Confused about AAL (help!)

Hello,

3rd gen TRD off-road owner here, totally stock except for:
Canopy (not sure - fiberglass so maybe 200lbs from quick googling)
Steel swing out hitch (45 lbs)
Aluminum bike rack attached to steel swing out hitch (45 lbs)
Safety gear I keep in the back at all times (100lbs ish)

This is a total of about 400lbs that are attached to my Tacoma at all times, and the back end is a bit saggy. I am not ready to bite the bullet on a full suspension upgrade at this time, but I'd love to just compensate for the weight in the back end.

However, all the AAL's or leaf packs I see are "lifts" and I don't know if I should be looking at those or something else?

Can anyone suggest to me the cheapest way to compensate for 500 or so lbs in the back of the truck without otherwise changing the suspension?

I was looking at:
https://www.amazon.com/Icon-Lift-Rear-Leaf-51100/dp/B07TG7BPKX

 

I've never run one, but I know a lot of people have had success with the firestone rear airbag setup.

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

A set of sumosprings might also do the trick:
https://www.supersprings.com/shop/ssr-611-40/

Obviously an upgraded leaf pack would be better, but these are options to increase your load capacity for less

 

a three leaf progressive AAL will provide about 1.5” of lift with an empty bed. If you’re constantly carrying ~400lbs it would most certainly get you back to stock height (maybe 1/2” - 1” of lift all said and done.

but - your best option is to contact deaver or general spring and give them your exact specs and get a custom set made.

@HeadStrong Off-Road

if you talk with Marie at HeadStrong, she may have a good solution for you.

 

Ahh see this is why I ask. That firestone airbag kit looks fantastic. I am going to go that route. I also found these airbag cradles by Daystar which allow for better wheel articulation without worry of tears in the airbag:

$92 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

 

I just added a canopy and sleeping platform to mine. Looking at about 500#s all the time in the rear and I am not happy with the ride.

Have basically the same question as @truckistan . I want to compensate for the extra weight in the rear without springing for a full suspension right now. Looking to get back to close to stock performance for as cheap as possible right now.

Eventually I will do a full lift but I cannot do that right now.

Options seem to be:

Add a leaf
Full leaf pack
Airbags
Helper springs

Full leaf pack seems like it would need shocks also. Perhaps even so for an AAL.

What did you end up doing OP, and how do you like it?