Removing a leaf from All Pro Expedition springs

I installed All Pro Expedition leaf packs back in May with the plans of loading out my truck. Then 2020 got into full swing and I've not built out my truck. Needless to say it raised my truck a good 3-4 inches in the back.

I called Wheeler's, since I purchased from them, and asked about removing a leaf. They hadn't had anyone remove a leaf from these springs yet. He said on Dakars they remove 3rd leaf from the top.

My question is, does anyone have any experience in removing a leaf from All Pro Expedition Springs?

Attached is a photo of the stock spring and the expedition spring when I installed them.

 

Have you talked to All Pro about removing a leaf?

 

I called All Pro and they hadn't tried it either. They basically told me what Wheeler's said....take one out of the middle.

 

Did you remove a leaf? What was the result? Are these the standard or expedition pack?

 

I have not gotten around to this project due to some other stuff. I hope to get to it in the next few months. They are the Wheeler All Pro Expedition leaf packs. I can tell you that I hauled 1,000 pounds of landscaping blocks and it only dropped the rear 2 inches. So you would have to reach the max weight hauling capacity (which is stated at 1,500#s) to really even drop these down back closer to normal ride height. Which is not feasible for normal day-to-day usage to have that kind of weight on there. I have been running them for right at a year with a 200# topper shell on the back and various load weights and these spring packs have not softened at all. I would not go with them again as they are WAY to stiff for something like a tacoma. I had to rent a double axle u-haul trailer and I loaded it with furniture. As far as bumper weight it didn't even budge.

 

I really like the All Pro design. I want to eventually put a steel bumper with a swing out tire carrier on. I’m wondering if the standard load leaf pack would be better for what I need.

What lift kit do you have?

 

Just wanted to jump in and revive this thread. I just installed AllPro Expedition HD packs on my 2018 LB OR. Yeah, 4" up and pretty stiff, even with my ARE topper and 200+ lbs. of tools. I'm also wondering about removing a leaf....

 

Thread revival!

I'm considering the Allpro expedition just wondering what your experience has been since you last posted? What shocks are you running?

I plan on getting a topper and a decked drawer system. I already have Brute Force Fab high clearance rear bumper with tire swing out.

 

I’m running Bilstein 6112 in front w/600# coils (clips set to 4/5) and 5160 in the rear. With my tools in back it still sits a good inch higher than the front. Even with my boat hooked up (17’ aluminum center console) tools and the back full, it still sits level. I wish I had gotten the standard pack now. You gotta have a lot of weight to compress those springs. But it rides good when it’s fully weighed down.

 

I was considering these same leaf springs but I’m thinking they might be too heavy duty for just my tent and camping gear. If anyone tries them with a leaf taken out I’d be very interested to know how they do

 

Me TOo! I am trying to decide as well (standard / expo/ dakars). I got a topper and drawer system full of gear, 300 lb total. During weekend trips the back is full and soon a rtt. Hard to decide which one to use.

As usual, looking for people to comment on what they have, carry, and ride quality.

 

Did you ever take out a leaf? If so details on removal please.

 

Welp, I went to give this a shot today. I don't think it can be done, at least not with the AP Exp springs I have (bought Jan 2021). I ended up with 4.5" of lift off of these springs (Leer 180 topper is only weight I normally carry), passenger side settled to 4". Driver side to 4.2". I want to drop back down to 2-2.5" lift to get a 1" rake, my plan had been to remove the second from the bottom and third from the top.

First problem is that you cannot release all tension from the spring pack. Forward of the axle, there are two metal sleeves wrapping the leaf pack (different from the first pic in the current thread, but visible in first pic on this thread). They look to be machined in place and would require cutting or bending the metal to get it to release.

Second problem, second leaf from the top connects to the forward bolt and bushing. It cannot be removed. Third leaf from the top wraps the rear bolt and bushing and cannot be removed. First from the top is only a half leaf (axle forward). Maybe 4th from top could be removed if you could release leaf pack tension. So Wheelers/AP suggestion don't seem functional.

Bottom leaf would be easier to remove, only held on by through bolt. But doubt you lose more than 0.25" of lift with that.

Sadly, I'll be buying a new leaf pack. Probably Dakar or Icon.

 

Hey all, I’m working on taking a leaf out now..

 

I did exactly what you’re doing. I ended up having to take two leafs out to drop it back down to normal ride height.

 

What did you use for the spring clips?

 

Mine didn’t have clips like yours. They had U clips with nuts/bolts. If you scroll up to top of feed you can see my pic of what I’m talking about.

if I had it to do over I’d probably have gone with OME and been done with it cause it was a PITA putting them on and getting a spacer for the carrier bearing. Having vibration. It was just not worth it for a gen one truck. I even toyed with the idea of deleting the carrier bearing altogether and going with a custom single drive shaft.

 

Changed my mind and put the little bottom leaf back on, and installed 3 degree shims.

 

***edit*** Nevermind, just saw you have a 2020 and idk the geometry or makeup under those. May work for you.


I tried shims first too. The vibration and noise I got at highway speeds from the carrier bearing made me take them back out.
Also, did you change out your shocks and brake line? It changes the geometry of so many things and unless you plan on carrying 1,000 pounds routinely ‍♂️.
Imo they’re too stiff for this type truck that isn’t rated high weights to haul or pull. When I had the full springs still installed and was hauling about 1,000 pounds of landscaping blocks from Lowe’s to my house about a mile away, just going 35mph it was getting squirrely to say the least.

 

I'm hoping that removing the middle leaf is enough to mellow out the ride, and lower it a bit. I would hate to take the damned leaf pack apart again, it's a massive pain in the arse. I'm also installing DRT hangers which I think may lower the height a bit. If I had to do it again....It's just get a Deaver leaf pack set to about 700lbs and be done with it