How soon should I fix this?????

Tonight while I was installing trailer wires I noticed part out the spring pack was cracked in the rear. It looks like it has been like that for quite awhile. Is it safe to continue driving with it? How soon should it be fixed? My guess would be ASAP.

My suspension needs replaced any how but I was hoping to put a lift kit in once I had the money sometime around winter. Are there any quick fixes for it? Possibly just welding it till winter?

 

For that type of crack I would say asap! Time to look at some aftermarket leafs!

 

Yeah i would fix it asap.
And wouldnt recommend welding it unless u plan to replace the shackle bushings with it. Cuz the heat from the welder will doof them

 

I'm surprised the leaf eye is holding as is. No point in trying to weld it as the stresses are pretty high (weld will easily break).

A cheap fix would be to find a used leaf pack somewhere (another TW member, salvage yard, etc.).

 

Thanks for the replies!

Will any gen 1 leaf pack work? Any difference between base and trd springs?

 

There are very subtle differences even within a single model year. All the PNs fit, but with slightly different spring rates.

http://www.villagetoyotaparts.com/s...=2004&ukey_category=19382&ukey_driveLine=6138

Looks like you have a 4-leaf packs, which means you should replace your left rear with another 4-leaf pack to avoid drastic differences between left and right. (There are 3-leaf packs on some Tacos.)

 

Why are OEM leaf springs 4 times more than these?

http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/90-237MEX.htm?gclid=

Seems to good to be true.

 

Playin with fire...yes, junk yard/cl partouts the way to go. Try n match with yr trim. The generals look good, I mean, they've been in authority since 65'...

 

Just get some dakars or some leaves from wheelers. They get to you quick an they will last!

 

Ended up going with the Generals. They were here in 3 days. Installed them Thursday evening. The ride feels soooo much better than the worn out ones I replaced.

Ended up having to cut a few bolts off. Anyone see a problem with replacing them with SAE grade 8 bolts. They were a touch smaller than the stock but it was all I had at the time. Will they prematurely wear out the bushings?

I also heard that I should not reuse the U bolts. Is this true?

This was my first time working on my truck and I know for next time to just get the replacement hardware ahead of time and not to expect anything to come off easy lol.