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AAL suggestions?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Alreadytaken, Jan 30, 2024.

  1. Jan 30, 2024 at 1:31 PM
    #1
    Alreadytaken

    Alreadytaken [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2023
    Member:
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    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 v6 prerunner xtracab trd
    looking into the Icon 3 leaf AAL for a small lift in the rear to level my truck and bring back the worn out springs. Does anyone have experience with the Icon one? Open to suggestions, looking for a 1-1.5 inch lift with camper shell.
     
  2. Jan 30, 2024 at 1:42 PM
    #2
    YF_Ryan

    YF_Ryan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Ryan
    Kent, WA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Silver Tacoma TRD Offroad, 2022 Honda CB500X
    Icon Coil Overs. Deaver U402 Stage 3 Leafs w/ Bilstein 5160s. ARB Deluxe Bull Bar. Fuel Boost wheels w/ Wrangler Duratracs. Brute Force Fab Sliders & HC Rear Bumper w/swingout
    You shouldn't add an add-a-leaf to a worn out leaf pack. The AAL ends up just trying to counteract the worn out springs. You're better off getting the correct new pack, as that will last far longer. You'll be back to sagging in much less time with the AAL.
     
  3. Jan 30, 2024 at 2:45 PM
    #3
    Alreadytaken

    Alreadytaken [OP] Active Member

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    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2004 v6 prerunner xtracab trd
    good to know, thanks!
     
    YF_Ryan[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Jan 30, 2024 at 4:00 PM
    #4
    TenderWarrior

    TenderWarrior Well-Known Member

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    I have the icon 3 aal. My leafs springs weren’t worn out though and it did give me 2” lift on the rear. They are still holding up well after 5 years. When I do need a change I’ll get OME Dakars probably.
     
    Alreadytaken[OP] likes this.
  5. Jan 31, 2024 at 5:55 PM
    #5
    leid

    leid Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2020
    Member:
    #332423
    Messages:
    450
    Gender:
    Male
    Brandon, MS
    Vehicle:
    1997 V6 Tacoma 4x4 & 2020 V6 Tacoma TRD 4x4
    ECGS & ZUK diffs w lockers/Marlin R150F/NITRO axles/winches
    I have been using/abusing a set of DEAVER 1.5-2" AALs on my '97 V6 Taco Xcab 4x4 while off-roading for the past 10 years. They raised the Taco approx. 2" at the rear fender well which pretty much leveled it. Just discovered that one of them is broken at the front. Both OEM leaf packs still appear serviceable after 27 years/135K miles, so can probably just install a fresh set of AALs. But it may very well be time for a fresh set of rear leaf springs such as the General Spring HD leaf packs or the newer (improved?) OME/ARB DAKAR springs for my early Xcab. Will have a better idea after tearing the Taco down, probably in the next few days.

    EDIT: Top-Bottom: angled shim, OEM over-load leaf spring, and broken DEAVER AAL +1.5-2" AAL. The DEAVER AAL broke due to 10 years of HARD off-roading thru deep washouts for 150-200 days a year. The super-tough Energy Suspension poly leaf spring bushings were also completely worn out from the same hard use/abuse with the pins literally falling out of the bushings. These parts should be considered as consumables for hard offroad use, so I rate both the DEAVER +1.5-2" AALs and the Energy Suspension poly leaf spring bushings as A+ and GTG. Bottom line: I got 10 years' worth of off-roading smiles out of these parts!

    DEAVER +2 AAL Broken after 10 Years of Offroad Abuse.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2024
    Alreadytaken[OP] and Bivouac like this.

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