Should I try my chances at TSB for suspension?

New member here. After reading up on many threads throughout the months, I finally had to join so I could get the benefit of getting my own questions answered.

So... I have a 2008 Tacoma Access TRD Off Road SR5. I just bought it a month ago after many months of researching for the best mid sized truck out there. I got a GREAT deal on my certified 15k Taco and couldn't be happier. I bought the extended "Platinum" Warranty for the piece of mind, active till 2015 or 100k.

I keep reading about the 3 leaf suspension problems and the lack of payload capacity with them. Does my truck have a 3 leaf suspension? How do i tell? (Im a new member, gimme a break). And would I qualify to get a 4 leaf from a local dealer and/or anything else, covered by my warranty?

To be clear, I am not a heavy tower, or loader. I do plan on using it towing light stuff (under capacity), and loading up the bed periodically with stuff, probly up to capacity (1650).

So with that usage... should i even try to get that upgrade... if i qualify? Is it worth it? How big of a difference would there be? Sorry about all the questions, but any help is much appreciated.

 

Count how many leaves are in your spring pack. I'm assuming you can count to four. TSB is covered under 3yr/36kmi. I had it done because I was hitting the bump stops with four passengers and zero load . If you feel like you need it try and get it done. Worst case they say pound sand,then just add a leaf yourself.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/7158-dealers-who-performed-suspension-tsb.html
Search that thread for TSB freindly dealers in your area.

 

I guess I have three. Should i take advice that i saw on another thread and put 1000+lbs in it and see what happens? If Im not completely hitting my bumper, should i just be satisfied? Will this bee a problem later on when i am towing a small trailer?

 

If you are still under warranty and have 3 leafs then I'd say your chances are 100%. I didn't have to load anything in my truck, I just explained the problem and had to coach them a little on the TSB. If you want be 100% sure load it up with something and drive over some speed bumps, it should bottom out but the TSB only says you have to "describe" a harsh ride. Read the TSB then go in and talk to the service manager. Good Luck welcome to TW!

 

Yea...
I think I'm going to go air bags rather than get a rougher suspension.. And don't confuse riding on bump stops with lack of load capacity. You know when you breach load capacity,... stuff breaks. If it was load capacity, it would be a recall.
Its just not as comfortable on the bump stops as some would like so Toyota is doing something about it because they care. GM and Ford just don't do this... but they suffer the same "problem".. toyota having a slightly smaller payload is maybe more noticeable maybe its a bit weaker. For a couple of bills you can have air bags and not worry about it. Keep your ride height and keep your unladen ride quality. If they would just hand me the set of springs to put in my shed, I would. But I'm sticking with an "if it aint broke". And bump stops at max load isn't currently broke to me.

 

i didn't even have to bottom it out. i just told them that it did while hauling a 500lb load and they did it no questions asked.

 

I have tried getting the tsb done on mine, with their "platinum" extended warranty, and they have been screwing around trying to avoid giving me a direct answer. So if you are under 3/36 shouldnt be a problem. but after that, I doubt it. Mines an 06 with 57k... but had it in the shop with 30k on it, and told them I needed it checked and they told me I had the updated springs. I hate Roseville Toyota, I refuse to even buy an oil filter from them now.

 

Load about 700lbs of sand bags and take it to the dealer...it doesn't need to be riding the bump stops, just bottoming as it rides over bumps as they test drive it. They have to confirm a 'rough ride when loaded'.

Sand bags are great 'cause they can count the bags and see it's not overloaded (most full sand bags are around 60lbs dry) and you can return them when you're done!

You'll get whatever the TSB says your vehicle gets for your model year. Read the TSB and don't get dreamy.

It won't help much with a small trailer 'cause the tongue weight probably won't be over 200lbs if it's a 2000lb trailer. Also: remember that capacity is GVW and that includes driver, passenger, tank of gas as well as tools and mods (bumpers, bull bars, sliders weigh a lot). In general, it's better to think of it as 1000lbs, not 1650 (if that's what it is for an AC; it's 1350 for a DC 4x4). This is a 1/2 ton truck.

 

That should be most cases. Some might feel they have to protect toyota's money a bit better and actually want to see it. They work for you AND toyota. But they have a contract with toyota.

And yea.. pretty sure you have no way of getting any TSB done. You say you don't need it unless you're going to be over double the rated capacity of the truck.
GEt air bags or OMEs and forget about it, if you do anything.