Increasing payload + best leaf springs for 1500 lb firewood loads.

Hi all,

I've been running my truck a little over the payload at about 1600 lb loads for 2 months now, hauling firewood around for a side business I have. Honestly didn't even know I was exceeding the weight capacity till today. I'm looking at getting some new leaf springs that can handle that kind of weight as well as to get rid of the sag on my truck with a load in the back. It doesn't need to be at stock height. I'm good with a lift.

Any recommendations? Can someone point me in the right direction?

2002 TRD double cab with 5vz-fe engine. GVWR is 5100 pounds, payload is estimated at 1560. Current leaf springs are holding up somehow but I can tell they are starting to go a little. Probably been on there for 30,000-50,000 miles at least. I'm not sure when the original owner put them on.



Thanks in advance!

 

I'll be first, you cannot change payload, it's more than springs, its axles, brakes, driveline etc. You need a bigger truck. The canopy reduces the payload as well.

I'd suggest a small utility trailer for your needs. It's safer and can be used for more than just wood.

 

Sweet, sounds good. I'm going to need to replace my leaf springs still due to the wear I've put on them if you have a recommendation on that for heavier loads. Otherwise I'll look into a trailer!

 

Sharing your region helps with leaf spring suggestions from members. Shipping is murder. I bought my last set from a local spring company. A heavier spring regardless would be a great idea for you.

General springs is my first choice for yours, HD

https://www.generalspringkc.com/leaf-springs/toyota/tacoma/2001-2004-toyota-tacoma-leaf-springs/

 

"Deaver™ U402 stage III" leaf springs. If you want to go more than 10 mph with a heavy load in the bed, upgrade the shocks & struts to minimum 2.0" diam aftermarket FOX, Old Man Emu, or other reputable brand. Contact Accutune Offroad before you buy for assistance in planning your purchases & suspension tuning.

 

OP has a 1st gen, I don't think they make the U402 pack for those particular years. Leafs would be heavier than the truck itself lol.

 

Region is the Southwest NM and AZ

 

Is General Springs in Kansas City? I have family up there.

 

Right, excellent point, I overlooked that. My gen 2.5 has a GVWR +400 lbs heavier at 5,500 lbs, and Deaver U402s fit only 2005-2023 Tacos.

 

Also, what else should I replace when doing the leaf springs? U-bolt and anything else?

 

Have you considered air bags to help keep things level? I've driving my tacoma with more than 10k gross weight (full bed and towing a dolly + mini cooper) and the bags kept everything sorted for me.

 

No but I wouldn't be opposed to dropping more money to get a better set up!

 

They aren't super expensive. Because I wheel sometimes, I don't have mind mounted to the axle- they rest in daystar cradles, to allow for articulation w/o fear of ripping the bags.

 

Shipping of "name brand" springs is a killer.

Most fair size cities have at least one spring shop, these guys do this every day and have a catalog of choices. They generally aren't fancy looking places and have names like "Your City Spring Works".

If you can't find one, call around to places who do heavy truck repair and ask who does their spring work.

BTW: Heavier rated springs don't increase GVWR.

 

Air Bags - I've had them on several vehicles now and can't be beat for adjustability. Heavy spring rates are there all of the time - the air pressure is easily adjusted for the load you have on the truck.


These are Firestone bags fitted with Daystar cups - I also flipped the U-bolts. There are other brands available - and you could just install as the manufacturer originally intended. I personally hate having hardware hanging under the axle.

 

Alright, so I had a local shop quote me on what to do, but basically said most of the time the leaf springs aren't as bad as you think they are? I'm at 303,000 miles and plan to try and take it to 500,000. What are the normal life span of these things anyway? He recommended a Monroe's Max-air adjustable but probably keeping the leaf springs?

https://www.monroe.com/products/carry-the-load/max-air-adjustable-shocks.html

I was thinking just replace it all right now so it stays good for next 100,000 at least. If I get the max-air adjustable would it make sense to use Firestone bags as well? Don't those just take the place of the Firestone bags?

For leaf springs- I'm going with General springs KC- Heavy Duty- along with u-bolt, shackle, leaf spring replacement. https://www.generalspringkc.com/200...ner-heavy-duty-rear-leaf-spring-4-3-1-leaves/.

Thanks to all for suggestions, I have family in KC so that cuts down my shipping cost quite a bit.

 

I read the Q & A section on those springs. General Springs KC says they're good for about +500 to 600lbs over stock spring capacity.

Best thing you could do is keep this thread updated from time to time, at like 6-month, +2 year, and +4 year intervals & let people know how your setup is working out.

 

Deaver/Alcan I believe make custom springs for your application.
I'd look into boxing the rear frame and getting some durabumps as well. 1600lbs ain't much, I've also hauled much more, but the difference is not consistently like you. I'd be worried about gradual bed flex as well, so probably grab some stiffeners from @Kwikvette too. Not saying this will increase your payload capacity (as mentioned) but it will definitely help do this kind of thing for longer

 

Oh okay, I'll look into Deaver/Alcan too before I purchase the General Springs. Thanks @treyus30

 

We used to put "air shocks" on cars way back when to get the 70's style rake.

Older and wiser they aren't really the best idea long term as they put lift loads on the shock mounting points that they really aren't designed for.

The air bags are a much better choice as the additional loads go on the axle tube and truck frame - much heavier components than the shock mounts.