AAL Load Decrease?

Hey Y’all,

I have a 2018 SR 4x4 double cab and I was planning on lifting it in the front 2” with Bilstein 5100’s and in the rear with the Icon 1.5” AAL with Bilstein 5100.

However, after some reading I found that if you remove your overload leaf it can decrease your load capacity. This is an issue because I tow boats every so often.

Has anyone had any experience with the AAL and load capacity reduction?

It is also important to note that I have no interest in keeping the overload if I do get a 1.5” AAL as I’d like my truck somewhat level. Thank you

 

I guess I'm confused as to why you plan on removing the overload spring to begin with...if you want the truck to be level all the time, then it's going to sag badly when you tow your boat. The whole point of the rear being a bit higher than the front is to account for heavy load carrying.

That said, if you add a leaf for 1.5" of lift but remove the overload, you're basically not lifting the rear the at all...or not very much anyway. But mostly you're lowering your load carrying capacity by removingthe overload.
I would leave the overload in and try to find an AAL that won't lift quite as high if youre worried about too much rear lift.

You could also look into adjustable shackles if you just want an inch or less or rear lift. Ideally though I think the 1.5" AAL w/out removing the overload is your best bet if you intend on hauling a heavy boat on occasion.

I don't have any experience with air bags in the rear but that might be another option.

 

Well I’m not towing most of the time so I would rather it sit level when I’m not towing, also the Icon AAL provides a 1.5” lift when the overload leaf IS removed. However I am concerned that removing the overload leaf will make it way to saggy in the back when I am towing.

 

Ahh I see, I thought the 1.5" was with the overload in. Dang that's a lot of lift for one single AAL. You should be able to find one that offers 1" or .75" instead with the overload still in, that should keep you closer to level with the front I think without having to take out the overload and lessening your load carrying capacity.

 

The best option is to find a local spring shop near you to make a custom set of leaf springs. They can discuss it with you and take vehicle weight and intended use into consideration.

 

With a 2” lift in the front the truck will be mostly level with the AAL and overload in the rear. You’ll want the rear to still sit a little higher if you plan to tow at all.

 

Maybe some Wheelers progressive aal and Sumo Springs.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/my-tundra-got-ass-implants-today.16983/#post-369033

 

I would recommend doing the AAL and removing the overload. This tremendously helps the ride. Add some Firestone airbags for when you tow. This is my setup and it works wonders. I use the detached bottom cradle for the airbags so when I don’t have a load I can fully deflate the airbags and they are out of the way.

 

Airbag? I’ve never heard of this. Are they nessesary or just a precaution. How much are weight are you towing?

 

I haul two different kinds of loads, the first is a motorcycle rack that attaches like a platform directly into the receiver. It weighs about ~500lbs but is all tongue weight. Without airbags, I would need pretty heavy springs to handle the load. When it is not on, the ride would be harsh. The second is a trailer that ways about 3500lbs loaded.

They are simple to install and inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/Firestone-W217602407-Ride-Rite-Toyota-Tacoma/dp/B001FEOSJY

$48 Daystar, Air Bag Cradle designed for full suspension travel, Fits All 6" diameter convoluted Air Bags, fits any full size of half ton truck, 2/4WD, KU09140BK, Made in America, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Daystar-designed-suspension-convoluted-KU09140BK/dp/B0084ROJBM

 

Thank you, I’ll look into this. How is the ride without the airbags with the 3500lb trailer? Do you know if the overload spring would even come into play with a 3500lb trailer? I’m more interested in the trailer because it’s closer to what I would be towing.

 

This was a couple years ago, 3000# with a new TSB leaf pack, 3 leaf AAL and the overload. You can see the rear squats. The trailer is loaded a little front heavy and there was probably 150lbs in the bed. The stock suspension, even with AALs, sucks.

 

I have no idea. I know the rear end sags because I use the airbags to level it. My point was that there is no way I would run the overload. I use the mix of airbags and AAL's.

 

Why are you so insistent on not using the overload with an AAL?

 

Wow sweet rig. Thanks for posting this it gives me a good idea. So that trailer load is about 3000lbs?

 

No overload leaf = 10% loss in payload.

 

So just because I don’t have an over load leaf, it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be towing at all? All I need to do is tow my 2800lb boat

 

It means your payload is 10% less.

The rest is up to you.

 

Insisting? Do what you want. It’s your rig. I am letting you know what I have done pretty successfully. Take it or leave it.