Best leaf spring option for my set up?

Hey everyone,

I have been building out my Taco for some time now and have accepted that I am a little heavier then some although I have seen a lot of trucks heavier than I am.
I have about 825lbs with my canopy, awning, battery system, cabinet build out etc….

I currently have Oldman Emu heavy duty leaf spring and I’m tired of the squeaking and gritty sounds that come from them. (They made noise before my build). I chose a heavy duty leaf pack with the plan to add weight with my system. But at the moment my heavy duty leaf springs are flat. I have OME BP-51S would like to avoid replacing my struts and shocks if possible.

Looking for some options/opinions on a leaf spring/add a leaf option maybe?

Thanks for your feedback in advance

 

That's a great looking truck!!

These would serve you very well. We don't have noise/squeak/grinding complaints or issues with them like you're having with the OME's.
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...air-for-toyota-tacoma-2005-to-2020-l59-112-r/

They hold their height and hold up the weight really well. Hopefully some other guys running them will chime in with their feedback, or you can see more in our large thread, here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dobinsons-2016-2023-taco-suspension-options.474308/

 

Thank you for the comments. It’s been a fun build so far! Also thank you for the information. Looks like a great solution to my current problem! Definitely interested in others comments as well! Cheers

 

@POOLGUY and @gixxerphil and @RyanDCLB could share their experiences, as they've all been running the Dobinsons leaf springs for some time in different setups.

 

I am running the Dobinsons HD leafs. No squeaks or problems at all.

This was with a Decked, camper shell, and full skids/sliders with 255/70/17




This is with bedrack/RTT, skids/sliders, 33/10.5/17 with matching spare under the bed and empty bed

 

Deaver Stage 3

 

Looks like you could use a Deaver pack. Stage 2 or possibly stage 3. Hard to say what you all got in there.
I have stage 3 on my taco, with:
- GFC
- Decked Box loaded
- ARB 63l Fridge
- Dual Swingout with 2 cans

I really like the way my truck rides. I sometimes wonder what it would feel like with stage 2, vs stage 3.

 

I have deaver stage 3's with the BAMF shackles and hangers with a cross member

 

Since you already have sag with a new leaf pack, have you thought of helpers?I invested in these for about a $100 and they are great. They only took about 2 hours to install..and you maintain factory ride until you have a heavy load. Completely adjustable, you just tighten the u bolts that come with the helper...I got these to prevent flat springs and they work. I have had them for close to 9 years with no issues and carried 1000lb loads here and there with no problems. I know Sumos are a much popular option, but that isn't going to help your flat spring/sag issue. No squeeks either.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hellwig-981-ez-990-helper-springs-toyota-tacoma

Good Luck

 

@ARCHIVE makes a solid leaf pack know from what i heard. I will be upgrading to his when i can get the spare money.

 

Thanks Brian, here's a link to info on our springs https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/archive-garage-2005-2023-tacoma-hd-and-md-leaf-springs.786445/

 

Do check out Deaver expedition line!

 

did you fabricate the crossmember or buy directly from BAMF? I can't seem to find the crossmember online- only the HD shackles with a plate for "DIY" crossmember.

 

Correct. The crossmember was fabricated by a local welder and I just used their plates that line up with the shackle brackets.

 

Similar question on 2023 Tacoma 4wd6ft bed auto. Can I add leaves to the OEM springs or do I have to pony up for a whole new set? Do I need to upgrade the shocks as well? Tired of spending money on this new work truck.
Unhapy with Toyota, three leaves that do anything plus fourth bottom plate. My 2012 OEM had one more and they were thicker.

Truck base weight 5520#. Manual says Gross Combination Weight GCWR is over 11,000#.
Normal load: contractor cap and rack, tools and gear and two persons 600-700#. Some movement remains in leaf springs but not as much as on my OEM 2012 Tacoma.

Camping load: 1170# cap and gear, 280# persons, 280# trailer tongue weight = 1730# load, on top of 5520# truck = GCWR 7250#.
ZERO movement in rear springs/shocks, bottomed out on the Sumo leaf spring bumpers.

Will be in this maxxed out camping mode for 8-10 weeks per year in semiretirement. Looking for suggestions on a reasonable upgrade that won't cost the earth and make daily ride a washboard. Thanks.

 

what’s your front set up? Looking to lift my truck. Thinking Bilstein 5100’s upfront. I tow a boat everyweekend so I want to make sure I get a good set up. I like the way your sits.
I’m thinking the medium Dobson leaf pack, blue sumo springs just for towing, & then Bilstein 5100’s set at 2” upfront thoughts?
My boat & trailer ready for a day on the water is 2000lbs. But I don’t want it to squat too much if I eventually get something bigger

 

I'm running JBA UCA's, Dobinsons IMS with their stock weight springs, HD rear leafs. 33x10.5/17 Kenda Klever RT tires

 

Any feedback on the ride difference between a full leaf spring pack like Deavers and an add a leaf, for a truck with 350-600lbs bed load?