Can I get a built Rear leaf that will lift and carry loads?

daewoo · #1 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 08:50 AM

Can I get a built Rear leaf that will lift and carry loads?

I have a 3" front lift and want to lift my rear. I have an add a leaf ready to install but want somwthing better. I want to lift the rear about an inch and gain some load strength. B4 the lift I would look level with a heavy load in the rear. After the lift, I look insane rolling down the road with a heavy load.

I look like those folks with the old caddies with the blown rear shocks

I don't want to add those air bag things. I want something that will be worth something in the long run.

Thanks guys

John

rambrush · #2 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 10:23 AM

I can offer no solutions, but my idea is to add the overload leaf like what was on my ol ford that when you load er down the leaf rests on tabs that come off of the frame. That way you retain ride quality and be able to put a load on er. Just retain the weight rating as I am sure Toyota did not factor in much give in the bearings, axle housing etc.

daewoo · #3 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 03:15 PM

Thanks Rambush.

I was hoping it would be simple. I have a company near me that builds leafs. It just seems like they coul possibly build stronger leaf. I have been so busy that I haven't had time to stop by.

Hopefully someone here has some insight.

DevinSixtySeven · #4 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 03:46 PM

yeah man, it's all here...use the search function.

the short answer is Alcan or Deaver. i have what you describe and seek on the back of my truck right now, +500# and +2.5".

-d67

mitchinphx · #5 (**permalink**) 08-21-2006, 07:15 PM

I spoke w/ Donahoe Racing last week regarding their Deaver springs for the Tundra and load carrying ability.

Basically, they said if you're not happy w/ how they are performing under load - to add a good airbag system - depending on the load.

in my case, i was inquiring about carrying a bunch of camping/recovery gear down Baja and traveling at a good pace.

DevinSixtySeven · #6 (**permalink**) 08-22-2006, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchinphx

I spoke w/ Donahoe Racing last week regarding their Deaver springs for the Tundra and load carrying ability.

Basically, they said if you're not happy w/ how they are performing under load - to add a good airbag system - depending on the load.

in my case, i was inquiring about carrying a bunch of camping/recovery gear down Baja and traveling at a good pace.

thats another way to do it...whatever spring you get is gonna flex best at one weight...anything more and it'll wallow, less and it wont flex. if you know approximately how much your usual expedition load weighs, it's a lot easier and arguably better to get the right spring the first time rather than mess with bags, if youre going offroad. once the springs are flexed in (just run around with a bunch of sandbags in the bed for a week or so), it'll be comfortable enough around town with an empty bed, and it'll flex like a caddy when you load up and bomb around the desert.

if you never need to flex the suspension, the bags will work fine, but if youre hard on the truck check out springs over bags.

-s

daewoo · #7 (**permalink**) 08-23-2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinSixtySeven

yeah man, it's all here...use the search function.

the short answer is Alcan or Deaver. i have what you describe and seek on the back of my truck right now, +500# and +2.5".

-d67

D67 -- help me out a little more please. Do I simply buy a Alcan or Deaver spring that fits the tundra? or is there a specific setup I should look for?

Thanks!!!!!!!

DevinSixtySeven · #8 (**permalink**) 08-23-2006, 03:38 PM

no problem, but i was pretty serious about searching. a bunch of us have alcan or deaver springs and have reviewed them in detail...just make sure you search posts "from the beginning" on the advanced search screen.

personally i have not worked with deaver but from other's experiences i can say they are quality and have good customer service.

i run alcan springs on the back of my truck, and ordering them was as simple as calling tom at alcan, letting him know what kind of truck i have, and how much lift i wanted and how much weight i planned on carrying in the bed, and 4-6 weeks later (depending on their lead time, they get a lot of orders) i got my new leaf springs. use the advanced search and do some reading, there are some important details to keep in mind when you get a brand new spring, particularly with height and weight specifications different from stock.

Alcan Spring - Manufactures Fine Custom Leaf Springs

-sean

Imdone · #9 (**permalink**) 08-24-2006, 02:18 PM

I have alcans and it was as easy as d67 says it is. 4 weeks and they were exactly as I wanted.

longwoodklon · #10 (**permalink**) 08-25-2006, 12:49 PM

From Wheeler's website, about the Deaver springs:
"This kit will give approx 1" of lift over stock springs. These performance spring packs feature 10 thin leafs, teflon anti-friction pads, tapered leaf ends, multiple heavy duty pack clamps, full military wrapped main eyes. Our kit also comes with a complete graphite impregnated self lubricating polyurethane bushing/sleeve set and u-bolts. These leaf packs are tuned to work with a performance gas charged shock such as the Bilstein HD's or Bilstein 5100's. Shocks are listed below. You will notice an improvement in the stability of your Tundra, enhanced control of axle wrap as well as the rear suspension's ability to soak up bumps and washboard at low and high speed. Due to removal of the factory overload spring there is a decrease in gross weight handling capability over the stock leaf packs. "

-- So my take is this. Use the add a leaf to get ~1" of height in the rear. This will have the added benefit of limiting sag when you load up. Still though, it will sag. If it bothers you, then add airbags. You can adjust the pressure in the bags to match the load.
/Mike