Leaf Spring Problems

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

 

I think I responded to your older thread, but I'll say it again. The lean is normal. Search for "taco lean." It happens to MANY or our generation Tacoma's with stock suspensions. Do worry about the one inch lean. That is nothing serious and so very very common. If your leafs are flat and want to upgrade, OME Dakars are a great replacement.

P.S. The common premise for this lean is due to the weight on the drivers side (battery, gas tank, driver). Yes the exhaust runs along the passenger side, but it isn't as much as all the other items.

 

Driver/battery/gas tank + soft saggy stock leafs = 'taco lean....sory dude I don't know of any kind of fix for your issues.....

 

Sounds like mentioned before taco lean. I replaced mine when they went negative arch. I have Dakar, with a full tank and my spare on the driver side I got very noticeable taco lean. I now carry my spare on the passenger side but with a full tank I still have a little lean. Just my experience before and after replacing them. I got pics just gotta find them

 

Its just Taco lean. Its fine.

you can replace them later if you want, but it won't be super cheap and you'll have to do the front probably since the front is sagging a lot as well most likely.

 

U can also get the 1/4" strut spacer and install it on top of the drivers side strut, helps with the problem, and fairly cheap, you probably don't even have to get an alignment, but it is recommended.

 

My leaf springs went negative arch. Took to spring and coil shop.250.00 for both. Truck still has slight lean when gas tank full. It's just that way. Can definitely haul better now.

 

Get Dorman leaf springs. They're aftermarket and they're only around 110 each. If you have 1st gen prerunner or 4wd model, the

$232 Dorman 929-401 Leaf Spring Compatible with Select Toyota Models

Dorman 929-401 will fit.

 

$110 is a righteous price, where can you get them that cheap, $125 per side is cheapest I can find, delivered....

 

Being a starving student,,I would just wait. Your truck is still safe, just drive with good judgement.


When I did mine about 3 years ago, I went with Alcan 5 leafs and Old Man Emu 881 front coils (1.5" lift). Lean eliminated and it still is.

 

Let me warn you. If you end up replacing your leafs and your original hardware looks kinda rusty start soaking it in with some kind of liquid wrench now. Because almost all of my bolts were seized when I attempted it 2days ago. I would suggest if you get new leafs that you get shackles and you might want to go to the dealership and get the front bolt for the leaf pack(the one that goes in the metal sleeve/bushing) I literally took all my old stuff off and got one side completely finished(had to make my own shackle because the original one was seized in the leaf pack) then got to the last bolt on the other side(the one in between the gas tank)and it was stuck beyond saving. I had to put all of the old stuff back on till I can get a new bolt.. Not fun.

 

Yup, did all the hardware as well. Also did the swaybar bushings and the upper shock/strut mounts.