Leaf springs question

Hello guys I recently purchased 2011 Tacoma. The leaf springs need replacing because they're almost flat now.
I have found a lot of useful info here but could you help me with my specific case?
I will be using the truck for camping (no crazy offroading) and work (no crazy loads 0.5yd soil max). I wouldn't mind going with Deaver or Dobinsons but I'm worried how much it will lift the truck. Right now I can fit in our underground garage. I have a canopy with custom made rack. I have probably couple inches to spare.

Edit: I live in BC, Canada

 

Do search on this site for the Heavy Duty Spring from General Spring to learn people's experience with them. They advertise to provide 1.5 inch of lift and additional support. I believe they also sell additional leaves if you desire more ride height or to support a constant load.

 

I have Deaver U402s and they added easily +2" on the back, maybe 2.5". Deavers have good reputation for long term durability, without sagging. Unlike Dobinsons.

I've heard good things about General Spring & that may be your best bet for higher load capacity without adding too much lift.

That's a very distinctive-looking rack. The rearward-swept uprights look cool. I guess the trade-offs would be considerably-reduced overall load capacity, and being incompatible with gullwing doors on a topper. (If there were such. I have gullwings on my ARE contractor cap.)

 

@Crikeymike you want to weigh in here?

 

I could be wrong, but I thought it was normal for the springs on these trucks to be flat-ish.

 

Maybe someone like @Crikeymike could give you some pointers...

 

Cool Taco! I like the roof rack too.

 

I think you're right to some extent but there's no arguing the fact that they're underspring in the rear from the factory for carrying anything, even a topper that's about 200#. My 250# dirtbike caused the back suspension to bottom out over intersections and made the headlights point at the sky whenever it was in the back.

 

I'm with you, flat is normal. Even negative arch isn't uncommon. Wanting slightly beefier springs though, not a bad thing at all.

I'm a Deaver fan, through and through. Maybe U402 Stage 1? 2 inch lift at 0-300 pounds.

 

There is only one way to keep from having flat leaf springs without a significant increase in ride height and have the springs work properly. That is to go spring under axle.

 

This is exactly what led to the TSB. my 350 pound quad was enough to really sag the rear of my truck. The TSB replacement springs that came with all Taco's from 2012 on really helped out with smaller loads like this.

 

Assuming you're in the lower mainland maybe give this guy a call.

 

U402 Stage III here.

Heavy leaf springs turn the Taco into a real truck, can haul around 1,000-1,200 lbs no problem, comfortably and safely.
BUT you also need heavier shocks and front coilovers as well.

Ideal setup is shocks with adjustable damping, like FOX 2.5s w/ DSC adjusters, but of course this is serious $$.

 

Sure thing.

That's right, they don't have much arch at all even when new. Best to use measurements instead of looks to determine how worn a leaf pack is.

OP, take a measurement from the center of the hub up to the fender edge. That will tell me/us what height you're at now compared to stock. New stock is usually about 22". In relation to the front, the rear lift height doesn't look bad on your truck right now.

Most lifted springs are 2" or 3", so you'll have to jump up a bit unless you just do an add-a-leaf, and you'd do that to add load support (extra strength) as well as lift height.

 

Thanks all for so many replies! This is my new favorite forum!
@Crikeymike
If you're talking about this height (poorly visible red arrow) it's around 22". The leaf spring are flat. I would even say negative arch. Made me worried.

 

no, from the center of the tire to the bottom of the fender directly above it. NOT from underneath, just standing next to the truck

 

Oh I see! Lol. I'll measure again tomorrow. Thanks!

Edit: it actually makes sense now. English is not my native language so I was a bit confused at first.

 

No problem.

Like this, but for the rear:

 

Thanks for the measuring info, it confirmed my lift estimate, I just measured 500# HD leafs (3/1) from General Spring, after settling in they added 1.75" of lift to the rear, exactly what they state in their literature. IMO @ $175 each they're a great budget alternative to the OE pack for owners running a topper, for me it's kinda hard to justify a grand on rear springs for an 18YO truck.