New to suspension - Leaf spring install

Ok my tired OG leaf springs have to go - 224k mi and W

I've read through a variety of posts on LS install with some differing advice on what to replace etc, so wanted to check if I am missing something before I order, and any other general advice.

• I want to emulate stock, so no huge lifts, but ok with a mild lift/rake. After reading around it seems that General spring has the ~OEM type LSs available. That being said, read many people regret not getting the HD springs, which appear to apply a mild 1.5" lift, but also increase load capacity.
  • The PO replaced rear shocks with what look like 4600s, or some stock-like equivalent, in the last 10k mi, so would prefer not to change them if I don't have to
  • Will the HD springs provide more lift than the 4600s will allow?

Truck usage info:

• No wheeling
• No topper, however may get one eventually
• Forrest service road / dispersed camping in the summers
• Haul dirt/rocks/do random truck-stuff semi-regularly

Planned purchase list:

• 2x GS HD Leaf springs (90-203HD)
  • The regular LS on GS have a passenger and driver specific, however the HD does not appear to have 2 options? Is this correct?
  • includes bushings
• 2x Rear Shackle
  • Read in some posts that you should replace shackles while up there, necessary?
• 4x Ubolt
  • All ubolts replaced

Am I missing anything else? random bolts/extra bushings that may be seized/are good to replace? anything further I need to watch out for? Will i need to extend the brake-line for this spring set? I don't mind doing preventative replacements/upgrades if necessary

Thanks much for the advice!

 

Sorry I don't keep all the technical stuff in my head or ever written down. But I changed my rear leafs a couple months ago with stock rated.
Big difference in all around performance. New shocks all the way around and coils up front last year. Took awhile to settle in, but well worth it.

 

It is very unlikely there is any reason to replace your rear shackles. The bushings however should be replaced.

 

Yes. Replace the rear shackle’s. Also consider replacing all bushings, bolts, nuts and washers. If they are all 21 YO OEM, I would replace vs refresh old hardware.

 

Here's another option. It comes as a complete kit with shackles and u-bolts: https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com...-4wd-rear-leaf-spring-kit-complete-bt90203ck/

I haven't used these myself, but I've been eyeing them for my pending leaf spring replacement. There's a thread in the suspension forum raving about the company and a heavy-duty leaf pack they make for 3rd gens: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-best-aftermarket-leaf-packs.659052/

If you want to buy from them, it sounds worthwhile to call or email rather than just purchasing off the website. By all accounts, the owners are super helpful and they'll make sure you get what you need.

If you do get these, please report back so I know whether or not I should get them

 

General Springs are good to go and often recommended by many here when someone wishes to remain 'stock'

The HD version simply adds payload capacity; in what respect I don't know if the tension is different or if an add a leaf is simply installed.

You can easily get this question answered by calling them directly.

Moving forward, if you order the HD series, you will have a slight bit more lift. This could largely be due to the fact that they may be adding an add a leaf as I mentioned above, but also so that your vehicle sits at 'stock height' once you're loaded.

I'd recommend the HD series if you're carrying a constant load, like a camper shell for example. I helped a member install his General Springs HD leaf pack as he needed to replace his leaf pack badly, but also carried a camper shell full time.

With the leaf pack, you'll want to replace the u bolts, and that's it.

Shackles will only need replacing if they're damaged IE rusted to shit, bent, etc.

As for your shocks, you're good to go since you won't be doing any real flexing anyway.

If you check this thread out, you'll see the half-assed Walk Through I typed up (with pictures) as well as the OP's truck at the bottom when we replaced his leaf pack - Advice for Leaf Spring Installation | Tacoma World

 

Thanks! I had read your quick walkthrough early on the process and couldn’t find it again, so appreciate it and the info

also just judging by the pics on the GS regs vs GS HD, it does look like the HDs have an extra leaf

 

interesting, that kit is way cheap, even compared to GS. I’ll shoot them a call on Monday and ask about it. I’ll let you know if I go that direction, may be worth it to just test it out anyway

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ats-leaf-springs-adjusting-review-to-thumbs-down.651641/

Fyi

 

GUH

 

Yeah, that's a bummer. I think this is the other thread Kristi was referring to: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-souderton-pa-help-spreading-the-word.692364/

It seems like people have been happy with the product when they got the right thing... but I guess it's a gamble and you might be in for a hard time if you need post-sale support. It's especially disappointing to see when there are so many positive reviews of pre-sale support.

General Springs is probably a safer bet.

I think this is where @Kwikvette comes back with "40s and tons".

 

40s n tons obv

 

Iwill say have new Hardware for the Spring Hangers I have yet to be able to get those bolts out.

They fuse to the metal insert in the bushing I tried everything and wasted about 4 hours on one side.

The nuts broke free and came right off.

Good luck!

 

OP,

I installed the HD springs last summer and they did indeed lift the rear end. I inquired directly with general spring and they told me I should expect 1-1.5" of lift if I did not have a load/empty bed/stock bumper. So your 4600 bilstein struts should be replaced with something with longer dimensions and articulation capabilities.

I put in new struts, shackles, ubolts and bushings on all parts replaced. I replaced them alone and suffered, have a strong second set of hands to do this. My strut mount studs were very dirty as the old bushings were allowing dirt and water between them and the studs, I cleaned them with a wire brush on a dremel. Also clean the surfaces that come in contact to your ubolts and bracket, that was caked.

I used greasable shackles and front eye bolts, so far they work great. They do make a mess as the grease makes it way out no matter what, but that's no problem.

My first option for struts were the extended 5100's. But I went headed and purchased the 5160's w/ reservoirs, they look sweet but a little stiff unloaded.

Overall, if you are shooting for stock, don't use the HD's. Either way you go, I'd replace everything back there, the PO of my truck said a lot of things were done to my truck that a trained eye proved otherwise. If your truck has good powerhouse, give it good suspension and powertrain to roll on.

I wish you luck and hope this helps.

 

Do you recommend putting anti-seize or thread locker on any bolts/surfaces? I've got the receipt for the install on the recent struts and they do look clean so itd be a bummer to have to throw another couple hundred replacing em, but will do that if necessary. I am just going to go ahead and replace every bolt etc associated with the install as they all look original (except the upper shock bolts, replaced those when they backed off on the road, added some thread locker, no issues now)

 

They're shocks; struts are not used at all on these trucks.

If you do replace them, it's a 5 minute job, and you'd be replacing $40 shocks that you can set aside for later use.

Do not bother with thread locker, and tighten everything down to spec only once the vehicle is resting on its own weight.

 

Here I put never seize on most all hardware.

I buy it by the case

 

One thing I don't see mentioned here is: start spraying the forward leaf spring hanger, u bolt nuts, and rear shackle bolts with PB Blaster NOW and every couple of days until you do the job. If they haven't been off before they'll need all encouragement they can. The forward hanger bolt can be a beast to get off of there, extra long breaker bar or impact is highly suggested. Also 6-sided sockets... Harbor Freight is your friend here.

 

Yup been PBing like crazy I can already tell I’ll likely need to cut em. Anyone have the part number or deets for the fwd hanger bolt offhand?

thanks

 

I highly recommend that you become familiar with parts.toyota.com - the company site, not the dealer specific sites. Get your VIN number, and paste it into a file on your desktop and use that to locate the parts you need. Then once you have the part number, search high and low until you find a specific dealer or online retailer with a price you're willing to pay.

parts page from my 2001 4wd: https://parts.toyota.com/a/Toyota_2.../REAR-SPRING--SHOCK-ABSORBER/674460-4804.html