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Best leaf spring set up for towing?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by wolfwertheimer, Sep 18, 2022.

  1. Sep 18, 2022 at 7:47 PM
    #1
    wolfwertheimer

    wolfwertheimer [OP] New Member

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    bilstien 5100, AAL, wheels and tires, sounds
    So I have a 2015 tacoma with bilstein 5100 set at 2.5" lift and a 1.5" AAL. My truck was pretty leveled when first installed but I am pretty frequently towing my 18ft boat with it and now sags even when nothing is in the bed. I want to install a whole new leaf pack to get my truck to sit level or have a little bit of rake when nothing in bed or towing, but still have the durability to tow. I though about just going for heavy duty springs but it seems like most of the heavy duty springs will give me closer to a 2.75-3 inch lift which I feel like is too much for having a 2.5" lift in the front. Any suggestions on what I should do?
     
  2. Sep 18, 2022 at 10:45 PM
    #2
    dk_crew

    dk_crew Well-Known Member

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    I’d look at air bags for towing. Firestone ride rite. I used them when I towed a trailer and they are great because you can adjust them when needed. I’m sure others will chime in on the lead pack
     
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  3. Sep 18, 2022 at 11:16 PM
    #3
    Key-Rei

    Key-Rei Well-Known Member

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    Airbags with Daystar cradles or a fullsize truck.
     
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  4. Sep 19, 2022 at 8:46 PM
    #4
    scotch

    scotch Well-Known Member

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    Lots of Stuff
    OME Dakars would be an improvement
     
  5. Sep 20, 2022 at 1:04 AM
    #5
    wolfwertheimer

    wolfwertheimer [OP] New Member

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    Does the airbags add any ride height when not inflated?
     
  6. Sep 20, 2022 at 1:23 AM
    #6
    theluharlifestyle

    theluharlifestyle Well-Known Member

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    No it won’t
     
  7. Sep 20, 2022 at 1:40 AM
    #7
    wolfwertheimer

    wolfwertheimer [OP] New Member

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    After doing some research, I am thinking about maybe trying out the dobinsons leaf springs and maybe air bags with that. Any thoughts?
     
  8. Sep 20, 2022 at 9:43 AM
    #8
    BlkDakDave

    BlkDakDave Well-Known Member

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    Sump Springs, maintenance and worry free once installed.
     
  9. Sep 20, 2022 at 9:50 AM
    #9
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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    I think the key word is "now sags," implying it didn't before. If your unloaded,unhitched height changed, fix that first. Then look into trailer aids afterward. Don't use trailer aids to fix sagging springs.
     
    YF_Ryan and BlkDakDave like this.
  10. Sep 20, 2022 at 10:19 AM
    #10
    BlkDakDave

    BlkDakDave Well-Known Member

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    I missed that point. Definitely time for some new leaf springs.

    Then get a set of Sumo Springs.
     
    Rock Lobster[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Sep 20, 2022 at 10:34 AM
    #11
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

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    What's the tongue weight on your trailer?

    I'd recommend a new leaf pack and using a WD hitch when towing. Airbags are a payload solution and not the best option for towing (they don't shift any load off the rear axle of the tow vehicle).
     
  12. Sep 20, 2022 at 10:35 AM
    #12
    Alealexi

    Alealexi Well-Known Member

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    Get some sumo springs and call it a day.
     
  13. Sep 20, 2022 at 11:21 AM
    #13
    wolfwertheimer

    wolfwertheimer [OP] New Member

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    Okay so I think I will start by upgrading leaf pack. I think I’m gonna go with dobinsons. Should I get the lightest duty one rated for 0-200 constant weight because when I’m not towing I don’t really have anything heavier than that in the bed?
     
  14. Sep 20, 2022 at 11:54 AM
    #14
    stickyTaco

    stickyTaco Fuck Cancer

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  15. Sep 20, 2022 at 11:59 AM
    #15
    Mully

    Mully Well-Known Member

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    This.
    I have been running airbags for years and wheel with them deflated. Super flexy and never had a problem with them.

    Screenshot_20220624-113017_Amazon Photos.jpg
     
  16. Sep 20, 2022 at 12:02 PM
    #16
    YF_Ryan

    YF_Ryan Well-Known Member

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    Icon Coil Overs. Deaver U402 Stage 3 Leafs w/ Bilstein 5160s. ARB Deluxe Bull Bar. Fuel Boost wheels w/ Wrangler Duratracs. Brute Force Fab Sliders & HC Rear Bumper w/swingout
    I'd go with whatever spring pack you think will get you the ride height you want with your most common bed load weight. Then get the airbags for trailering.
     

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