She's got a saggy rear end

Howdy everyone. I have a question about some leaf spring troubles I'm having. I have a 2013 Baja with 23k miles on it. I have a SnugTop supersport on the back of the truck, and sometimes, a Tepui roof top tent.

The tent weighs ~130lbs. and the SnugTop, must weigh around the same, but let's just be conservative and call it 200lbs. So, when they're both on the truck, that's about a 330lbs load. Believe it or not, with that load back there, the rear-end starts to sag a little. (<-- insert appropriate joke here )

I would like to maintain the OEM ride height whether the truck is loaded or unloaded with this gear. It seems that the only way I can achieve this is to have custom leafs built by Deaver. I am not opposed to this but I just want to make sure there isn't another option that I'm missing. I don't want to do bags and I don't want to lift the vehicle at this time. Deaver has told me that they can build me a leaf pack that will maintain OEM ride height whether the truck is unloaded, or loaded with up to an additional 1,000lbs. (sounds pretty sweet to me)

Any options that I'm missing here, or are the custom Deaver leafs the only way I can go?

 

If you don't want air bags (I love mine) or lift, then get the Deavers

 

That's pretty much the way I am leaning, I just wanted to make sure that there isn't an option that I'm missing.

I don't have anything against bags in any way, I just know that if I do bags, then I'm going to want to also do on-board air so I can set them up whenever, and wherever, I want. At the moment, I just don't want to deal with that.

 

I have similar issues with my 15 Pro model. I have the Icon AAL's. So far, I am "okay" with the results. I have a shortbed with an A.R.E. Campershell with two dogs in the bed and my weight is about the same as your numbers. The AAL's perform well under these conditions and the ride is like factory. However, when I load up the truck for a camping trip/adventure I find I get the "Taco Squat" again. I have talked with the good folks over at ICon and they have said to reinstall my overload springs. This will stiffen up the rear end. I'm not sure I want this for when I do have to tackle something off-road. I plan on reinstalling the overloads and see how it goes.

 

How much would a custom Deaver leaf pack cost?

 

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/OME-Extra-leaf-for-CS047R-springs_p_1007.html

 

or

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Rear-add-a-leaf-_p_16.html

 

Thats an AAL for the Dakars yo

 

whoops

 

Have you consider doing longer pumps?

HeadStrong has these factory replacement brackets coming out that will allow you easily change the bumps out when needed, no pulling off the ubolts to do so. You could go from a factory size bump to a 4.5" bump in minutes. The bumps are progressive too meaning rather than running into a stiff solid rubber factory bump the bumps will compress under weight. If you went this route you could use the longer bumps to keep the rear up and support the heavy loads and once unloaded simply switch them out with the smaller bumps. Going this route you wouldn't have to mess with adding in the overload which will raise the rear a bit and firms things up substantially during up travel.

Just a thought!

 

thought it probably could easily be used on the stock leaf pack. Id be interested in the dimensions of that AAL.

 

You should look into these. I just ordered a set...everyone gives them great reviews. They should be here on Monday.
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/hellwig-981-ez-990-helper-springs-toyota-Tacoma

They have some some 500 and 1000 lb versions. These only engage when over loaded, so it maintain factory ride...and I see them as a preventative to sagging for those of us that carry occasional heavy loads or a constant medium load like you.

 

I don't mind the extra .25 inch of lift from the overload. That's not my issue with the overload. My issue is ride just as the OP's. I'd like to retain the factory ride. I think I am blindly hopeful of the results and will eventually have to go to a custom spring route later on. We camp often and the load varies depending on location/distance/size of party. Also, I will eventually have a rear plate swing out bumper as well... As each part of the puzzle comes together, I will have a better idea on how to tackle the issues I have.

 

Its a full length leaf so about as long as the entire leaf pack. Pretty sure it wouldn't work.

 

Why wouldn't you just buy a regular AAL ?

What measurement are you wanting ? I have a pair of

$82 d29xl leaf spring

d29xl in my shop

 

Whats the length and width of em (letting the tape measure follow the curve of the leaf)? also is the center pin hole centered on the length of the leaf?

I have been wanting to get an extra leaf that spans more of the main leaf pack vs a typical AAL.

 

Hang on

 

^you da man!

 

Total length 54 1/2"
Width 2 5/16"
Pin hole is not centred , it's offset by about 2"

 

oooo thats a long sumbitch! so one side is 26.25in and the other is 28.25. I shall have to get my measuring tape out on the stock leaf!

And on the "longer side" is that the angled tapered side, or the side that has the squared skinnier section.

pictured here