Add-a-leaf 2009 Tacoma sport

I’ve already lifted the front of my 2009 Tacoma sport with 2.5” with Bilstien 5100’s and need to bring the back up to level it out (and stop blinding people in front of me lol). What add-a-leaf kit would you guys recommend and how difficult is this? I’m moderately mechanical – grew up wrenching on my old cars and still do most of my own repairs, brakes etc. changed out a transmission a few times.

Do you think adding a leaf will do it or should I plan on adjusting my headlights down? Is there a good tutorial on how to do either of these things (adding a leaf and adjusting headlights)?



Thanks!

 

My rear leaf pack took me going solo about 3.5 hrs, some of that trying to flex it back in. An aal would be much easier since you don't have to take the factory pack off the truck. Here's a great writeup:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/31118-how-install-add-leaf-w-pics.html

 

I have read that the three leaf 1.5" progressive add a leaf kits are much smoother of a ride than the single leaf. Wheelers sells some and I think toytec may as well. Definitely get your headlights adjusted down. You dont want to be "that guy" blinding everyone

 

You need to realign your headlights. It's pretty simple.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/at...dlights-go-out-alignment-headlight-aiming.pdf

 

Just a tip with whatever brand you go with. If you have the leaf tsb done, go with a 1.5, if not get a 2"

I probably opened a new can of worms.

 

Not to highjack the thread, but I just purchased the Wheelers HD progressive 1.5 AAL pack.

I've got the TRD Baja suspension installed. With overload leaf out, it's about 1.5', with it in the lift is 2'.

Should I leave the overload leaf in or take it out?

I'm struggling with this for some reason.

Thanks,

Jay

 

Jack up the rear of the truck 1.5", and then 2". Decide which height you prefer.

 

I put 885 OME on mine with blisteins and had the same problem as you. Nose high. I bought Deaver 2.5 AAL. Installed them this weekend and it leveled out the truck perfect. My 2013 rear springs were nearly new but they were horizontal even with 200 lbs. in the bed. I hope the Deaver keeps it level for a few years and I will just buy a whole new leaf spring set.

 

Thanks for all the responses everyone - that's why I love this place. I've been soaking in all the responses and doing a lot of googling - now all I have to do is make a decision (and adjust my headlights haha).

 

So I was talking to a guy at 4 Wheel Parts in the Bay Area and he recommended Icon Vehicle Dynamics add-a-leaf expansion pack and made the statement that it was easier to install than taking the stock pack apart and adding a leaf.

Would you guys who have done it agree with this statement? Does anyone know anything about IVD pro or con?

http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop...-2006-tundra-15-lift-rear-expansion-pack.html

Thanks again.

 

He does not know what he is talking about, typical with 4wp employees IMO. The pack will need to be taken apart to install an AAL. This does not mean you need to remove the leaf pack entirely from the vehicle.

The Icon progressive rate AAL is a good choice because it is progressive rate, made up of 3 leaves for a smoother ride as opposed to one single AAL. Wheeler's Offroad sells a similar progressive rate AAL. With these 2 AAL's, you can remove the bottom overload leaf for 1.5" lift, or keep it for 2" of lift.

 

+1

Go with the progressive aal. A bit more money but worth every penny. I have the wheelers aal and it rides like butter compared to the single aal that I previously had that felt like the Flintstone mobile.

 

Thanks again guys. So I ended up buying the Wheelers progressive... Does anyone know if there's a write-up or a video on how to install these? The one posted above is a single leaf addition unless I'm missing something. I'm sure I'll figure it out but it's good to study a little going in.

 

So if you take the stock overload spring out will that decrease the amount of Wight that you can haul ?

 

Hi. Did you ever find a write up or video? I've seen it for Icon, but it requires that you cut the rivet holding the spring pack clamp so you can remove it if your Tacoma has 4 leafs. Curious if Wheelers will require this as well. Thanks for any info.