1 inch add a leaf?

Does an AAL exist that is only 1 inch? I tend to have some weight in the bed and it sags the rear end, plus a couple times i was on some trails like that. I just had the new leaf pack put on at Toypta and put 5100s in the rear so they allot for a 1 inch lift. Also, on top of increased weight ability, I'm hoping an added leaf may stiffen up the rear end a little after being softened up by the 5100s. Would this be the case?

 

I don’t think an AAL is going to be a solution longevity wise. If your leaf packs are worn out, an AAL is just a bandaid. I threw a 1.5” AAL on my rear end as a budget lift and it brought me up to 2” in the rear initially. I bet with some weight and putting some miles on it your oem leafs will sag back to usual and probably put you back around 1” of lift lol.

Wheelers has a Heavy duty 5 leaf pack they sell that might net you the height you want along with the weight handling.

 

Toss the Toyota leaf pack in the dumpster. The leaf springs that come on this truck are garbage. The AAL will be a bandaid and ride like a dump truck. Ask me how I know. Got sick of mine after 3k and hauling a boat ONCE and they were flat.

Get a new leaf pack. My dakars with the AAL for them rides 1000 times better than the stock Toyota leaf pack and a 2" AAL.

 

You could use a 1.5" single AAL and it would be fine with the 5100s, regardless of the fact it says it only works up to 1" lift. It doesn't ride like a dump truck like @geekhouse23 stated. I've had two different trucks now, and both with a 2" AAL which would be more stiff than the 1.5", and it still rode fine.

That said, an aftermarket leaf pack is great if you can afford it, although it's understandable if you can't. $80 vs $500 is a big jump.

 

I put brand new take off TSB springs and a single 2" AAL. It rides great.

 

This is more my situation. Though i have a champaign taste, I'm on a beer budget so the most economical solution is best atm. I wad considering putting on a rear sway bar to help with increased body sway from the 5100's but if an AAL will help the handling a bit as well as improving weight bearing, that may be my better route. And cheaper

 

Is there no such thing as a 1 inch AAL? Would 1.5 cause axle wrap? I didn't really want to dig into lifts because i don't want to stress any other parts of the suspension but 1" may be ok

 

I would go with the AAL and go from there. I've installed 3-4 now, and IMO it's easier to just completely remove the leafs from the truck. Otherwise it's difficult to get enough space between the leafs and axle to get the new centering pin in. I've always gone with @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc and been very happy.

 

You won't notice any difference from that additional tiny bit. you'll be alright.

 

Would a 1-1.5" added leaf require new U bolts?

 

No, not if you do the single AAL.

 

What brands are recommended

 

See my quote above. I would recommend wheelers offroad

 

1.5” should be fine . Add the Timbren SES bump stops if you are concerned with towing .

 

Why not just add Firestone ride rite air bags? Will improve load capabilities and stiffen the rear ride

 

I’ve had a pair of rough country AALs on my truck for about 2 years no complaints. Paired with some 3rd gen rear shocks.

 

Since this is the first truck I've owned it's my first foray into leaf springs. Are different brands of AAL of various stiffness?

 

Nope. They're pretty much all the same, rebranded hunk of metal

 

In my experience AAL's don't offer anything in regard to capacity. Not when they're paired with the shitty stock springs. At best they give you 1" of lift while unloaded, but once you start throwing the gear in they sag just as much.

If you're serious about adding capacity, then you need a new leaf pack. Sorry.

 

+1 on Wheelers. Their progressive aal rides super smooth and not harsh like many single aals (you have to remove the overload for 1.5'' - otherwise you get 2'').