Updated in Post 20: AAL - Single Leaf or 3-Leaf Progressive?

I have a stock 2010 DCSB with Bilstein 5100 (0.95" Setting) and the recall rear leaf springs to which I've added a Leer 100R topper.

I want to restore a bit of ride-height as well as add some load capacity without dramatically affecting ride quality.

This is a daily driver and I don't haul much often. I also occasionally tow a 6'x12' enclosed trailer maybe once a year or so. I "wheel" (if you can call it that) once a month driving pastures and dirt roads at my family's farm.

I'm looking at one of these to options: OR Any advice on which one to go with and why would be much appreciated.

 

Honestly I would recommend their Dakar leaf pack. In time the AAL will have to be replaced as it will start to sag. Especially with a shell on there, the AAL might go a little quicker. Dakars give about 3 inches of height in the rear. I know its a little more money, but its one and done. I know a few who have the pack and it works well.

Coot

 

Thank you Coot. The Dakars are out of budget and I don't really want 3" of lift. I'm going to try to keep it fairly close to stock but don't mind moving the 5100's up a notch to keep it level.

 

I got you, so Im guessing about 1 inch in ride height is what you are looking for? I should check but maybe you might benefit from a Baja leaf pack? I think my Baja comes stock about 1 inch higher in the rear than your standard Tacoma...also Im swapping out my rear end in a few weeks.

Coot

 

That's the AllPro Baja leaf pack, correct?

 

Ah nevermind, it seems the Baja leaf pack only gives you about another 10mm (.4 inch) on your current leaf height.

Coot

 

Sorry Im referring to my stock TRD BAJA leafs. Im sure the AP would be a nice choice if he had a budget for it.

Coot

 

Single leaf AAL is stronger for weight carrying.

3 leaf is not as strong but will give a marginally better unloaded (no towing weight, no hauling weight) ride.

If you carry a regular load (tools, shell/tonneau) of 200 lbs or more I would not get the 3 leaf but a full replacement leaf pack instead. I have Dakars, myself, and they replaced a 3 leaf AAL when I got a shell. My 3 leaf couldn't handle the 220 lbs in the bed, I lost all lift.

Bear in mind also that the lift heights are all quoted for stock trucks. No extra weight in sliders, bumpers, toolboxes, bed covers, etc. Lift height will decrease as weight goes up.

 

RideRite bags are another option.

 

I have a progressive leaf pack with a shell and I think it works out pretty good, tow a boat as well.
I think that it's all pro but can't remember

 

Im guessing the All Pro Expos? Those are a solid leaf pack, especially if you tend to tow stuff a lot. Im actually rolling with some deavers on my set up when I get it installed in about 3 weeks!

Coot

 

No the progressive pack, 3 leaf aal

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I decided to go with the 3-Leaf set for the difference in ride quality since it's my DD. If it sucks, I'll go for broke and completely replace the rear leaf springs.

I might even be able to sell the OEMs and the AAL to offset the cost. If not, I'll forge 'em into cutting tools.

 

Sumo springs might be another option for you. I've had both single AAL and progressive. The Progressive is a bit stiffer than stock but not much but I've never had a shell on with it. The single AAL is stiff but rode better with a shell. I like the single better. Had it for 4 years with no sag and I towed with it.

 

Since I'm going to be in there anyway, I'm going to replace the rear shocks. Will Bilstein 5100 rear shocks work with the 3-leaf AAL? Bilstein's site lists them for up to 1" but I'm not sure what I'm going to ultimately wind up with after installing the AAL.

 

They make one for larger lifts also. I just have the regular ones for the one inch. My leaf pack only lifted 1.5 inches with the progressive aal

 

if you go with 3 leaf progressive, keep the overload on. also you can with a combination of a single AAL + sumosprings. i myself will find out soon enough how my recall leaf pack + hs progressive is going to hold up with a shell. i'll be planning on getting sumosprings to prevent future sagging.

 

can you explain to me how the sumo springs work? I another another half inch or one inch to my aal setup. Not carrying much weight.

 

it's basically an extended bumpstop that replaces the OEM one and adds weight carrying \ hauling support to the suspension with out having to buy a new leaf pack or airbags. Pretty good video below.

https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Toyota/Tacoma/2009/SSR-610-40.html

 

I installed the Wheeler's 3-Leaf AAL and Bilstein 5100's last Friday and went out to the farm over the weekend to do some work. I gained the advertised 1.5" and it rides very well. I drove it with 320# of weight in the back and without, and handling/ride quality were much improved over factory. Would do it again in a heartbeat.