2005 and 2013 Leaf Springs

Hi all,

Im a new member but a long time TW fan. Thanks for the great reference info available on the site.
I have a 2005 DCLB Sport with 3 leaf stack leaf springs that are failing. (No surprise)
Has Toyota changed the quality of the 3 leaf stacks on newer models like the 2013's?
I know some are coming with 4 leaf stacks and others are not.

Have they been redesigned or engineered?
Or are they still putting out the same inferior models as in 05?

Thanks
Danny

 

Doesn't matter if they are even the brand new 4 leaf packs... They still suck. Get the wheelers HD leaf pack

 

Ive had both a 2005 and a 2013 "3 leaf pack". I can honestly say the 2013 were better and didn't bottom out like my 05 did. My 05 was even a access cab and my 13' is a double cab. I remember the slightest dip in the road would cause my bump stops to hit on my 05 but didn't have a problem with the 13. Anyways I now have Dakar leaf packs installed with 885s up front.

 

Not happy with your new TSB leafs?

 

I have both a 2010 DC (V6) & 2014 DC (I4) ironically my '14 2.7 Tacoma has the 4-pack and my 2010 V6 has the three.

I carry the same weights in both trucks, approx 400-600 lbs +\- even though my '14 has the weaker motor, it handles the weight much better, and doesn't ever hit the bump stops. My '10 rides much softer, and doesn't take much to bounce the same weight off the bump stops.

Empty, the 2010 V6 is much smoother, my '14 truck feels and rides like a stock '81 Toyota truck, I.e. Very stiff when empty. But when there is 400-500 lbs in the '14, it feels just right. Can anyone recommend a good AAL for a 2010, DC? I really want a more controlled feel, and less squat from my 2010.

 

the new 4 leaf pack is definitely better but its still a sucky pack... with just some baggage for 3 people in the bed of the truck it squatted a solid inch +

im hoping the full lenght AAL i got helps that.

 

Thanks guys!
Here's the full story. I love my truck and the way it rides but my wife and daughter hate the stiff ride. They complain every time they ride with me. Family is important to me so I'm looking for a smoother ride for them.
I bought my truck used and the previous owner added Firestone air bags to compensate for the sagging original equipment. The bags work great for when I am hauling gear and materials but the ride is way too stiff when empty so I deflate them completely relying on crappy, saggy 2005 3 leafs that bottom out frequently.
I just acquired a full suspensions set up off a 2013 TRD Off Road with 15k miles.
Included are the 4 factory shocks (Billies), Front coil over springs, UCA's and of course 2013 3 leaf springs.
I got a great deal but am wondering if I bother with the swap out (15k miles vs. 125k on my 05) or just buck up for a better suspension system.
I want a sweet truck that rides more like my father in laws 2010 Forerunner Limited.
How do I achieve that?
Any advice is appreciated!!
Cheers
Danny

 

i mean give it a try but dont expect miracles.... with the original 2+1 leaf pack on my 2013 DCSB trd off road i was almost on the bump stops with all of a single 250lb dirtbike and gear in the back.... so much to the point where i would get flashed as if i had my high beams on.

Its better with the 3+1 leaf pack i have now, but even then they do not handle weight all that great.

There is a reason why every 6 lug tacoma regardless of package or config comes with the 3+1 leaf pack now adays (since october/november 2013)

 

If I added an AAL it would help with weight capacity and sag but hurt me with ride firmness right? Or does the AAL only effect the ride when under load?
I appreciate the opinions and experience shared...

 

What's the best AAL on the market for our trucks? I want to stiffin up my 3-packed 2010 in the worst way.

 

I wouldn't add an AAL to those old, used up leafs. It may help for a short while but will flatten out pretty quickly. AALs also are known to make the ride harsher anyway. I'd start looking at all new leaf packs.

 

Thanks for the feed back. I will let you know how things evolve. Hopefully a ride that is comfortable for the family but still able to be a truck!
Cheers men...

 

My 2006 TRD OffRoad 3 pack sucked, I had the TSB 4 pack installed. These sucked a little less but still bottomed out, so I installed Firestone RideRite air bags.

Fast forward to my 2013 TRD Sport with a 3 leaf pack, has never once bottomed out!

 

your trd sport has a 3+1 leaf pack.