Front End Rebuild Help

What kind do you use? Do you apply heat? I was under the impression that heat is really the only thing that can turn that oxidized plastic a darker color, and then coatings and sealants lock it in.

 

I used this stuff on my bumper valence and fender flares about 4 months ago and it worked great and is still looking great

$17 CERAKOTE® Ceramic Trim Coat Kit - Quick Plastic Trim Restorer - Ceramic Coating Guaranteed Restoration to Last Over 200 Washes – A Ceramic Coating, Not a Dressing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SHJVK4G

 

It all kinda works the same, the cerakote linked above should work fine. And no heat, just coating. Putting it on made it look like “wetting” it back to black. I put mine on (forget the brand) about 3 years ago and it still looks good - YMMV

 

Hi all—now that I rebuilt the front suspension I’ve noticed the back of the truck sits a bit lower than the front. Leaf springs and rear shocks have never been replaced. I’m definitely going to replace the rear shocks with Bilsteins but I’m wondering if I should bother with the leaf springs. I’ve attached a couple pics (it’s hard to get good photos of the leaf springs). Maybe someone on here could tell me if you think they need replacing? Based on some quick research, the consensus seems to be: don’t bother with leaf springs unless they’re cracked or damaged. Some have suggested maybe adding a leaf. Any thoughts?

 

pics:

 

I'm in a similar situation. Replaced front suspension, but also replaced rear shocks with 4600s. Rear sags 1.5 inches relative to front. My understanding is rear rake from factory was higher than front by 1.5 inches. So mine is really sagging almost 3 inches. I'm replacing the leafs either with Alcan or genuine.

Here's an awesome overview:

https://adventuretaco.com/guide/replacing-leaf-springs-on-a-tacoma/

 

Thanks for the link! Your truck was still sagging this much AFTER replacing the rear shocks?

 

Yes... the shocks damper the bounces but the springs are what hold the truck up. With 21 years and 180k my springs are saggy and shot. One side is 1.75 inches lower than front and the other is 1.25 lower...

On a different 1st gen I had two cracked leaves and I got General Spring normal duty (not heavy duty) spring. I wasn't happy with it, other than made in USA and low cost. First it rusted in a week -- no coating on it. Second, when I load a small amount of firewood on them, they bottom out with like 500 lbs in the back. I won't get General again, which leaves Genuine Toyota or Alcan for a non-lift set up.

 

I'd replace those. You'll start getting axle wrap soon, if you're not already, and your load capacity is way down from where it should be. Plus a squatting truck always looks dumb

 

Anyone gotten a quote from Alcan? I’ve heard one negative comment about General Spring. Any other recommendations for leaf springs? I’d like to keep it at stock height, and I’d imagine OEM is going to be out of my budget.

 

I'm curious as well as the quote from alcan

 

Found these near me on fb marketplace.
The company seems to be well reviewed. Don’t know much about them.

 

I put General Springs on mine, and it works totally fine. I highly recommend new springs, it’s done more for my ride quality than just about anything else I’ve done on mine. I also needed new shackles - so you may budget that as well

 

Yes, other people have spoken positively of General. So don't let my 2-star review move you much. I'm just one person.

I got a quote from Alcan -- was around $1200 if memory serves. Similar to genuine springs. I've heard Alcan rake sets a little high (high rear end) but see this truck which looks fine (despite crapy photos..). Seller spoke very positively of the ride with springs (See comments in auction).

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-toyota-tacoma-105/

 

quik?
what coilovers are you runnin with there, kiloyard

 

Those are the Toytec Boss coilovers, (discontinued). It was a good mid-range kit for the money.

 

I have Alcan springs on my truck and they were around $1200 or so. I also had them build me custom shackles and ubolts too. All that plus shipping was right around $1500

 

No doubt Alcan provides a great set, I just found General Spring to be acceptable for the insanely (relatively) low price. You get what you pay for, but anything is better than the blown ones OP has