Leaf TSB & leveling

stevegillings · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 12:15 PM

I will be getting the leaf TSB done next week, but I have a few questions:
Since I read that the new leafs will bring up the rear end by about an inch, I was thinking on installing a leveling kit in the front (the truck is low in the front even without the new leafs). I was thinking of one of the 1.25" Daystar kits (front coil spacer kit that installs on top of the upper strut for $59.95).

Here are my questions:
- what would be the draw backs if any?
- is there a better solution (I don't want a full lift)
- after installation, do I need an alignment? I am asking because in that case it may be better to install the leveling kit before having the TSB done, as an alignment is included in the TSB.
- do dealers install leveling kits like this? Is it worth asking the dealer if they put it in while the truck is there for the TSB (I obviously would pay for the leveling kit install). I would prefer the dealer do it for warranty reasons.
- Anything else I am missing?

As always, thanks for any and all replies!
- Steve.

jpsmith · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 04:09 PM

I have these exact same questions. Bump!

DWard · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 05:04 PM

I don't know the answers to all your questions, but if you change ride height, you will change the geometry of the current alignment.
So yes, you will need an alignment...

BTW, when I have the TSB suspension work done (hopefully this week) I intend on asking the tech to take the current front left spring and exchange it with the front right spring, as the driver's side is about 1/2" lower than the pass side.
D

67john46 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 05:44 PM

I used a daystar in my f 150 it made front end very stiff

mt1961 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 07:17 PM

I've got the 1.25 spacer in the front and had a wheelers add a leaf ( 1 1/2" ). I'm having the 4-pack leafs installed wednesday and they are supposed to realign the front according to the tsb. The 1.25 is perfect for a 1 - 1 1/2 " lift in the rear. You will have a little rake to the front; maybe just a hair more than it is stock. You will need an alignment when adding the spacers; might save some money if you do it before getting the springs done.

keezer36 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 08:51 PM

Yes, spacers will stiffen the front. You get what you pay for here.
Donahoe coilovers are arguably the best. $1000
Donahoe Racing Off-Road Desert Racing Suspension Systems, Shocks and Lift Kits

Yes on the alignment and do do it after.

After the leaf spring install, if you get vibrations at take-off. Take it back to the dealer. If they play dumb, tell them the carrier bearing needs to be shimmed.

RIDGEWALLOW · #7 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mt1961

I've got the 1.25 spacer in the front and had a wheelers add a leaf ( 1 1/2" ). I'm having the 4-pack leafs installed wednesday and they are supposed to realign the front according to the tsb. The 1.25 is perfect for a 1 - 1 1/2 " lift in the rear. You will have a little rake to the front; maybe just a hair more than it is stock. You will need an alignment when adding the spacers; might save some money if you do it before getting the springs done.

They won't realign the truck if you already have bilstein's. At least they didn't on mine.

jpsmith · #8 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

They won't realign the truck if you already have bilstein's. At least they didn't on mine.

That's a shame. They're supposed to. The TSB states to do it even for TRD trucks that aren't getting new shocks. The new leafs raise the rear end a bit, and this will throw off your caster, so an alignment should be done, if only to adjust the caster. You might want to call your dealer on this.

mt1961 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIDGEWALLOW

They won't realign the truck if you already have bilstein's. At least they didn't on mine.

Well they did. Had it done yesterday. New springs and alignment; just like the tsb said.

stevegillings · #10 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 10:24 PM

They did re-align mine also, and I did have the Bilstein's (TRD OR). And as jpsmith has said, it's listed right in the TSB as part of the installation.
I noticed that my steering wheel is ever so slightly off from being straight after the TSB. Probably because of the alignment. I'll have them fix that at the next oil change.

Shawster · #11 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 01:25 AM

Had my springs changed to the 4 leaf and I'm not all that happy with them. I prefered the 3 leaf with an AAL. I have 884 coils in the front and with my lear cap on, my back sags like an 80 year old hooker. Pretty soft suspension IMO. Has anyone put in the AAL with the 4 leaf pack? How does it fit, if it does and what is the ride like?

RB Taco · #12 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 05:44 AM

Something that may not be obvious is headlight adjustment. Goes right along with the alignment every time one alters the front end. With a leveling kit installed your chances of being on the recieving end of road rage increases from people that think you are driving with your high beams on or landing aircraft is you have a load.

Quality time spent with the manual only yeild a coulpe of sentences that state "go to the dealer for adjustment". Fooey! What is the secret here? Will admit after much looing I couldn't figure it out either. Looked for adjustment screws and funky cables leading from adjustment ports to no avail. Anyone know how it is done?

Fortunately, automotive manuals should be comming out next year on the 05 & up Tacomas, resulting in less high priced extortion from the dealerships.

keezer36 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 10:28 AM

Check this out. It shows the procedure and location of adjustment screws for adjusting the headlights. http://haroldmiller.net/FSM/05+/data...6ta/051000.pdf I Didn't read through the entire procedure, looks pretty intense though. I do believe it is word for word as written in my (hard copy) repair manual.
If you're inclined to do your own work, I highly recommend purchasing a set of the repair manuals. There are three volumes plus the schematics ($150 each and $80 for the schematics). You can use the online verision but know that I have found where it is not as detailed as the hard copy.
I bought the hard copy through the 1-800 number in the back of the owners manual.