Leaf spring recommendation

Hey guys, I’ve searched some and having a difficult time picking the right one. Been using my truck to haul and tow boats which caused the rear leaf springs to go flat and one of them to bend upwards. I currently have 2” block spacers in the rear with the stock leafs. What’s a good leaf spring that will give me a 2” lift in the rear that will give me decent towing ability without a harsh ride?

 

Dakar or Deaver both make heavy packs but I would suggest airbags or sumo springs as a better solution to your issue. Any leaf pack will go flat if you over arch it.

 

Yea. I thought about bags but just want something simple to install. I looked into the Dakar’s some bit. How do the deavers compare?

 

I just looked into the sumo springs. Looks like that’s what I need for towing. Thank you tallpilot!

 

The sumo springs are definitely an easier install than air bags. Deaver springs are more expensive than Dakars but they offer more customization. I run Dakars for a 1.5" lift and I have taller bump stops to keep them from over arching.

Try the sumo springs first then get a new leaf pack if yours is really messed up.

 

Just ordered a pair of the

$289 ssr-612-40 | sumosprings rear for toyota tacoma, blue

ssr-612-40!

 

Installed the set today. World of difference in raising the rear. The rear now sits 3/4” higher than the front now. Only problem is that the passenger rear leaf looks shot and would definitely need to be replaced in the future.

 

How’d the ride change? I didn’t think they were supposed to be in contact the entire time to be able to raise the rear. Going to do these or bags when I get around to it.

 

That’s exactly how they work. Just like an airbag they raise the ride height above where it would be with just the spring. Completely unladen they probably should not be in contact. Honestly though his massive block isn’t doing him any favors and was the proximate cause of his damaged pack.

This is why some of us groan when people want block lifts. Without a taller bump stop or equivalent it is just too easy to overarch the pack.

The damaged pack can perhaps be repaired but the stock pack is so crappy it really should be upgraded.

 

Get a new leaf pack from @Blackout14.

 

I did some research and found most are reporting lift when installed with stock springs, along with less articulation and a rougher ride due to their design.

Respectfully, I read this over and over again but don't think it's correct, rather just regurgitated. Whether there is no block, a 2" block, or a 24" block, the distance between the top of the stock pack and the frame doesn't change. I could be wrong but don't see how....I await enlightenment!

 

I have SUMOs on my truck. Unloaded there is about a 1 inch gap between the SUMO and the frame. So for most of the minor bumps the SUMO never even comes into play. Depends on the SUMO as well. 2nd and 3rd gens use a different spring. The 3rd gen is shorter

 

I only have experience with Deavers, but I've been loving them. I tow regularly with my Tacoma, and also have an AT Habitat installed that is left fully loaded for camping. I have the U402 Stage 3, which is +2.5-3 inches at 700+ lbs. Overkill for most, but they have the lesser stages as well that are great options for increased capacity without a harsh ride.

Pic below was as loaded as I hope to ever be, and it wasn't sagging bad at all.

 

True, but the ride height position on the shock travel does. This can without a taller bumpstop allow the spring to overarch before the shock (bottoms/tops) out or the bumpstop contacts the frame.

 

We'll have to agree to disagree here. I doubt the shock is limiting up-travel with or without the block. Maybe you're saying that excessive towing against the bump stop will wear at the arch, that's fine, but it has nothing to do with the block. I needed a block recently to go with my aal, but I put the overload back in and a nice fat headstrong 3 degree shim instead, all so that TW didn't look down on me.

OP, glad you got your problem solved.

YF, looks really good, all that weight really only brought you down to level. You could always move your toys a little back on the trailer if it ever bothers you.

 

Thanks @Turd Hawg

Yeah, shifting around even a small amount makes a big difference for sure. The way it was sitting in that pic though drove great. Was a short lil 400 mile trip following that picture!

 

How are they holding up? Do you have sumos?

 

Holding up great. No sumos. Just the Deavers with Bilstein 5160s. Weighed my truck recently on a dump run. Was surprised to see I'm at 6040lb with my wife and I in the truck (so like 5700 without people), as I'm normally 90% loaded with my camping stuff at all times. Yup, overweight, but not squatting at all. Without my trailer it's still pretty far up in the rear.

 

I have airbags but looking for ways to get rid of them.... Thinking Darkar HDs with extra leaf would help reduce my dependency on them