Heavy duty leaf springs for hauling heavy loads?

Hey folks,

I use my 2.7l Tacoma for my landscaping work (full time professional) and well, the leaf springs are shot...

I have always tried to keep the weight under 1000lbs but am learning that even that is too much. Yes I know I need a bigger truck, and just may do that but until then:

What would y'all recommend as a replacement for the factory leaf springs which will stand up a bit better to several times monthly loads of 600-800+ lbs?

I have been looking into Deaver leaf springs, stages II and III, and while they seem good, I am wondering if they will give my truck too high of a rear end lift. I don't mind if it's a little higher than stock Prerunner, but I don't want it to look ridiculous.

And for that matter, what is a reasonable weight to carry in one of these puppies?

Grateful for your time.

 

Look into Sumo springs. Airbags are a bit fussy and expensive but it’s also an option.

 

I run Deaver Expo Stage III and they're awesome. Had them on for a few years now and show no signs of sagging. Stage 3 might be a bit much for you if you run the truck unloaded very often. My rear is sky high when unloaded, even with sliders and a heavy rear bumper. I do drive like this a lot though, and no real negative other than some serious rake. But when it come to loading it down, I'd say there is nothing better. I'm not condoning or suggesting running this heavy, but my camper alone before anything else is passed that 1000lbs you are trying to stay under.

 

I have All-Pro expo rear leafs and I paired them with Timbren bump stops. I’ve been super happy with my set up. They hold weight well, articulate well, and the Timbren soak up the bumps when I’m a bit heavy. They almost act like a progressive spring since they’re so tall they help support the load also.

 

I am a big fan of General Springs but all my purchases were PreCovid Like many Help and supply chain issues seem to cause problems.

I bought there Heavy Duty Springs and installed Super Springs every thing new.

My Truck works 1000 pound loads often while dragging another 2000 pounds at times.

I have had no problems.

Being honest a 1000 pounds was exceeded far to often on short trips on very well know country roads .

It just was not worth the time to me to return to the shop and swap vehicles when these surprises happened.

One does what one has to at times.

Good Spring hunting!!

 

Came here to recommend sumo springs first then potentially some general springs for full replacement (along with some sumos). You beat me to it.

OP definitely get the 3rd gen sumo springs even for your 2nd gen. The "612's" for the 3rd gen taco (vs the 610's) are 1in less in diameter and 1in less in height and will actually let suspenion work - its the whole reason they made the 3rd gen 612's. The 610 part numbers for the 2nd gens are also specd for current TUNDRAS and IMO are way too big and stiff for the 2nd gen taco.

 

So when spring manufacturers talk about weight rating (Deaver Stage II for example: "Designed for bed weight of 400-600 lbs.") does this mean 4-600lbs over the stock payload rating for the truck? Or is it not quite so cut and dried and more pertains to constantly carrying a load of 400-600lbs ie: camping and off-road equip?

I usually have an empty bed, but sometimes it's loaded up with brush and logs or a few small boulders (700-1000lbs).

Thanks to everyone so far for your help in this matter.

 

It's printed on a sticker on the drivers door jamb. There are 2 numbers to pay attention to. #1 is GVWR. That is the max total weight of the truck, passengers, tongue weight from a trailer, and cargo in the truck. It varies depending on the exact model and year, but will be around 5000 lbs. The most accurate thing to do is weigh your truck and subtract the trucks actual weight from GVWR.

There is also a statement that reads "The combined weight of passengers and cargo should not exceed XXXX lbs.). What they do is actually weigh the truck after it is built and subtract the curb weight from GVWR. That is YOUR trucks payload rating. That number varies depending on the individual truck.

GVWR will remain the same, but some trucks are much heavier than others. Some 4X4 Double Cab trucks with a lot of options on them have around 900 lbs payload. A base model Access Cab 2wd like yours could have 1500-1700 lbs payload. My 2007 4X4 DC is rated at 1200. Your truck should easily be able to handle 1000 lbs.

But that is everything. If you have 4 large 250 lb men riding in the cab that is your 1000 lbs. Some trucks would be overloaded with nothing in the bed. Start pulling a 5000 lb trailer with two 150 lb skinny adults in the cab and that is your 1000 lbs. Start adding tools and other gear kept in the cab, along with a heavy driver and you may be overloaded with 500 lbs in the bed.

Payload is a Tacoma's kryptonite. They don't have much. Most 1/2 tons will be 1800-2500 lbs. A new Ford Ranger will be 1500-1600 minimum. My Ford Explorer is just under 1500 lbs. We had a Honda Fit with more payload than some Tacoma's.

Modifying the suspension doesn't change the GVWR. You can't haul any more weight. New springs will improve the ride when loaded heavy, especially if the old ones are worn out. But you aren't going to turn it into a 1/2 ton truck by changing the suspension.

 

Thats very helpful. Thank you

 

SumoSprings or Timbrens. Easy to install, both set-and-forget. Unlike air bags.

These replace your factory bump stops, and are perfect for transferring a big part of the load straight down into the axle (the way it should be.)

You can by the Sumos by weight rating, not sure about the Timbrens...

If sized correctly, when your truck is empty there should be a slight gap (~1/2" maybe) between the top of the Sumos/Timbrens and the frame, so your truck will ride close to stock with them on. Once a load is applied, it's neat to see them compressed and working, and your truck will ride great with the weight.

Make sure your brakes are up to the task, upgrade if necessary!

ToolCat

 

Good to know about the Sumo Springs...

So then what about shocks? Might as well install some new shocks too, I'd reckon. How do I know what length shocks to go with? (My head is kinda swimming with all this info....)

In summary: trying to keep my PreRunner Taco close to stock in appearance, but don't mind a little extra lift it means I'm better set up to handle more regular heavy loads of brush and whatnot (~1000lbs).
Any succinct suggestions for both leaves and shocks? For example, if I went with Deaver Stage 3, then what shocks would I need?