New Leaf Springs Needed - Help Plz.

I have a 2nd gen. with the OEM rear springs and a Wheeler's 3-leaf AAL (+1.5") to carry a camper shell plus about 100# of misc. crap. I'm also running Bilstein 5160's all around with the front shocks set at the first preload setting. I'm having issues with bottoming out over bumps and axle wrap/wheel hop, so I'm looking to replace the rear spring assemblies without lifting the truck any higher than it already is and without having to replace the front springs.

I've looked at the Icon Mulit Rate RXT Leaf Spring Kit, which may give a bit more lift than I want. However, I may be able to adjust the preload on my front shocks to compensate and keep the truck level.

I've also looked at the "heavy duty" springs from General Springs in KC that might get me where I want to go as well.

Point being, I only want to have to replace the rear springs, and shocks if I can, without having to replace the front coils or add a carrier bearing drop. I also don't want to spend a small fortune, as I don't off-road often and this is a 13 y.o. truck with 326K on it.

What are my options?

TIA!

 

What's the weight capacity for the Headstrong AAL setup? IIRC they don't use the stock overload leaf which you might need for your weight. Most upgraded leaf packs will also give lift.

Having had the RXT for a while, I can say it does ride nice when weighed down. You seem like you'd be a good fit for it at stage 1. I got just over 2" of lift with it unloaded and it was very stiff unloaded, but with a few hundred lbs in the back it felt pretty good and definitely lost some height. The Deaver u402 would also be a good option for you, but its pricier. I ended up switching to the J66 packs because they ride much better for an empty bed, which mine is more than 99% of the time, but I wouldn't recommend them for your setup.

The Archive AAL might also be a good option: Shop Archive (archivegarage.com) to keep things simple if you have the overload leaf to throw back on.

What bump stops are you running in the rear? I was never happy with the stock cement ones or the Wheelers Superbumps in the rear (the superbumps are fantastic up front though). I'm muuuuch happier with the Archive yellow rear bumps. With your weight it might be worth checking out the sumo bumps as well as they can act like helper springs.

 

If you aren't offroading, and don't want to break the bank, how about just getting some new oem-takeoff leaf springs for cheap, and then add airbags? If you just use a nice bicycle pump instead of spending a ton on an air compressor and internal bag control, it can be very reasonable. prolly 30% what my leaf springs cost.

 

Sumo Springs help. Both these loads are 300#'s+. Not any noticeable sag.
I have a block instead of aal. with stock springs.
And you'll be able to continue using the sumos with new springs.

 

If he's already getting axle wrap, blocks are the last things he wants. They can drastically increase axle wrap.

 

agreed, my leafs are shot! and if you have to get on it from a dead stop sounds like someone is beating the underside of the truck, the blocks need to go!

 

The emphasis is on sumo springs.

I mentioned I had blocks instead of aal so OP knew I wasn't running the same thing.
I have no wrap. No vibes. No problem with blocks.

 

If you're getting wrap like that, it isn't the blocks, my friend. Maybe if they're 6" blocks.

 

Icon RXT pack has 3 different settings depending on how much weight you're carrying/how much lift you want. Based on your description of what you carry and what you want, i think Option 2 might be perfect for your needs.

You could also consider airbags. To my understanding, axle wrap can't really be mitigated unless you change your suspension to SUA? I could be wrong though.

 

my Leafs are like a sad face and the blocks aren't helping it. the axle wrap is pretty bad everything else u-joints and carrier bearing are all brand new

 

When I'm ready for new springs, the blocks will go.
Have my eyes on the RXT's because of the multi rate. and I don't read posts of them squeaking.

 

When you said they were 'shot' you weren't exaggerating.

 

Heavier duty springs can help with axle wrap, but not necessarily get rid of all of it. Blocks simply increase the leverage on the springs, leading to higher wrap.

 

Gotcha makes sense. As far as the OP goes, I can't say I've noticed any axle wrap issues since I installed the RXTs. but I also drive like a grandma now with how heavy the truck is.

great pic btw, best visual explanation i've seen for axle wrap yet.

 

Mine squeaked when i first installed them, but I grease them every oil change and haven't had an issue since the first time i greased em. Never installed any grease or liners in between the leafs either.

The multi rate aspect is great, since you can adjust for mods added or removed as needed. I started on option 1 at stock, moved up to option 2 when I added a bed rack and RTT, now I stay at option 3 with bumpers, swingouts, and GFC camper.

 

Yeah, just found it online looking for a good visual representation. It is the best I've seen too!

 

Here's a link to some new blue 1400# sumo springs FS. $220 free shipping.
Made me think of this thread.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sumo-spring-rear-bump-stops.812295/#post-29153075

 

For your goal of increasing stiffness while maintaining stock ride height, I don’t think you are going to find anything better than new OEM leaf packs. I suspect that pretty much every aftermarket solution that results in more stiffness is going to raise your ride height above what you have now.

An alternative is to replace your shocks with something that is valved for more dynamic stiffness. That won’t help with axle wrap, but it will help with bottoming out. The challenge is that no shock manufacturers publish their damping curves. The only way to be sure you are getting more damping is go with a revalvable shock like King, fox, etc. and have it valved to your liking.

BTW, can you describe in more detail the behavior you are experiencing?

How many miles are on your rear shocks? Do they have any visible leak? What happens when you jump up and down on your rear bumper and then stop?

 

I'm still happy with my Alcans almost 8 years after getting them. I don't tow or haul heavy all that often, but I got the springs sized to give a 2" lift with 500 lb in the bed; it does ride a bit lively without any gear back there but the storage/sleeping box and tools/gear that I keep in the bed settle it down well enough.

They're not inexpensive (I pad about $600 with shipping from CO to L.A. in 2016), but they'll take your specs and build you a custom leaf pack designed to deliver the ride height, stiffness, and load capacity you tell them you want to end up with.

 

One thing shock manufacturers do usually say is whether they are progressive or digressive dampening. I was surpriesd to find digressive was even a thing, lol. That would not be best for bottoming resistance.