Best Leaf Springs for 1st Gen

I know this has been debated on the forums time and time again but I want help getting to a definitive answer.

I have a full fox shocks setup front and back but am running stock leaf's. My topper is roughly 225 lbs. and I'm sick of sag.

I don't want to do fab work to install the chevy springs that people love because I'm not off-roading this truck much so my choices are the heavy duty leaf's by American Springs or Old Man Emu's. I have never heard anyone talk about the heavy duty American Springs Leaf's and people say that old man emus still have sag. Deaver's are a out of my price range. I plan on getting the greaseable shackles with the leaf's as well.

What have leaf's have been the best for you?

 

Custom set from Alcan. Went through 2 Old Man Emu setups and a set of All Pro Expos previously. Finally caved and put down the extra money for a custom set with Alcan - they work with you either over email or by phone to determine what you need and then build them for you. That was 5 years ago for me and I've never looked back, worth every penny.

Deaver is another one that will custom make you a set. If you have an old school spring shop in town they probably would, too.

 

"Best" is subjective and depends on application. Here's a list of what's generally considered the "right" springs for various applications. For each option noted below, there are a couple different products you can use, as outlined in the guide.

Sounds to me like you're in the "Option 2" range, from your description.

Replacing Leaf Springs on a Tacoma – AdventureTaco

Option 1: Stock Replacement
This is a good option if all you want to do if you use your truck as it was originally intended from Toyota and are happy with the performance. Likely, you are replacing the leaf springs because - over the last couple of decades - you've simply worn out your existing springs and they are now sagging. Replacing them with a stock replacement will mean that you maintain the relatively soft ride of a stock Tacoma, can carry moderately heavy loads rarely, and are not looking for additional lift (beyond lifting the truck back to its original height - which may be 2-3" higher than where it sits with worn leaf springs).

Option 2: 0-3" Lift with Small-to-Moderate Intermittent Load
This is a good option if you still want to use your Tacoma as a daily driver - sometimes with moderate loads in the bed; sometimes empty - while also adding a few inches of lift and the ability to carry heavier loads (up to 350+ lbs) on a relatively infrequent basis, for reasonably short periods of time.

Option 3: Custom Lift with Heavy Constant Load
This is a good option if you are constantly carrying heavy loads (600+ lbs) over all types of terrain, and rarely using your Tacoma as a daily driver. Generally, a 2-4" lift while carrying heavy loads will also be incorporated. The ride with an empty bed will be extremely rough, and the lift may increase beyond even 4". This is by far the most expensive option, but also allows for complete customization of the performance characteristics of the leaf pack.

Option 4: Custom Lift with Heavy Constant Load and High Performance
Ready to do some fab work?​

 

Alcan FTW but will be out of your budget if you’re saying Deaver is

 

You should change the title to "Best Leaf Springs for 1st Gen Under $700".

 

Can't say these are the best but I tend to like something a little heavier duty. I've run Dakar's a LONG time ago, stock and then these ATS - I really like these ATS.

Take a look: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ats-hd-rear-leaf-springs.855422/

 

that was a ton of help! decided I'll go with some dakars when it makes sense

 

Over the holidays there was a deal at Wheeler’s for the All Pro leaf springs and rear shock bundle. I bought the Expedition since I want to add weight and still have a good lift. Haven’t put them on yet so I have nothing to say about them. Price was decent and I read good things in my heavy research.