Squat Look After Leveling Kit

Hello,

I have an 05 Tacoma TRD Sport. I put a 2" RC leveling kit on it, and it kinda looks like it is squatting in the back now.
A few people have pointed this out to me since I did this.

Is this normal with a leveling kit? I want the truck to be "level" straight across, should I do new leaf springs in the back or add-a-leaf or something?
I'm not sure if the leaves sag because the truck is so old, or if that is a normal look with the leveling kit.


Ps. First post here, been lurking since I got the truck in 2016, done quite a few mods. But still new to intense modifications.
Thanks guys.

-BigDawg

 

How old is your leaf pack? Ideally the leveling kit should do just that but if your leaf pack is original to the truck (old) it’s most likely sagging so it’s not at factory height anymore. An AAL or block would be the cheapest way to correct that but replacing the leaf pack is the better way to go.

 

Did you use this thing called a measuring tape before installing a 2in front lift?

 

Welcome to TW. If your ass end is squatting and you want to lift it up, a small block or an add a leaf is your best budget option.

 

Check your Center of hub up to fender front and back, you’ll know exactly what your dealing with for lift height

 

Actually could you enlighten me on what that tool is? I would greatly appreciate your vast knowledge of all things mechanical. Thanks.

Thank you both. I appreciate it.

 

This is why you never level a truck. Needs rake and why it's raked from the factory.

 

Yes this is what I was thinking. I bought the truck in 2016. And it was definitely babied, with only about 65,000 miles on it for 11 years of use?
So I am assuming they are the original springs.
Thanks!

 

I was under the impression it comes raked from factory in order to allow it to level during load/towing. I don't do much of this and wanted it to be leveled.

Thanks for your input.

 

2 inches is a lot for a leveling kit. Especially if the leafs are old

 

I think most "levelled" trucks look like squatters. They dont look right to me. The factory rake on a Tacoma as about as level as I want it to be.

 

Fully agree. A truck is supposed to have a little rake unless you want that bro lean.

 

Lol, I definitely don't want the "bro lean"
I might just take them off, just wanted the truck to look more level.

Thank you all.

 

Yes. 1" rake. You lifted 2" and put you above the rear.

 

Just being curious: why does it need rake? I’m quite happy with mine but now wondering why they put a rake on it from the factory?

 

To be quite honest, I did this on a broke high schooler's budget. Was not aware of all that went into it at the time.
Now I am tired of comments about it squatting like I have 800 lbs of quik crete in the back lol

Just trying to figure out the best course of action, either by taking them off or adding new leaf springs.
Thanks.

 

An add a leaf can be had for about $100 if you can swing it.

 

My educated guess is that the truck handles better with more of the bias towards the front vs rear.

I drove around with a bit of squat before my leaf pack came in and noticed that the steering feels very "light" on the highways or during acceleration.

After leveling and keeping the factory rake, the handling "normalized"


Old picture right after I finished the suspension:

 

I appreciate it!
In a much better situation financially now than as a high schooler lol. I'll try this. Thanks man.