Budget suspension improvement help?

Hey all, I'm looking to replace suspension bits on the taco as needed (99 prerunner Xcab). Yes, I have already read through lots of suspension threads here, but they have mainly been about lifts.

I don't want to lift the truck!

I just want to improve the beat-up OEM parts, and get it back to some semblance of good condition/ good ride. I don't want some sky-high rock crawler or some cushy luxury ride (hey, it's a truck after all), but no doubt the stock leafs are shot. They have got the approximate profile of a handlebar moustache. Not good. Due to other expenses, I'm not really in the position to spend a lot on upgrades, plus, this is a 12 year old truck with 138k miles.

I've checked the usual sources like Alcan, Deaver, OME, but it seems I'm looking at minimum $450 (plus shipping) for replacement springs alone. Is that the low end? I get it that the stock springs are crap anyway, so I've already written off buying some boneyard pick and pull special. Thanks for any ideas.

Forgive the naivete, but it's been a while since I bought leafs, and the last custom set I bought was quite a bit less.

 

When I was shopping around for new leaves, my local spring shop here in NY had OEM replacement springs for about $300. I wound up going with different lift springs anyway, but it would have been the right price-point if I were looking to do what you are.