Loaded bed with firewood, what happened?

Actually disagree; replacing the leaf pack with aftermarket leafs provides a smoother ride than stock.

The OEM (all the mfgs do this) use just a few thick leafs to save cost; that makes for a rough ride. Adding a leaf to this adds capacity, but does little to change the ride quality. Aftermarket leaf packs are often made as multiple thinner leafs (6-10) that respond progressively, as the loading changes - whether that be road conditions or bed load, giving a smoother ride. True if you use leafs that add load capacity, then the ride maybe stiffer, but it will still react much smoother than stock. That was my experience with All Pro leafs, and I went with the Expedition pack to add load capacity (+400lbs) and ride height and they are much smoother than stock, even if they are stiffer when the bed is empty.

Also changing out your bump stops, from the OEM 'hard as steel' rubber pucks, to something softer such as The stock hard puck is what makes the hit so harsh when the suspension does bottom out. Does wonders for the front suspension, and is the one easy fast change that will make a change in your ride over rough roads with the stock suspension. (or upgraded suspension)

 

X2

I have had mine bottom out when hauling bagged mulch filled to the top of the bed rails. I didn't weigh the truck, but I had twenty fifty pound bags back there. There were two of us in the truck. I was overloaded.

If you change to heavier springs you will have to be very mindful of what you are putting back there, the factory springs are a warning system of sorts, Toyota likely did it that way to stop the average user from overloading their trucks with concrete, bricks, etc and incurring damage that would be repaired under warranty. It makes sense, how would Toyota prove the truck was overloaded?

 

^^^ This - Installed them a couple of years ago on my 2006 DCSB.....work great!!!

 

It's normal. We've got really crappy leaf springs. You're just hitting your bump stops.

 

I agree to a point , but the stock springs don't rebound to their original height after repeated use , so them being an indicator of load limits doesn't hold up as they sag more and more after each use

They are crap

 

If I was going to be hauling with this truck on a regular basis I would upgrade my springs for sure. I only have two miles to go to Home Depot and a couple of camping trips a year, not using it for a work truck like you. I do seem to have lost a bit of ride height in the back also, so I agree with you there.

 

Yeah , I lost 2" of rear ride height from my factory Canadian 4 leaf. ( TSB ) pack by hauling a 300 lbs toolbox daily for 6 months

 

I don't think you can get the TSB for weight issues. You probably already have the "TSB Leafs". They aren't any better anyway so I wouldnt waste your time. If you really want to fix the issue, spend the $400-500 and get a good set of leafs.

 

If you have the 2 leafs plus overload (total of 3) - you would not have the TSB springs.

At some point (couple years ago), I think Toyota was sending out yellow stickers that was some sort of disclaimer about the 'hauling' capacity. I'm not sure if this yellow sticker still exists and/or if the newer trucks would have it. Look in all your door jams, above your visor, or even somewhere on your truck bed/tailgate for a yellow sticker.... (or some other disclaimer about the hauling capacity).

The TSB Springs are 3 leafs plus overload (total of 4).

Since you are still under warranty and the truck is so new - If you complain hard & loud enough to the right people....you should get some results.

Here is the actual TSB bulletin from back in 05/06.
http://www.lieblweb.com/images/tacoma/LeafSpringTSB.pdf

My truck is an 07 and I had mine done. I WOULD NOT mention this bulletin - or else they'll claim its TOO OLD. Just complain about the hauling and ride. You might want to cross reference the part numbers also (listed in bulletin). Make sure they understand what you WANT 4 leaf pak (3 plus overload).

My TSB Springs give me about 1" lift in the rear, When I put a full scoop of mulch in the bed, it only drops 1" and I've never hit the bumpstops. If you can get the TSB springs for free thru warranty, I'd jump on it. But....I wouldn't buy them from Toyota when you can find something just as good or better aftermarket.

 

FYI incorrect.... SR5 and Sport packages come with the 3 leaf + overload.

TRD off road comes with the 2 leaf + overload

 

Now

 

If you haul very often then I agree with everyone and just upgrade the rear leaf packs with a better pack that can handle loads better and give you slight lift. I don't have $500 to spend now on my truck to replace the leaf pack entirely. I already have a 2" AAL and recently installed Hellwig helper springs. I carry firewood loads about 5-8 times a year plus other loads such as mulch, Eco-Bricks, etc. and with the AAL and helper springs it handles the loads much better, I never hit bumpstops and have about 3 or so inches before I make contact. Its not ideal but it does the job. Once my packs get tired I will go with a new leaf pack, for now its OK.

 

If you'll notice....I said:

If you have the 2 leafs plus overload (total of 3) - you would not have the TSB springs.

He can look at his own leaf pak and know exactly what he has without the rest off us guessing for him.

 

The words you want to use are "harsh ride loaded" when you have a chat with the dealer.

 

That's what I do and they've done the job for over two years now. But I don't offroad my truck, beyond gravel roads and dirt roads to where we offload the ATVs. FWIW

 

Good Luck!!