Suspension out of Level in Rear

I measured the height off ground of my rear mudguards at about 11.25". Both sides the same. After refueling , the left (driver) side almost 1/2" lower than right side. Given the fuel tank is on driver side, does this sound right? I sat on the tailgate and it lowered the tailgate about 1.25". I weigh 165 lbs. Just confirming the lateral level of the truck is directly related to the applied loads and spring rates? The leaf springs obviously get stiffer as deflection increases due to 4 overlapping (different length) springs.

 

Full tank of gas is roughly 128lbs from another thread that was floating around on here.

 

So makes sense that left side would drop to reflect weight of fuel. Agreed?

 

Quite funny how this thread came up...I just measured my rear suspension today, I placed a piece of tape at each rear wheel wells, and measured from the ground to the tape, the drivers side is 1 1/4" lower then the passenger side and I have a 3/4 tank of fuel...I never thought of it this way but it really makes sense...glad I read this

 

Agreed.

 

Hellwig helper springs are a cheap way to help keep things leveled under load. I have their 979 model until it's time to upgrade to a better leaf pack (stock 3 leaf pack), for now it does the job.

 

Search "taco lean"

 

So all Tacomas lean low on driver's side about 3/4"? Part of design by not compensating with spacer or stiffer spring on driver side?

 

I remember back when Toyota trucks had the gas tank on the passenger side, it leaned that way. That's when I had my 87 ext cab 4x4.

 

So the lean is a characteristic of the truck? I just noticed it is worse with a full tank. Gues I won't worry about it. 3/4" is not that big a deal.

 

Every truck has a different level of 'lean' for example, my 3rd ben truck does not lean at all with a full tank of gas, but some folks i've seen here leans quite a bit ~ 1/2 inch.

On my 2nd gen, the front springs are labeled L/R so there is a bit of difference between the L/R front coils. I have not taken apart my 3rd gen suspension to see if this is the same.

 

It seems to be getting better. My 2010 leaned bad, got a little better after the TSBs, but still had the very mean "taco lean"

 

It's not a problem unless it looks like this

 

Mine is also 1/2" lower on driver front vs passenger front in addition to rear. Maybe just the result of battery and fuel weight? Is there anything that can be done about it? I don't see any built in adjustment on rear leaf. All you could do is shim between the leaf spring and support on top of axle since shortening spring does not appear to be an option. Nice it there were an adjustment bolt that axially shortened spring end-to-end distance to make it stand taller. Don't know about front coil-overs? Anyway I didn't notice it until after refueling but it was full of fuel at dealer when delivered and not noticeable to the eye. Once in garage on level floor I noticed it. Probably never touch it and enjoy lifetime with truck. Just curious if it is designed this way or assembly tolerances stack up on some trucks so that it is more pronounced. Any TSBs on it?

 

Oh boy here we go...........
Have you tried seating in the drivers seat, to see what the ride height is

 

Like I said, it's a tolerance thing. Some trucks are just worse than others. You just happen to have one that is noticable.

 

I am confused. Are you saying jus don't worry about it?

I think it is just a tolerance issue as well. I believe after exercising the suspension near its articulation limits, the ride height may change anyway. I think I will use my steel car Ramps and run several cycles of each wheel at top of ramp and back down, stretching things out a bit. I know these leaf springs may settle out into a slightly different ride height. Maybe not? Maybe worse? But exercising the suspension one wheel at a time will be a good demo of the suspension. I have torqued my u-bolts to 52 ft-lbs. should not hurt anything

 

Correct - unless each coil (front) and leaf (rear) is benchmarked prior to install, there will be factory tolerances that will be +/- in ride height.

You just happen to notice because you sound a bit OCD, and your truck exhibits this behavior more than a different truck. I wouldn't worry about it. The fact that I told you to search for 'taco lean' means this has been mentioned for years and years now, and the result has been the same. Don't worry about it.

If it bugs you that much, start switching out springs and leafs til you find the perfect combo.

 

I agree. I am not worried enough to switch out parts. There are some guys that eventually said they wish they had left alone. Good advice. Thanks. Truck is awesome so far.

 

Yeah, my truck has random quirks here and there, and while I notice it. I now that a year from now, I won't even think twice about it.

Focus on the good stuff!