What's your experience with AAL?

Howdy,
I've pretty much settled on buying the Toytec Bilstein 5100 kit for my truck(includes coilovers, struts for back, and 2 AALs), along with some JBA UCAs. However, I'm a bit concerned about some people saying that their leaf pack has split and/or cracked because of an Add a leaf. My truck has 107k miles, and I do wheel sometimes but maybe 4-5 times a year at most, and almost never haul any sizeable loads. Are tired old leaf springs the prime canidates to break with AAL, or is it only something to be worried about if you are giving them constant stress? My solution would be just getting a Dakar leaf pack or something similar.

 

AAL does the trick unless you are carrying a lot of weight or driving like a maniac on rough surfaces.

Edit: AAL is good with good working condition leaf pack not the ones already on a “n” shape.

 

If your springs are worn out it might be time to replace them.

Adding extra capacity to tired springs can cause problems as it can change how the springs flex.

 

In my experience, when you add an AAL to a tired leaf pack, it won't last long. 1-2 years max depending on use.

 

Maybe I'm a bit ignorant here, but after strongly considering AAL for awhile, the effort and return you're getting out of it just doesn't make sense to me. Unless buying a new leaf kit is just absolutely out of the question, it seems the best and easiest way is an entire new leaf pack.

 

Sounds like a new leaf pack is best then. I've also heard AAL is very stiff.
What is everyone's favorite leaf pack? Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place but I don't see any on the OME website, everything seems to be for 2005+.

 

AAL's are much better now. But on the 1st gens they used to ride quite rough because of how light the rear end was.

The other problem was helper springs like helwigs. They rode AWFUL on the 1st gens.

I'd agree with the others. Get a pack and do it right.

A simple factory spring replacement with a 1" block is all you need, but you can get an upgraded pack if you want a little bit of lift.

 

I was really happy with my OME Dakar leaf pack. Look at Wheelers Offroad. They should have them.

Other popular packs are All Pro, Alcan, Deaver. All depends on what type of use you want to put them through.

 

I put a cheap aal on my 290k mile springs and everything’s still fine now at 356k miles. Wheeled regularly and has towed its fair share of trailers

 

Had AAL for a long time on my 98. Hauled a dirtbike on the back and snapped one right off. They are good for helping tired old springs and that's about it.

 

The first lift I did on the rear of my 02 was with a Toytec AAL. It wasn't bad but I eventually went to a pair of Dakars. The Dakars were a noticeable improvement in terms of travel and articulation, but surprisingly didn't handle a load as well as my stock packs w/AAL. I was running a fiberglass shell back then, and loaded with just my work tools it would sag a little more than I wanted. I then added one of the OME extra leaves to the packs and all was good. I've considered removing the extra leaf since I no longer run a shell, and rarely have much of a load, it rides fine though just has some extra rake.

 

If you have the money available, Deaver J59s without question. If you don't have $1500 to throw at that, or it seems steep (it is), a 3 leaf AAL is a GREAT alternative. You remove the overload and swap in the 3 leaf AAL and it's almost like the more expensive options.

Keep in mind that with either solution, that you'll need new u-bolts as they are single-use items. Also watch the rear brake line as you do the work- you need a new one too if you're lifting the back.

 

That’s good to hear- the Toytec lift I was looking at has that 3 AAL as an option for only like $170 more. I’m guessing it’s a bit more supporting on the stock leafs than the single AAL. Probably gonna go for that, the Deavers are a bit pricey and I just don’t do a huge amount of off road to warrant $1500 leaf springs, but OME at $400 seems very justified. Wheelers offroad indeed have them.

Thanks everyone for the responses, very helpful.