well!! Pick your poison.

 

This turns your sorry ass 2 leaf (plus overload) into a 5 leaf (unless you have the 3 leaf). Beefer and handles loads much better. I went with the HD because I tow and it is a thicker leaf. If you have the tools to do it yourself check out 4WD's thread http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/194386-tacoma-spring-refurbishing.html . Great info there.

 

I have three leafs and an overload. Looks like in 4WD's thread they are just reusing Chevy springs. I may go this route. I have all the tools to do it.

For a donor spring, I assume you look for one that is the same thickness and width and cut to length if necessary?

-Tom

 

I think that is why they are using the Chevy springs, because they match the closest in width. You should go check out the 4WD (OMD's) thread and ask there. They are super helpful and its a great resource. Good Luck!

 

I'll just leave this here.....

 

I know I know.... shameless self promotion....

 

Speaking of self promotion, the AAL's I'm selling are the best, you should buy them. Here http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/202130-wts-wtt-wtb-free.html#post4483554 Check em out.

 

HA HA HA, Subtle hint eh Doug? How much are you selling AAL's for?

Might as well ask you here too, are you using chevy springs because they match the width and thickness of the taco's?

Thanks,

-Tom

 

Hi Tom, the first pic is the generic AAL the other guy peddling vvvvvvvvvv




This is my kit, not a generic "one size fits all"... Mine is a suspension upgrade with 4 custom diamond cut Chevy truck springs. I can tell you that these are off of a 1978 3/4 ton Chevy truck, it was blue in color, how do I remember ?? Because I cherry pick from the best trucks I come across in local wrecking yards... I can also tell you that with mine you KNOW its American steel & not the softer Asian steel that is used today by aftermarket manufacturers.. Comes with 4 - compression spring clamps,new centerpins, anti squeak pads, & 2- 3/4" spacers for carrier bearing drop if vibration developes after lift which is not uncommon with Tacomas...

$250.00

or you can spend $45-$50 on the other guys generic 1 leaf & roll the dice..

This of course is mine & yeah the Chevy springs are the closest to OEM specs..




You can pay for the ride you get or pay for the ride you WANT...

 

Doug,

Looks like a great setup! I read through half of you're thread last night and got pretty excited about it. I'm not really looking for much of a lift though, I just want to regain my stock suspension height plus an 1-1.5" maybe? Just want to match the tundra coils going on the front, and not bottom out as much while bombing down logging roads, towing boats etc. Also planning to step up to 32/11.5/15's if I can cram them with this setup.

Seems from your thread, 2 chevy leafs from a 3/4 ton gave 3 inches or so without the overload? I'm more thinking about adding just one leaf to regain the arch and i'll leave the overload off.

 

Oh I totally understand, but consider this , most of the sacked out springs I've done have lost at least an inch of stock height & 95% of people wanted to regain what they lost plus an additional 1"-2" for fitting larger tires, more clearance for offroading,etc:. For your trucks app. I'd still use 2 per side, dumping the overload (1st gen overloads are almost a solid 1" thick) theres an inch dead height (like a 1" lift block) right there..& that would put you almost exactly where ya want to be, plus this MOD can be custom tailored to meet almost anyones requirements the amount of lift is really relative to the amount of ARC the donor springs have, I've been doing this now for almost 3 years for members here , from locals to guys in Alaska to the north & maine/Massachuteses/ Florida to the east & states in between.. 50+ trucks so far both 1st & 2nd gens.....