02 Prerunner ride is so harsh

First post here. I just purchased an 02 Doublecab Prerunner with about 40k miles and I like most things about it. My issue is the ride quality. What can be done about the harsh ride? I have read enough to know that it is a common issue but what the heck, I live where there are about 20 potholes a mile and it is "jaring" me to death.
So if adding a leaf will stiffen suspension how bout taking one out? Will the 5100's do anything for this? I need to do rotors and brakes so I could do shocks also (hopefully I never messed with suspension much).
I noticed ride quality is alot better with a few people in the truck.

 

how do your leaf springs look? if they are starting to bend in the opposite direction that would explain the poor ride quality.

 

Also what kind of car did you have before the taco, and how long ago did you get the taco?

I ask because its a truck, so its going to ride a bit rough if you're coming from a car that is made for the street.

 

I had a full size Chevy. It was like butter compared to this ride. I took a quick look at the springs and they are definitely flat and maybe even a little down turned. Shouldnt they be U shaped?
http://img152.imageshack.us/i/image1gxy.jpg/
http://img535.imageshack.us/i/imagefzs.jpg/

 

yah they are suppose to be more of a smile then a frown. a 1st gen tacoma is definitly going to be a harsher ride then a fullsize chevy anyway though.

 

So.. If I'm sitting on a flat surface and could put a yardstick along springs and they have no uptilt to them I need a new set?

 

essentially yes, installing an AAL(add-a-leaf) might bring them back to life but in return youd get an even worse ride and a lift. your only real option is to opt for some new springs.

 

Recommendations on a set? I don't plan on doing any off roading or hauling. And rear shocks are an easy job right? I could do those while i'm back there. I just need to soften up the ride.

 

45k and I don't know about the history. The roads where I live are so bad 45k of it has to be like 100k in the states.

Well if my springs are flat and maybe down tilted a bit but new spring are u shaped I think thats my problem.

 

Look into alcan springs. They can be had either directly from alcan custom made, or through wheelers off road, a vendor on here. You'll get a discount through wheelers for being on the forum.

 

like steve said id go with a set from wheelers they are made by Alcan which is real good quality. shocks are a 10 minute change you can also pick up a set of 5100s from wheelers if you choose to go that route.

 

I added a AAL from Fabtech I think it rides better not harsher. ALSO A NEW SET OF SHOCKS MADE FOR OFFROAD WILL BE BETTER.