Bottoming out

If the TSB doesn't work out, I would look for a shop in your area that re-arches and re-builds springs. Compare the price to have them add a leaf to your pack to the price you would pay for all new springs.

 

Is suspension still covered under the 5 yr 60 k? The other day I noticed that my springs are starting to arch downwards. Almost like they collapsed.

 

I just called my local dealership, too. We will see what happens

 

I just hauled two loads of mulch this past weekend, hand-shoveled by my wife and I. I don't think that there was more than 800 lbs in each load, but my springs were almost inverted. Never hit the stops, though, I only had to drive about a mile and a half home on smooth roads.

I don't think that my springs are shot, but they're not very strong. I ordered some Hellwig helper springs on Sunday in the hopes of increasing the load capacity as well as helping with axle wrap.

On a side note: When I unbolted my driveshaft a short time ago, the rear diff flange bolts were super tight. I was able to get them loose with one arm and all of my strength, but I noticed that while I was pulling I was actually rotating the rear axle and bending the springs considerably. I also notice that if I accidentally let the clutch out too quickly on take-off, I get a slight "leapfrog" effect that I think can also be attributed to axle wrap.

 

I don't think that sway bar will help you with load carrying ability, that's not the intent of a sway bar. It will help decrease how much the truck 'rolls' both loaded and unloaded so it may feel a bit more stable but it will not allow you to carry any more weight.

 

You can try, worst they can say is no but I think technically it's covered under the 3yr/36 month. People seem to have varying results getting the TSB done outside of that period.

 

Thanks dhk, you're right. The helper springs are a lot cheaper than AAL ($117), though from what everyone on here says they're not as good of a fix for the bottoming out issue. But since I don't haul heavy things very often they'll work, plus they'll help with the axle wrap better than AAL because they act on the existing springs throughout they're entire range of movement rather than at the end. I got the one-piece helpers that install under the existing U-bolt on top of the spring pack.

 

My bad, I thought you were adding the rear sway bar that Hellwig makes.

 

Got back from the dealer a few hours ago and bad news, they are not covering due to milage (I have almost 69K on my truck). Though they were delighted to tell me that if it had been within the 30K or 36 months, it would have been replaced free of charge.

They quoted me a price of $2500 for a replacement.

Not happy about that at all.

But I might have found something that might help. What do you guys think about this?

http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/61A3782A0A0.aspx

 

If you're going to spend that much money, I'd look into a custom leaf pack that will actually solve your problem, not a helper spring. I'd save my money and either do an airbag set-up or an regular AAL.

 

Still under warranty. Described my situation. They ordered parts. Appointment scheduled.

 

They didn't even print me out an SOL receipt.

 

You can get an AAL from Fat Bob's Garage for $50 and do it yourself (with a friend) in a few hours. I just did it about a month ago.

 

I do plan on doing that. However, I've never had any luck when going that route (Toyota, GMC, Nissan, etc)

We'll see when I call in a day or two.

 

i got the TSB and it helps a little but not when its loaded, still bottoms out and the bed wont hold as much as it should. AAL could make your stock leafs even worse, the AAL will hold the weight but the part of the leafs that extend beyond the helper will start to frown or even bend

i would do this ^^^^^^^ and keep the springs that you have. its adjustable and will hold up a long time and keep your springs arched

 

My Taco is way past warranty so I live with it. They ALL have it. I do plan on getting a set of bumper bags that go between the axle and the frame. Those work well. BTW I have a set of 2005 rear springs off a double cab. Anyone pay the shipping and their your's.

 

I've been looking and talking to people and I think I will get a set of Hellwig LP 1518s. Should do the job that I need them to.

 

This has not happened at all on mine. I've hauled 3 loads of about 400 to 600lbs. Can't say I entirely agree with your statement.

 

I checked out FatBobs and nice site. I'm deciding on either a 1.5" AAL or a 1.5" Block but will order from them just cause I like the Logo.