1st Gen Leaf Spring Question

How are you liking the HD leafs? I've had mine for about 4 years and they're still stiff as hell even with a topper and 50 pounds of tools in the back. They really come into their own when towing or hauling a couple hundred pounds in the bed. I just don't do either of those all that often. But definitely not good for offroad use, it's got me bouncing all over the trails. Looking to swap them out for Dakar's soon.

 

It's all use-dependent, I guess. My offroading consists mostly of getting where I need to go. I don't really do recreational offroading for the sake of offroading anymore, and anything resembling "crawling" only happens when I go down a road I don't know and need to get over something crazy.

The HD are great for me. All I have to compare them to is OEM. How they'd compare to a true upgraded offroad leaf pack, I have no idea.

 

My '03 looks just like yours - Prism Red, with Silver carpeted fiberglass camper shell. I'm contemplating the same springs as what you got. I also have a 'survival kit' in the back (approx 100#), and use my truck like you do. Here it is June, 2024 - how have you liked your new springs thus far? Have you notice much increased harshness in the ride?

 

Any use Alcan Springs ?

 

Lots of us use Alcan. They are a premium spring and I've never heard any complaints about a properly speced pack. I loved mine.

For anyone considering what leaf springs to go with, here are several options, along with considerations for why you might choose each option:

Replacing Leaf Springs on a Tacoma – ADVENTURETACO

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I carry a constant load of 200lb, and regularly see loads in the 300-400lb range when shuttling tools for work, I also do a decent bit of offroad adventuring and value offroad performance. With ~400lb load my rear end is currently sitting 2 inches lower than the fronts. Im about to refresh suspension. After researching the past week I am thinking Bilstein 6112 up front and 5160 in the rear with General Springs HD. My ideal would be 1-1.5" lift with a little rake with 200lb load, relatively even ride height at the 300-400lb load, and be able to handle occasionally towing a ~1500-2000lb trailer while carrying a 300-400lb load in the bed. I dont have a lot of time to research shocks but I trust Bilstein and want the digressive valving in the 6112 and 5160 to help stabilize load.

Is the quoted lift for aftermarket leafs assuming no load? With my usage Im also considering something like a Deaver AAL to pair with General HD. But maybe I should just get Dakars at that point....I need help please lol. What I really want are a pair of deavers but I cannot afford them currently and I need to get this done asap before I move and tow all my stuff 1000 miles. Thank you