Leaf spring recommendations

I’ve recently been noticing my rear end bottoming out more and feeling squishier in general. My TSB-replaced oem springs have about 75k miles on them and I’ve pretty much had a consistent 350ish pound load in the back the whole time (commercial shell with built in storage box, tools, platform in the bed, etc) not to mention occasional hauling and towing on top of that. I have a

$105 hellwig 550 EZ-550 helper spring kit

hellwig 550 helper spring that’s been on there the whole time as well, but it just seems tired and the springs are definitely wavy.

I’m hoping to maintain a slight rake without jacking up the rear end too much. I just installed some bilstein 5100’s in the rear that say they are good for up to a 0-1” lift and those have helped a little, but I also don’t want to lift more than that so I don’t damage the shocks or have to extend brake lines.

Does anyone have any recommendations that would be around $500? Not looking to spend a ton. I have searched here and found a couple options like the General Spring HD, has anyone tried those? Thanks in advance!

 

I'm running those springs. They'll raise your back end more than stock, if you don't have a lot of weight on them. If you're not carrying extra weight you want the standard pack, not the HD (heavy duty) pack.

 

Did you need to get different shocks or extend brake lines? Any chance you have a photo of your truck with them installed? I will pretty much always have around 300+ lbs in the bed

 

The Ironman leaf springs are nice and a great price at 165 a side. They offer medium and heavy duty, same price. Have had them on my truck for about 5 years and no issues. They are designed for about 2.5” lift. The heavy duty springs housed to give more if there wasn’t enough weight in the back


https://www.ironman4x4.com/products...0-lbs-toyota-tacoma-2005-2023-toy066bnstacoma

 

Airbags.

 

I don't have any good photos from before I put on the 3rd gen struts, which raised the front a little.

 

Thats alright I have third gen struts from a 2016 installed as well

 

This was taken right after the front struts were changed. The only extra weight I have on here is the thin fiberglass canopy.

 

Honestly that looks perfect to me, mine might even settle a tiny bit more with the weight so the rake should be right on with what I’m wanting. Thanks! Think I will pull the trigger on a set soon

 

Hey, just wondering if you bought these (https://www.generalspringkc.com/200...FFzPdL1uOvt-RuaLXZcEdOr-6GXGTHxRoCt0UQAvD_BwE ?) and if you're happy with them? I'm pretty much in the same boat with ~300-400lbs constant rear bed weight and collapsed stock leafs.

 

I put GS HD on my 2016 to replace old warped stock springs and it was the best $400 bang for buck I bought. Only 1-1.25" lift settled with 200 lbs over rear axle.

No need to for different rear shocks or brake lines.

 

Yes I just bought and installed these a couple weeks ago, and I love them. I think they came out to about $550 after tax/shipping with new u-bolts as well. The ride is firmer but not harsh at all, and they lifted the rear about 1.5-2” so the rake looks perfect. Personally I think they were the best spring choice for my needs and the money (for sure the cheapest) however I only have the stock ones to compare to. I’ll try to upload some pics later. Haven’t bottomed out a single time and I’ve tried pretty hard haha. Definitely an upgrade!

 

Not the greatest picture but as you can see there isn’t a ridiculous amount of lift, and the rake looks just about right. Front suspension is stock TRD OR takeoffs from a 2016

 

I intend to install these on my truck, eventually.

 

I can give you a non-recomendnation. Stay away from icon xrt. Never heard a squeak out my springs ever with the toytec add a leaf.

Thought I was upgrading, trying to get a smoother ride. Now using the rxt and the ride feels the same, height is the same, but now, any movement, all you hear is squeaking

 

Just to add my 2 cents....

I know you completed the work already. I went thru a similar exercise late last year. As a mechanical engineer, I tend to look at products a little different. That being said, I ended up going with Dobinson. I initially chose Deaver, but they were probably a little overkill for me. In my opinion, these 2 are engineered a bit better than the rest. I have a 4.5" lift, but that doesn't change which brand I would go with again. I had Toytec Add-a-leaf with a 3" lift block. I was able to get rid of the 3" block for a 1" block. The ride has improved and I can carry more with less sag.