Stiffer rear leafs?

I posted this over in the towing forum and did not get any responses. Figured I would try my luck here:

So I recently went on a 500+ mile trip towing a 2300lb pop up and all the trimmings. We also had two adults and two kids. Did not get to weigh the truck with trailer, but can assume that we were loaded in excess of 3000-3500lbs all in. The truck towed great! Decent mileage 17.4mpg. At no point did it struggle or seem overloaded. What I did find lacking was the rear suspension. It was way too soft. We are now upgrading to a 3900lb airstream travel trailer. With a tongue weight of 520lbs. I am looking to stiffen the rear to help make up for that high tongue weight. I have been looking into air bags, (specifically ride rites) and Dakar leafs. In a perfect world I would like to go with a stiffer leaf. The problem I have with the Dakars is the lift. I want to keep my truck at stock height.

What have you guys done to make up for these soft stock leaf springs? Is their a stiffer spring that will not result in a higher than stock suspension? Or are ride rites the only solution?

Thank you in advance for all suggestions and comments.

 

A stiffer spring is a taller spring. Your truck will be level when you put a load on it, but will have a slight rake when unloaded. I don't think there's a way around that.

Your idea of going with air bags is just about your only solution if you want to be at stock height loaded and unloaded.

 

Thanks SMKYTXN,

Though I don't necessarily agree that a stiffer spring has to result in a taller suspension. I have noted that the only stiffer springs available commercially for the Tacoma will result in a taller suspension. (I hope I am mistaken) Their are plenty of one ton and half ton trucks out their riding at the same height. Maybe someone has come up with a junkyard fix for this?

Edit: I wonder what the availability of Hilux rear leafs are in the USA?

 

Does anyone have experience with the Timbren rubber bushing set up? Looks like it could work for me...

 

You could try the wheeler's 5 leafs. They're only supposed to lift your rear about 1-1.5". They've got 4 main leafs and an overload.

 

Ill check into those! thanks

 

Since you seem happy with the stock leafs and only need more load carrying capacity when hauling the trailer as described above, I think adding air bags would be a good start.

 

You know the more research I do, the closer I come to this conclusion. It is relatively cost effective, is proven to work, and is probably the simplest fix out their. I was very interested in the wheelers 5 leaf pack. But, after reading some not so good testimonials about the durability of that set up I am not so sure.

Would be nice if someone would offer a stock height leaf spring that is set up for higher load capacity for these trucks. That would last more than a couple of years. I would buy it. I don't mind losing that plush ride.