ADVICE NEEDED PLEASE! suspension / rear leafs

Since you all own Tacomas, you are all bad asses....
Ill keep this as short as possible...I'm new to TacomaWorld and need some advice.
In 2008, I bought a brand new Tacoma Pre-runner SR5 2WD (Rugged Trail Edition).
I now have 106,000 miles on it and it rides awful. I mean, really awful!
I plan on keeping this truck for a long time, and I want it to ride as best as it possible can.
It still have the original rear leafs and Billstein shocks that came on the truck (no lift installed).
The rear leafs are bowing the opposite way and the shocks are all shot.
I know about the recall on the leafs, but the dealer said it might be next year before they can replace them (due to demand).... and I'm not waiting.

Anyway... I have made up my mind to just pay for all new leafs and all new upgraded shocks.
I have a budget of $3,000 (max.) to purchase everything and have it professionally installed.
At the moment, the best combo I have researched is:
Leafs: Old Man Emu Dakars $412.30
Shocks: TRD Baja Suspension package (see picture)
$1,500 without the additional leafs.
Labor: $1,000 (approx)

Questions:
Does anyone out there have this combo on their truck?
If so, have you had any problems?... with anything?
Can anyone recommend something different... and are really stoked about?
What would you do?

I basically want the best I can get (parts and labor) for $3,000 and I'm looking for ANY advice.
I don't want to do this and then regret anything at all.

Thanks in advance for the help... I am grateful to be a part of this forum.
I'm ready to get this work done,
-Johnny

 

You are planning to spend way too much money...If it was me, I would order new Billstein shocks for all for corners for $350, and then I would simple bring the truck to a local spring shop and have them rebuild. When the springs and shocks on my 94 Toy pickup wore out at 150k miles, I just got some new leaves at the local spring place, trimmed them to length and installed, plus $200 for Rancho 5000 series shocks. The cost of the leaves, center bolts and hardware was under $100. When I rebuild the springs on the 68 Dodge pickup, I also added new 3 piece bushings.

Howard

 

Why not just go with all OME if you're going with the Dakars?

 

The only advice I can give you is install it yourself and use the money you were going to pay in labor toward a better lift or tires and wheels. I did my own by myself in about 7 hours start to cleanup. It a lot easier than you think. What you take off your putting right back on with a aftermarket piece. Just a thought.

Where do you live? Maybe a local club member would be willing to help you out. Also there are some videos on YouTube that are very helpful.

 

Sounds like you've already found Wheeler's Offroad, I'd give them a call as well, pretty nice guys up there. Bilsteins on all four corners and either go with the OME, Stock Replacement, or Wheelers package leaf pack. Having a local shop do the labor for install should save you enough dime to change out any worn ball joints, bushings, etc. Good Luck! Share some pics of the truck!

 

Thanks for the information guys.

I live in Atlanta, but I'm in the North Georgia mountains a lot on trails.
Also, I want something quality and bad ass for this truck and I don't mind paying for it.
Yes, maybe $3k is a little high... I agree.
Also also.... I simply don't have the time to do it myself. I work almost every damn day... family... other stuff.... you know. I don't need the stress of one more task. I just want a truck that rides nice.
I spend more time in my truck that my own house, so it's worth the money to me.

I appreciate the advice guys... the more opinions I can read, the better choices I will make.