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Should I use Toytec Progressive AAL to offset topper/cargo weight?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jrlockman, Apr 5, 2021.

  1. Apr 5, 2021 at 11:04 AM
    #1
    jrlockman

    jrlockman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I have a 2011 DCSB TRD-S , when I first bought it, it had the old 2-leaf pack and was sagging badly. I found a cheap take-off kit from a 2018 TRD-OR (OEM leafs/struts and coils/shocks , which definitely helped lift the front and back a little bit, but is still just the basic OEM 3 leaf in the rear... And when I put on that kit I did add the Toytec 7.5" u bolts. Now I have a SnugTop Sport highliner (~450 pounds) on the back, some cargo in the bed and a Kuat bike rack that extends pretty far off the rear... When driving the truck with cargo I do feel like the rear end is quite weighed down and a little saggy... So here is my question- I am looking to offset this rear sag and support the rear end a little bit so that I do not bottom out with a full load of cargo. I am thinking the best way to do this is to buy the @Toytec Lifts TT-MINIL14 Progressive 3 Leaf Add-A-Leaf Pack ( ) - I'm assuming this kit would work since I already have the 7.5" Toytec Ubolt kit? But I really do not want to modify anything or deal with any issues that may result from doing this upgrade, as I am not very interesting in lifting the truck or getting far away from stock/OEM configuration. ( Shims? rear diff alignment, Center pin? Do OEM struts work with and go long enough for this AAL kit?) So wondering if anyone has any experience with this kit and this type of configuration, just looking for some good advice before buying the progressive 3 leaf AAL (or trying to , looks like they are backordered)

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  2. Apr 5, 2021 at 11:22 AM
    #2
    Musubi3

    Musubi3 Well-Known Member

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    Another option is to look at aftermarket leaf packs, such as the Icon or Deaver brand.
    Depending on the weight you're carrying with load, you can choose the right setup with each to minimize sag or bottoming out.
     
    jrlockman[OP] likes this.
  3. Apr 5, 2021 at 12:17 PM
    #3
    jrlockman

    jrlockman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yea I do like the looks of the ICON/Deaver leak packs - but seems like you also need to upgrade to their struts etc, and also I just recently installed this Take-off leak pack , so would rather just keep it since I just paid for it, and just add the cheaper 3-leaf progressive kit since its cheaper... Just kind of worried about the impacts of the kit and other things I might need to consider that I don't know about yet.
     
  4. Apr 5, 2021 at 7:53 PM
    #4
    ryfox0276

    ryfox0276 Well-Known Member

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    I did this initially. And it wasn't a good solution. The stock springs just don't hold up, even with an AAL. And the ride was harsh and handled badly.

    I "upgraded" to a pair of dakar heavys. I say that in quotes as I'm really not very happy with them. Sure the handling is way better than what it was, and it isn't as harsh but I am concerned about how they'll hold up. They almost immediately settled into a w shape and squeak like a mofo. Been rocking them for over 50k tho, and they still work and have 3" of lift with a heavy cap, platform and crap in the bed.

    Anyway, I would look into a new leaf pack other than OME. Maybe dobinson or as mentioned above.
     
    jrlockman[OP] likes this.
  5. Apr 5, 2021 at 9:49 PM
    #5
    jet123

    jet123 Well-Known Member

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    I had the same saggy, bottoming out issues. I have nothing specific to your possible set-up, but maybe another option...

    I have a 2013 DCLB TRD-Sport. I can't remember how many oem leafs (if there could be choices from the factory on this year/model). I run a tall Leer cap, heavy rubber mats with Timbren bump stops.

    Ride quality is slightly (slightly) stiffer than stock. The truck sits very even. When I regularly add another few hundred back there, the ride is very much similar and sits level as well. I don't bottom out anymore.

    I don't offroad, but a good amount of farm roads, highway and daily driver between.
     
    Last edited: Apr 6, 2021

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