Help with increasing pay load

I've been harvesting a bunch of firewood and will continue to do so. I've been squatting out on the rear and banging metal to metal. Hoping to be able to haul a heavy ass load without these issues. Seems like there are many options including new shocks, adding leaf spring(s) or blocks. I was thinking a couple inches would do. I want to try and keep a smooth ride and have gas mileage. I'm also on a budget. Any suggestions on what to use, brands, what I can do vs what I should have a mechanic do. I've got a 2011 taco 6 ft bed double cab.

Thanks

 

Airbags.

 

New shocks and blocks won't help your squatting. You need better leafs or airbags. Dakars are pretty sweet leafs but you could also get some Wheelers HD leafs which will allow you to carry more without adding too much lift.

 

Wheelers 3 leaf HD helped me load ~550 lbs in the back with minimal squatting.

 

From what you describe I would say air bags are what you need. Your load sounds more like 12-1500 lbs. also nothing is going to help fuel mpg.

 

Leaf springs!

 

Any of the options these guys are saying will help with rear squatting.

Just remember that you can't increase the payload capacity that is noted in the owners manual. Not to say you can't carry more than is stated, but continual overload could damage seals and bearings.

 

I don't think these guys read their manual. I vote for airbags.

 

Dakars

 

^ This

 

X2

They work and you can adjust them to the load. .

 

As noted, you can only increase the payload so much before you damage seals and bearings. The Tacoma's brakes aren't that great to start with so I'd be leery of overloading it.

You could also get a trailer with brakes, reduce your load or get a bigger truck.

 

airbags would be the best if you were hauling heavy loads repeatedly like an overweight camper every weekend; for a few trips a year the heavier springs would be fine - IF you change the springs or add airbags AND had leaky seals or bad bearings SOME dealers may notice and not cover under warranty. If you are off warranty or have a good relationship with your garage then have at er.
I hauled a 3000lb camper in a 1/2ton with 1 ton leafs for years without issue.

 

Helwig 550s are the easiest and the least expensive way. They help some but not like airbags.

 

Cheapest and best way is getting helper springs. You can usually find them at any auto parts store

 

Your best bet is to get a trailer, load it and save the truck. It would also most likely would be cheaper upfront as well as the long run.

 

I put Firestone airbags on my truck and it made a world of difference in the way the truck handles a load in the bed and on a trailer. It did not increase my towing/hauling capacity; but it made the truck handle the load like a real truck should. The truck rides smoother with the airbags than with just the springs. For the ease of install and money; I would recommend airbags to anyone who uses their truck more for hauling and not off roading.

 

I just bought Timbrens. They just arrived a couple of days ago. Haven't installed them yet. I'm looking to infrequently carry a heavier load (mulch, soil, stone, etc). I didn't want to raise up my rear that much with a heavier spring or change ride feel too much. I can't attest to how well the Timbrens perform yet but I will as I put them through the paces..

 

I haul about 1000-1200 + lbs regularly. I have firestone ride rite airbags and Full OME suspension with Dakar rear leaf springs. Very happy the way it performs, even with the high center of gravity when I have an ATV or sled on my deck. If you haul stuff frequently, I highly recommend this setup. The Firestone airbags are probably the best bang for your buck.