Leaf Springs

So earlier I posted a thread about leaf springs maybe a week or two ago. But since I have begun to notice that some really is not right. the distance from the center of the rim to the wheel well on the passenger side is one inch higher than then drivers side. And to me that is concerning. My leafs need to be replaced, but currently I am a near broke college student and I really would like my truck to be safe. I have heard of adding a leaf or just replacing the leafs entirely. But I am really unsure as to what method to go about because I am at school now and I cant do the work myself because lack of proper tools, and I really dont feel like getting screwed by a shop or a toyota dealership. I just dont know what to do and I would really appreciate insight. I have some pictures if anyone needs them Ill post them.

Thanks ,
Tom

 

The stock leafs suck. I believe some lean is normal. There are a lot of different options and probably a hundred different threads in here on the subject. On a tight budget, your best bet is to probably find a spring shop and have them fix/add a leaf. Do some searching in here and legwork around where you're located. After I decided which route I wanted to go, I did a little bit of due diligence and leg work and saved hundreds.

 

I feel like posting a picture would help, this is my drivers side leaf spring

 

Leaning low on the driver's side is normal. Just search "Taco lean". It is nothing to worry about.

 

Well that does make sense since the gas tank is on the drivers side. I mean judging from the picture I put up, those springs just look flat to me, But im really not an expert.

 

That a pretty impressive negative arch. Those springs are toast.

I don't believe an add a leaf would help you really. Well, it might for just a bit, but it no way could resurrect that leaf pack.

Like someone else mentioned, you could look into having them rearched, check around locally to see how expensive that might be.

Otherwiese your best bet would be to save up the money and do it right and get yourself a high quality aftermarket leaf pack that won't flatten like the OEM ones do. I'm a college student myself and know the feeling, but have also learned not to screw around with temporary or inexpensive fixes.

 

Haha, yeah I'm an engineering student and my first reaction was that is NOT good. I think right now I would get the cheaper fix, and save up for new aftermarket ones. My thing is all about safety you know?

 

I found this pic of my original springs with about 205K on them with a topper:



Your's are clearly worse. Now with that said, as long as you don't have a broken leaf, I don't think there is anything 'dangerous' about a toasty leaf pack.

 

Anyone know if the leaf packs are interchangeable between '96-'00 trucks and '01-'04 trucks? There's a Dorman P/N 929401 OEM replacement leaf pack for '96-'00 trucks that's only $120 on RockAuto. If a local shop can get the same part, they can swap out the leaf pack for low cost.

 

95-97 leaves were shorter, but 98-04 are all the same.

 

For now I think I will do AAL, then save for new aftermarket ones