Toyota Tacoma Leaf Springs

My first truck was a 1986 Toyota 4x4. The leaf springs eventually busted in two and I had to hold them in with twisted coat hangers. I then bought a 1995 4x4 Tacoma and those also busted like the 86 and I eventually had a spring company make me a new set but this time there were 4 leafs instead of three and they did fine. I just bought a new 2008 4x4 TRD Tacoma and there again are just 3 leaf springs. I've never over loaded any of these trucks, nothing more than an ATV or a load of firewood. Has anybody here have any problems yet with their leaf springs braking on their 2nd generation Tacomas?

 

I've only heard of the leafs breaking on the 05+ once.

Do you have any plans on lifting? If you do you can just buy a newer better leaf pack anyway.

 

No plans to lift this truck, my 5 foot tall wife already has trouble getting into it at the stock height!

 

In case you have not heard; there is a TSB for a 4 leaf pack, 08's are not officially included yet, but you can try or wait a while. These are a higher rated spring as far as spring rates go, but are not specifically designed to lessen the chances of broken spring packs. Will include Bilstein shocks if not already equipped. Do a search, there is at least 10 or more hours of reading material.

 

Curious as my '84, '89, and '99 Toyota 4X4's all had 4 leaf rear springs. It was not until this '08 that I ran into the 3 leaf setup.
As LHR stated and myself have had done on my '08 is the TSB. I looked at your truck and with the TSB done on your OR package you will get anywhere from .75" to 1.5" more lift in the rear that will settle by half that initial amount over time. Several on here have left the stock shocks on front and rear and been happy with the tail high rake. Some, myself included, have put on Bilstein adjustable 5100's set to one of the four available setting on them for lift for a less raked look. Either way I'm sure you will like the firmer but not harsh ride of the TSB spring up grade. I just can't believe that Toyota is apparantly still putting the 3 leaf packs on the new 2009's reading some of these posts.

By the way welcome to TW and nice truck. Gotta love the Access cab look.

 

Wow..It's a great day to bring back an OLD thread....