After the Spring TSB

How's the general driving feel? I assume it's a little rougher than before, but hows the handling?

I'm interested in getting it done on my 09, last time I hauled a yard of mulch, that thing sagged badly. Just want to know if it does anything to the overall handling/feel of the truck.

 

It felt alot better to me especially when taking curves at higher speeds. I would reccomend having it done.

 

The handling is something I'm more worried about than the ride. It's a truck, who cares if it rides hard.

I'm going to bring it up to the dealer when I go back this morning.

 

I did not really notice much (if any) difference in the handling other than a slightly stiffer ride, but it is a truck and that's what I expected.

The biggest change for me was the rear bumper raised up about 1".

 

I'm wondering if its already been done on my 09 Tacoma Prerunner (6 lug)??
The tailgate height sits at 32"..and I haven't seen the TSB mention 2009's.

Anybody have any pics of how the leaf springs are supposed to look after the TSB?
Very curious..planning to haul a bike this summer.

 

For my 08 DC Sport, I went from having a total of 3 leaf springs on each side, to 4 leaf springs.

 

Just look at the leafs in the back. If you have 3, it's not been done. Should have 4.

 

You are right..>The TSB doesn't officially cover the 2009s. Check the part numbers on the spring against the TSB and you should have a pretty good case for getting it done, even on a 2009.

 

Rides a tad bit "rougher" but that is good, doesn't feel mushy. I think it takes turns better too... that is hard to explain though, I guess it feels less... slippery?

As said above, four leafs = TSB (one is really short so count from right behind the wheel).

Got mine done in an 09. Just stay firm with the "rough handling during load". Don't go saying, "Well I read on the internet...".

 

You can also say, "when I have a few passengers, it bottoms out really easy".

 

I had the TSB done on my '08 4-cyl Prerunner. Ride: slightly hoppier when empty; much smoother when loaded w/ 300-400 lbs. Handling: about the same handling when empty; when loaded, less sway and feels more competent.
Steve

 

The ride is stiffer with the TSB springs but they don't help out a lot for heavy loads. A full load of locust firewood still sags my truck down to the bump stops. The TSB should had been 5 leafs instead of 4 in my opinion.

 

How much does your "full load" of firewood weigh??

 

I think a load of firewood, depending on several things may be enough to go over the GWVR rating of the tacoma. I've loaded F350 Dually's with enough wood to make the back end sag.

 

My truck rides and handles MUCH better with the TSB IMO. Plus I loaded my buddy's riding lawnmower in the back and it didn't look like a overpacked family minivan heading to disneyland! yay!

 

Dealer had no clue what I was talking about. Did as little as I could to reference all this talk on here.

Basically said that it's completely normal for Tacoma's to only handle a lightweight load ~300lbs, and if I wanted something to haul more, I should have gotten a Tundra. Anyway, since the specifications of the truck say I should be able to carry more, I'm contacting the FTC, BBB and Toyota.

 

He doesn't know WTF he's talking about.....+/-300 pounds is he retarded or what???

As for the ride after the TSB, i found my truck to handle better when cornering, i bit stiffer over bumps and a higher rear end +/-1"

 

Got this from 2 people. The service manager and the service foreman. I told them it was BS, why spend $25k on a truck that can't even haul a load of mulch?

I'll see how this plays out.

 

It rides GREAT! I love it, the wife loves it and the kid loves it... You wont regret getting it done.

 

I'll see what happens. Looks like I might need to go buy several bags of dirt and take it to the dealer to let them see it.