Suspension questions: Tilt,leveling,and leafs

Wow I am spending a lot of time here these days.

My new to me 2013 has a leveling kit: 2” in front and 3” in back. Looks ok I added side steps for the wife so that’s all fun. But looking closely I noticed the truck leans a bit to the drivers side. An inch and a half maybe. The leafs look spindly. One is flat and the other actually sags (driver’s side)

It will be carrying tools a lot, and loads of stuff often, and the Backflip tonneau cover is heavy. so I’ve been reading countless threads and need to make a call.

Correct me if I’m wrong, I think the springs from a 2018 (Craigslist close by 3000miles on them) will fit and add 1.5” of lift. Added lift would be good because I work the suspension with constant moderate loads.

So my thought is to get the new leaf springs and put in smaller blocks in so I don’t end up with a 5.5” lift and wreck my driveshaft or whatever gets buggered up from that.

Am I right about the third gen leafs?

it has a nicer ride than my 05 but I have yet to put a load in it. The 05 has more leafs in there since the recall about 6 years ago.

I will be carrying some heavy loads in there at points so I’m not averse to airbags or sumo springs or even a helper spring or add a leaf. I just don’t know which rout I should go.

opinions?

 

I’d go with a whole new leaf pack.
The 3rd Gen OEM springs will sag too.

You might as well buy the good stuff and do it once.

 

2nd gen Taco had a TSB for 3-leaf rear pack. Slightly taller.
I don't think 3rd gen rear leafs are that different. I hear their front is a bit taller explaining why people swap over those parts. But never heard about the rear.

some options
-spacers
-blocks
-taller front springs
-rear AAL
-rear leaf packs (OME, Icon, etc.)
-mix and matching different parts
-some shocks designed for use with lifted suspensions like Bilstein 5100 but only their front has adjustable perch

though I'm not sure how well all of these parts can play well with each other if mixed. Never done it yet
I don't think tonneau as heavy as a metal Leer camper shell

 

no, the 3rd gen leafs will not raise your truck. they are the same as the 2nd gen leafs. maybe they will give you a "lift" back to stock height if your stock leafs are very tried.

the best option would be to get a whole new leaf pack from OME or some other brand but it will run you about $500-$600 for everything

or you can install a add a leaf to a stock leaf pack.

i ran stock leafs with a 2" block.
switched to a 3rd gen leaf pack with icon add a leaf (got a 1" lift)
and today i just insatlled a OME full new leaf pack. (2.5" lift and stiffer spring rate so i can add more weight)

 

Thanks!
Is the “add a leaf” pretty straight forward?
So the new leaf pack you installed today: that sounds kind of perfect. What are the details on that so I can start searching?

thanks again

 

Yes — https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aal-install-second-gen.54186/

I’d recommend a solid c clamp. You can rent (for free) these from AAP or autozone. The ball joint kits have a great clamp to use to hold the springs ...

 

Full leaf replacement will be the best in my opinion if you’re carrying an increased constant load. Iron Rxt or Deaver u402, choose an appropriate stage for your constant load. You should see about 2.5” lift roughly with either pack depending on what stage you do. Way better ride characteristics as well. Add a leaf is just a band aid...

 

This is true. I got new take offs from a 2019 OR w/ 10K on them. They had a slight arch when I first installed them. 7 months later they are now flat. I have a Leer cap, but outside of a load of firewood and a few loads of plywood, I've haven't carried any constant weight.

 

Don't confuse adding height with carrying a heaver load, they are 2 different issues.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sold-ome-dakar-leaf-pack-2005.618146/#post-21033089

I have a Leer shell and carry at least 200# of tools 24/7 and regular loads. I can't stand a sagging ass truck. I went a totally non conventional way that is not for everybody but it cost me almost nothing and it works. The ride is very comfortable and no bounce when empty. Short story; I combined the stock '06 3-leaf (2+1) pack with the TSB 4-leaf (3+1), bought u-bolts and center pins and done. Now I did this the hard way by changing out the TSB pack first then adding one-at-a-time the cut down stock leaves until I was satisfied. If you seriously want a work truck keep researching till you are satisfied before just dropping some coin.

Final leaf pack.



Loaded up

 

Wow! That’s kinda beautiful.