New leaf pack, new problems

I have a less than three months old OR, and I wanted to change the suspension for better off-road capabilities and increased weight capacity.

Since I'm new to Tacomas and didn't have time to educate myself on this forum, I went to a local off road shop that did a great job in the past on my Wrangler. I trusted them to pick whatever I needed.

Today I was reading online on the leaf spring that they installed, and I was shocked to read what probably most people here already know...

What.A.%&* ??! I wanted increased weight handling capability, not decreased. Really? Less weight handling capability than stock?? That's what I paid for?

Fuck.Me.!

Is there anything I can do to increase the load capacity, besides installing different leaf springs? Ride comfort is secondary to me.

(I have the )

 

Before you freak out I would find out what they are designed to handle. With that many leaves in the pack it is likely they will handle all the weight you need them to even if they stop just short of OE max capacity. Ie they may not have the same max capacity but they will handle loads better and more comfortably up to that point. Deaver makes a good product.

 

How much weight were you planning on adding to the rear?

The J66 from Deaver should have given you 1" of added lift over stock and can usually handle some added weight. ( up to 300lbs give or take ).

If you are adding 400-1000lbs, I would switch to the U402.

They have different stages which accomodate the weight

 

PS...did you let the shop know how much weight you will be adding in the rear?

That's one of the first questions we ask our customers when ordering leaf springs

 

They didn't ask.

I couldn't tell you exactly the weight in lbs, but basically what I did was this: when it was all stock, I loaded it with sand/concrete or whatever it might be until I could see it visually starting to sag. That's when I would stop loading.

It's not like I do this all the time, very rarely actually, but when I do it, I want more support.

The shop is specialized in fun off-road activities, and not really Tacomas, so it was my fault that I didn't do my due diligence...


EDIT: I already have a shell on it, so that cuts down the amount of weight I can add.

 

The J66 is a very straight forward leaf pack and should be fine.

You also have to understand that if you put a heavy duty leaf pack on and you have no weight to accommodate it, the rear will ride VERY stiff and ride like crap.

The rear might sit to high as well when there's no weight.

 

What would you recommend for a heavy duty leaf pack?

I understand the stiff ride aspect and I'm not worried about it. My daily driver was for years a modified Wrangler. I've never sat in a vehicle that was rougher than that (except other modified Wranglers). The Tacoma feels like a limo to me.

Besides, I always have the shell on for some added weight.

 

Part #: U402 FeaturesStage I - 9 leafs, military wrap, diamond cut ends, anti-friction pads and four piece bolt through retaining clips. Designed for bed weight of 0-300 lbs.?Price: $885.60 Stage II - 10 leafs, military wrap, diamond cut ends, anti-friction pads and four piece bolt through retaining clips. Designed for bed weight of 400-600 lbs.?Price: $885.60 Stage III - Leaf counts vary due to material thickness, military wrap, diamond cut ends, anti-friction pads and four piece bolt through retaining clips. Designed for bed weight of 700-1000 lbs. Driver and passenger side specific.?Price: $993.60