Question on weight- when to add more leaf springs?

I have a 2014 I4 2.7 base model access cab with 5 speed manual. I have a Snugtop Hiliner on my 6' bed. I'm wondering if I can put a drawer system in the back (something like @DECKEDUSA) though I may make my own, AND have racks installed on my Snugtop.

My question is: Would the combined weight of the Snugtop, the drawer system, and the weight on top of the rack be too much for my base model suspension? I've never lifted or added anything to a truck before, I'm wondering if I would need to do that.

My next question: Do you think the 2.7 engine is too weak to carry the weight? I've thought about selling and buying a V6 but I don't want a 3rd gen and 2nd gens are hard to come by where I am.

Thanks!

 

I'd suggest doing some math starting with your payload capacity as is, then subtracting the weight of the cap ~150 - 200 lb and the platform ~200 and the rack ~ 40 and whatever you intend to put on the rack ~¿¿¿¿¿ and then whatever gear, water, food you'd carry. You'll probably be close to your limit.

Measure your ride height when empty. Then go to home depot and buy that much weight in sandbags. Put them directly over you rear axle and drive around for and hour. See how much it sags and how much it affects acceleration and braking. Measure your ride height again. Then return the sandbags to home depot. Finally, treat yourself to an ice cream.

2. Also, are you in a hilly/mountainous area?

 

Yes: that much permenant weight will likely flatten the rear leafs. The stock leaf springs are tuned to ride well at stock weight and fail pretty rapidly when overloaded or looked at harshly.

The 2.7 will actually do a surprisingly good job handling weight, particularly since you have a manual and can control your power a bit better. You should have an ~1300 lb payload in that configuration, as long as you're below that you should be fine. In practice many, many rigs on here are well over GVRW without significant issues, but caveat emptor once you get outside of design specs.
You'll end up shifting higher in the RPM band to compensate for the extra weight; if you're in a hilly region or hate the loaded performance consider regearing before switching trucks
TLR,
yes, it'll carry that
yes, you'll end up with new springs

 

Great idea! Thank you. I’m in NW Oregon so yes, mountainous.

 

payload is 1,325. Called SnugTop and apparently the canopy weighs 275, and can hold up to 180 on top. I’ve had the canopy on for 2 years no problem, I get 20-21 mpg. I also baby it and drain and fill trans and front and rear diff fluids every 50k miles.

 

At 75k I added a Leer Shell 180 to my 13 TRD OR stock truck owned since new. At the time, I had a small landscaping business so lots of tools and/or product in the bed. I went to a local Spring shop that did an AAL to stock leaf pack & replaced anti friction pads because those were worn. Definitely love the set up and have no sag. Small rake when unloaded but that's the point. I carry a recovery tool box in there so pretty much levels it out. My 2 cents.

 

IMHO, proceed with your plans and look into rear sumosprings for added payload capacity. Worse case scenario, get a V6 if the I4 is lacking power and transfer your build over to the new truck.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/sumo-springs-review.499597/

 

This looks perfect for what I need and super easy, thanks!