Yet another broken leaf thread

I broke the middle leaf (don't have the aal) on the drivers side. I'm not surprised given the rust and the miles (180k). I have a shop in town that will make and replace just the broken spring, as well as add a leaf for about $600. My concern is that as soon as I do this another will break and I'll be back in after about 6 months. See note about rust. I don't go offroading but I do live on some bad dirt roads. I'm not looking to lift the truck either. They quoted me a 3 leaf fabrication and install for about $800 for both sides. To do a 4 leaf would be about $1k.
I've talked to the guys at wheeler to get an aal/ repair kit for fairly cheap, but I can't get it until next week and I'm still concerned about the old ones breaking. I need to put a lot of weight in the truck this weekend and have already been driving on this for two weeks, so I'm leaning towards my local shop. Given the prices, what would you in forum land do?

Thanks for the help; I've read about a hundred posts on broken leafs. It's always nice to know that my truck problems are not unique or rare.

Caleb

 

I know you don't want to lift but the fix it price is more than a new set of Dakars. For 800-1000 price you could have a complete lift setup.

 

Considering your time frame and that you carry a heavy load at times I say go with the local 4 leafset.

 

I was in the same exact position a couple months ago, I was driving on a broken factory leaf for close to 2 weeks and was biting my nails everwhere I drove. I had to make a choice and quick. I ended up getting (Dakars I think) installed for just under a grand, with CA tax and shims. It gave me 3" of lift which was a lot more than what I wanted but I was pressed for time and my options were few. Forget trying to fix the broken one, just like you said a month or 2 later, another leaf will break and you will be out more money than if you fixed it right the first time.

Toyota wanted over $2,000 to replace the factory shit with new factory shit LOL.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I went local and spent probably too much but got a really nice custom made pack with the extra leafs. Rides so much nicer now; had forgotten what that was like.

 

Wheeler offers this leaf pack which might work for you! Give them a call and explain what you're looking for.

Oops to late, hope your set up works for you.