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Help me pick the right leaf springs for my set up

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by DiggerDan, Jun 11, 2024.

  1. Jun 11, 2024 at 6:18 PM
    #1
    DiggerDan

    DiggerDan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    My OME kit is tired and worn on my rig, and she's gotten a lot heavier over the years too. I recently put my loaded truck on a CAT scale. Here's where the stats net out:
    4500lbs stock curb weight (empty) DCSB
    5500lbs stock Gross weight (full)
    2081lbs is the rear axle curb weight
    6040lbs. My total loaded camping/offroad weight
    3020 lbs at the rear axle.

    I was looking at Dobinson springs, which come in 600lb constant load (111R) and 800lb constant load (112R).
    Is my truck 500lbs over weight in the rear, because it's based off of gross weight? or is it nearly 1000lbs over at the rear axle since it goes off of curb weight?

    Any other suggestions for correct springs for my truck? The local shops don't seem to get it, but they are willing to take my money!

    Screenshot 2024-06-11 at 7.17.49 PM.png
     
  2. Jun 11, 2024 at 6:25 PM
    #2
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    Q322+3C Denver, Colorado
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    TRD Supercharger and more.
    Where are you located? I'll have a set of Dobinsons 112's for sale soon. You can turn them into the 111's by removing a leaf (I'd have to double check which one).

    As for your weight question, it's the added weight added in/on the bed over stock weight.

    I have a 2015 DCSB with a 300lb camper, ~50lb swingout, 45lb bike rack, 80lb fridge, box of oil/snow chains/etc... I'm probably 500lb constant load when "empty" and this is how I sit with a front ~2" lift (3rd gen TRD Fox suspension).

    taco_112s.jpg
     
    DiggerDan[OP] likes this.
  3. Jun 11, 2024 at 6:29 PM
    #3
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    Q322+3C Denver, Colorado
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    TRD Supercharger and more.
    Looks like you may also be in Denver. Swing on by and check my setup out before I start parting it out.
     
  4. Jun 11, 2024 at 6:33 PM
    #4
    GilbertOz

    GilbertOz Driver

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    CA
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    2014 AC V6 MT 4WD, 80K miles
    FOX 2.5, Deavers, ARB, 4xInnovations
    Deaver U402 stage II or stage III
     
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  5. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:18 PM
    #5
    DiggerDan

    DiggerDan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What is my bed weight total though? Why would I pick one over the other? Stage 3 is for 0-300lbs. That doesn't sound like it is for my truck at all. This is exactly the sort of non-information I get from my local shops.
     
  6. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:28 PM
    #6
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    TRD Supercharger and more.
    I went through this when I added my camper...
    So that's the weight of the OVRLND, gear, etc loaded up. Also, if you've replaced the stock spare with a full-size spare, replaced the stock bumper with a heavier one, added a hitch rack or anything else.
     
  7. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:32 PM
    #7
    OldSchlPunk

    OldSchlPunk A legend in my own mind!

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    Rich
    East Central Wisco
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    Small lift, slightly oversized tires, well...
    No, Deaver U402 Stage 3 are for 700-1000# constant weight on the rear.
     
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  8. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:36 PM
    #8
    DiggerDan

    DiggerDan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like I need to do more than just some napkin math then.
    Sorry OldSchlPunk, I misread their website. Do you have Deavers? If so, do you recommend? I am bummed I am done with my OME after only 6 years, though I think it's been about 70K miles.
     
  9. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:38 PM
    #9
    Drainbung

    Drainbung Somedays you are the show....

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    Bob
    Fallabama, NV
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    I went with Alcan in Grand Junction on my Tundra with a Granby FWC. Sent him the empty/loaded weights and he dialed it in perfect. No complaints after a couple years.

    https://www.alcanspring.com

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2024
  10. Jun 11, 2024 at 8:57 PM
    #10
    OldSchlPunk

    OldSchlPunk A legend in my own mind!

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    East Central Wisco
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    Small lift, slightly oversized tires, well...
    I do not, but have been doing a lot of research lately. I'll be needing springs soon, what I have is working...barely. Talking to the guys I wheel with, Deavers, Alcans and Dobinsons get the most positive responses. ARB and Icon RXTs have been recommended also. Talking to mfg reps is a good place to start, taking good notes. If someone is full of shit, it should show. Most everyone I've spoken to tell me that add-a-leaf setups are just a bandaid and a designed leaf pack, while more expensive, will give you much better performance.

    Knowing your front and rear axle weights helps as they have enough experience (or should) to know how much you are over stock.
     
    DiggerDan[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  11. Jun 11, 2024 at 9:06 PM
    #11
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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    Alcan sold a few years ago and I think you may have got yours before then. I think I've heard some mixed reports with the new owners.
    I agree - I don't think stock leafs + the Icon 3-leaf progressive AAL would work for @DiggerDan . I had stock leafs + the 3-leaf AAL PLUS the overload spring installed when I put my 300lb camper on and it was a little lower than the front 2" lift. It would have to be the full Icon leaf spring pack, not the AAL add-on to do any good.
     
  12. Jun 11, 2024 at 9:09 PM
    #12
    OldSchlPunk

    OldSchlPunk A legend in my own mind!

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    Small lift, slightly oversized tires, well...
    Isn't that what I said?
     
  13. Jun 11, 2024 at 9:18 PM
    #13
    LOLLY

    LOLLY Well-Known Member

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    Alfredo
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    I would also recommend alcans. I had originally placed the order for my 2005 4-door long bed then got rear ended and totaled before I received my order. I called them and asked them to modify the specs to accommodate a third Gen 4-door short bed I knew I was going to get. They modified my lift and weight requirements with no issues. They were extremely helpful through it all and couldn't be happier. This was back in early 2021.

    It turns out my napkin math was also incorrect and it was higher and stiffer than I wanted. I called them and they told me which leaf to remove. Now it's perfect to my liking and I have an extra leaf in case I add more weight in the future.
     
  14. Jun 12, 2024 at 6:22 PM
    #14
    OldSchlPunk

    OldSchlPunk A legend in my own mind!

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    Small lift, slightly oversized tires, well...
    Sorry, that was a dick comment...I'll do better next time.
     
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  15. Jun 18, 2024 at 8:38 AM
    #15
    DiggerDan

    DiggerDan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I ended up chatting with Alcan Springs, felt confident with their knowledge and approach, and have a new suspension build lined up with them this summer. Stoke!
     
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  16. Jun 18, 2024 at 9:05 AM
    #16
    YF_Ryan

    YF_Ryan Well-Known Member

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    Kent, WA
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    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
    Sounds like I'm too late to the party to 2nd those Deaver U402 Stage 3s. I've had them for years now and they've been amazing. Woulda been perfect for you right off the shelf. This is of course assuming your camper will be on the majority of the time.

    I wish I was as light as you!!
     
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  17. Jun 18, 2024 at 9:48 AM
    #17
    DiggerDan

    DiggerDan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    No worries there. While the Alcan Springs are a little more expensive, the overall value in having them install everything makes up for it. Plus I didn’t feel like I was being taken advantage of the way some of these Denver Toyota shops can be.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2024
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  18. Jun 18, 2024 at 10:04 PM
    #18
    Desert Dog

    Desert Dog Well-Known Member

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    Work in progress
    I just put the Deaver 402 Stage 3 on my 3rd Gen AC. Be warned, the rear of truck will get an immediate 4" of lift when empty so you may want to first upgrade to longer brake lines if you have not already done so.

    I'll load my FWC Fleet on the truck this weekend and can report back on how high the tail is after that. As an FYI, I chose the Deaver Stage 3 after seeing these springs on their FWC show model Tacoma. Nice thing about these is if you need them quick, I ordered mine through Headstrong Offroad and had them on my doorstep within 1 week complete with bushings and U-bolts.

    Only complaint so far is they don't have a tapped hole for the bracket that guides the parking brake cable.
     
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