add a leaf vs new leafs

My rear leafs were replaced with the frame recall, about two years and 25,000 miles ago. I've got an ARE fiberglass topper on, and a platform over the wheel wells for sleeping in the bed. Only other difference from stock is billys up front with the stock coils. The truck has a pretty significant sag in the back, as a result of the little extra height up front and the weight in the bed. Shocks are new cheap Monroes in the back... just installed those a month ago.

I want to level her out a bit, and maybe even get the back up higher (think of the stock rake). There is a good chance that I'll be putting all my belongings in the bed and driving from New York to Alaska this summer, which is why I was thinking about getting the rear a little higher than the front right now.

The question becomes whether to do an 1.5" AAL from Wheelers, or completely replace the leafs. I'm thinking that the leafs shouldn't be worn since they're not really that old, but I guess Toyota's leafs just suck in general. Obviously the AAL system is cheaper, but I don't want just a bandaid on the problem... and have to replace the leaf pack in a year anyhow.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance yall.

If a picture would be helpful, I'll post one, but theres not much to see other than the rear end being 1-2" below the front and the leafs having a slight frown.

 

I added the 3 leaf progressive HD Add A Leaf from wheelers to my 2001 Tacoma 2.7 and love it. I have a ARE cap as well and the ride is perfect. Also my truck had the frame recall.

-Charlie

 

Are you a 5 lug or 6 lug?

6 Lug I would get a new leaf pack, the Deaver J59 adds around 1.5 over stock lift and is a rock solid pack. You can always remove leafs to make it shorter as it is an 8 pack.

5 Lug I would see who offers a drop in pack that would be more leafs but stock height.

Only do add a leaf if your leaf pack is in good shape and you're on a budget.

 

Hey Elmo, I'm a 6 lug. How do I know if the leafs are in "good shape"? They're clearly sagging now but its tough to tell whether they're actually worn, or just have too much weight on em. I'm definitely on a budget, but I also don't wanna make a bad investment in an AAL.

Charlie -- Thanks man, good to know that the AAL pack worked for you. Its a way cheaper option that a whole new leaf pack, and I'm definitely leaning that way. Sounds like our trucks are basically the same config... does yours ride pretty level with the AAL?

 

ok, I started with an add a leaf setup on my old stock pack. ride was harsh and didn't really add any comfort off roading and was my limiting factor.

I switched to a Deaver 8 pack J59 and they have since amazed me with ride quality and has no longer been an issue with off roading trying to keep up with the shocks.

Since they are taller you will need a taller shock as well, I ended up having a mini bed cage made for 10 inch fox rear shocks with remote resi.

If you stay in the stock shock mount locations again you will need to buy the appropriate length shock.

in Addition since you are changing the rear from stock to taller the Brake lines should be longer and the Brake proportioning valve should be extended up a few inches to keep your rear brakes working properly.

I do not recommend longer shackles at all either.

give Downsouthmotorsports.com a call and tell them what you're looking to do.

 

Hey Elmo,

Thanks again man. I checked out your build... looks awesome! I will give downsouth a call. The most offroad driving that I'm planning on doing is essentially mountain roads and little paths to get to campsites and such. Eventually I'd love to build my truck up similarly to yours, but I don't have nearly the $$$ right now.

 

no problem, My build is more of an expo setup mid travel but if i need to nail the skinny pedal I can and not worry about anything bottoming or topping out.

its a great daily driver as well with the setup I have.