AAL Install. (second gen)

I removed this clamp. Also, you might get some contact here with the overload when under load. I have the same setup and can hear it contacting sometimes.

 

Thanks!

 

No problem. I'm thinking about cutting 2 inches off the front of the overload to clear the rivet on the forward aal pack bracket.

 

Before and after (Wheelers 3 leaf progressive and a 1/2” shim)

 

Installed HeadStrong Progressive AAL and am very impressed. My 2014 TX Baja was riding level at 36.5 before I added a Raider Cap which caused the back to drop about 1.25 inches. Now the back sits at 38. I left the overload in. Went smooth thanks to these threads:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aal-install-second-gen.54186/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...progressive-aal-installation-write-up.615145/

and some tips from this thread:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trd-pro-tx-baja-official-thread.360056/unread

Thanks all!

Before:


After:

 

This is a great thread with a great writeup. I used this along with the following links for my install as a reference:

• AAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq9nv_3vU4Y&list=PLrTquQ-9nzkdh_f1EQGRBgPAM26eRnMVd&index=15&t=61s
• Front Shocks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8JAA-6_WCU&list=PLrTquQ-9nzkdh_f1EQGRBgPAM26eRnMVd&index=9&t=0s

I also wrote these steps just to have them next to me walking through the setup just to have handy next to me in the garage:

• AAL: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TIl5DA50yNBoKtbu0qloBP-N2lrgO1jJXE_9V46k1MQ/edit?usp=sharing
• Front Shocks: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Z60rR0MSJGP5HVBEOH8kKC_UcChPa2_paVi_rw3DFE/edit?usp=sharing

In my case, I added the Headstrong 3 leaf AAL to a 2005 after already replacing the front suspension -- targeting a 2" lift. https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...eafs_with_u-bolts_(PAIR)_-_HS-TOY055-3AL.html. 5100s all around with the headstrong 2" coils up front.
My $0.02 from someone that has never replaced a suspension -- this was by far the most ambitious DIY work I've done on the truck is noted below:

The front wasn't bad, but does take plenty of time -- so I'll add some notes on the AAL install:

1. when you initially put the jack stands on the frame, ensure they're tall or put some wood blocks below them so you can raise the truck pretty high. In my case, initially, once I had everything up, I couldn't lower the axle low enough to remove and replace the centering pin. I ended up tracking down another hydraulic lift and we had one holding the axle and the other holding the very back of the truck. Maybe there's a better way ??? but that's all we could figure to get the back high enough. Once we could get the truck high enough we were good. Our axle was about 1" from the ground as we added the springs.
2. if you have the newer leaf springs from the TSB these should fit w/o having to cut the retainer pack. I have about 1" with everything tight and it looks good. I was a bit worried about grinding that retainer off and was glad I didn't have to
3. GO GET THE BALL JOINT SERVICE KIT from Advance Auto or another store that allows you to borrow these for free. This was a lifesaver to really clamp down the springs when removing and adding the center pin
   2. lining everything up is what takes time. The first time was hard and the 2nd was much easier. We used a screwdriver from the top to push through and basically line up the springs ... then, trying to not move anything, come in from the bottom with the overload followed by the new leafs with the centering pin
   3. get the nut on there ... clamp down and continue tightening the nut and the clamp minimizing any resistance in the center pin
   4. tighten and you're good

Overall it looks and rides great. My old suspension had 110k miles and it rides great. I wish I had done this a long time ago.

 

Looking to do the AAL, is the cheap one good as the expensive ones? I see some at $70. Currently have 1” block in rear with weak 2 leaf pack and overload. If I take the 1” block out and add back the AAL, wondering if I’ll end up netting the same amount of lift. Don’t care to lift anymore just want cheaper way to add strength and keep same height. Wasn’t planning to put a helper spring but it’s not out of the questions, would rather have a more stock looking situation tho.

 

Bought this today, looking to install it on my 2WD TRD. It says it’s for 4x4 but in the question and answer it says it will work with my truck. Anyone purchased and used the tuff country AAL for 2WD trd 2nd gen Tacoma?

 

What did you do on the one you circled on the picture?

 

Did this Mod on my 2011 TRD 4x2 this past weekend. Super easy. Rides like a truck now.

 

I cut the overload back a few inches so it didn't contact the rivet on the bottom of the circled bracket

 

I have the Headstrong 3-leaf progressive AAL on order. Will reference this thread when the install time comes.

 

Installed the AAL. This thread was very helpful. Overall a pretty simple job. The hardest part was getting the new 3-leaf AAL up under the existing leafs with the longer center pin. Took some shimmying and lowering/raising the jack on the axle to be able to slide them under and up. Thanks for this thread!

 

have any of you guys done a 1.5 AAL to help with axel wrap? My stock 15 trd has had a bit of a random take off vibe since new. I have looking to lift the front 1.5 and want to match the back with something. Torn between a 1 inch block spacer or 1.5 AAL.

 

First, I would just check to make sure the U-bolts are torqued down correctly. I know you have stock suspension but when I installed my AAL I retorqued my U-bolts after a bit of driving and they definitely needed to be retorqued. That would be a good first, free step to do.

If that doesn't help, I don't know if lifting would help with vibrations/axle wrap. Typically its the lifting itself that causes these issues.

 

Pete and repete

 

has anyone done this and left a 1" block in with the aal? planning on doing the aal to my '14 prerunner this weekend because i currently have a 1" block but when im fully loaded, (rack, rtt, gear,etc.) having the "bro lean".. swapping out stock leafs to a 3rd gen leaf pack with aal already assembled from a buddy of mine. i dont do any harsh offroading, just fire roads and camping.

 

I have stock leaves, 3 leaf progressive AAL, and a 1/2" block.

 

any issues? im doing the icon aal which gives it 1.5" lift, i know if i keep the block and the aal will bring me up to 2.5" in the rear. i dont mind having a slight rake, i really doubt that will be the case. hoping it'll be at least leveled with all the added weight...

 

No issues