Rear sits 1 inch lower after Icon 1.5 inch AAL

Hey Guys,

Im new to the form, at least when it comes to posting. Im always learning/reading on here.

My 3rd Gen Tacoma has the Eibach Stage 1 lift with 3 inches in the front. I had the Icon 1.5 AAL installed and after two weeks it settled and now its 1 inch lower in the rear.

Besides the option of putting all new leaf springs (quite out of my budget now), would a 1 inch block be best to solve this issue? I was suggested to do a 1" block and extended brake lines, but Im not sure if that will mess with the quality of the ride. My tacoma is 2wd so maximum I would go on is dirt roads really.

Really appreciate everyones feedback on this!

- Shawn

 

Who did the install? Lot of shops like to remove the overload when installing AALs. If you remove the overload and add a leaf, you will not net much lift. Less so if you carry weight of any kind.

 

Assuming you have a preload adjustment, I suggest lowering the front. 3” might have left you with next to zero down travel.

 

That makes zero sense. I'm not saying I'm doubting you, I'd believe that happens, but who in their right mind would remove the overload when installing an AAL? It's called "Add A Leaf", not "Swap A Leaf" or "Trade A Leaf".

 

At least with most 3 leaf AALs the instructions call for removing the stock overload.

 

When using the icon AAL it clearly states to remove the overload leaf from the factory pack… Unless you want closer to 2.5” of lift vs the 1.5” gained by doing the AAL and removing overload.

I only wanted a 1.5” lift in the rear so I removed the Overload OEM leaf. Got exactly 1.5” lift.

 

Huh, did not know that. I thought the whole point was to augment the overloads if they weren’t quite enough. Never done one myself but had it in the back of my mind because I’m planning on getting a GFC or similar in the next couple years/building it out inside and I already have nice aftermarket leafs sprung for my current weight I didn’t really want to swap out entirely

 

Its a very well known shop here in Houston, Duggys Garage. They specialize in Toyota offroad/overlanding.

They suggested to remove the overload, as it would make the ride too stiff. They said the overload spring would be as if you have 600lbs of constant weight in your bed (I dont carry too much weight in my bed).

As for lowering the notch, I have thought about that. I do want to put a slim bumper in the front and winch eventually, that is why Ive kept that at the highest clip (Which Eibach recommends)

 

Asking if the OP has the overload in is a legitimate question, as some manufacturers call for the overload to be removed. What would make zero sense is if he has all the leafs (including the overload) in and the truck sits 1" lower as he states. Because for that to happen, some of the leafs would have to have shrunk, which I'd love to see.

Do some research, you'll see there's a lot of variation when it comes to leaf sprung setups.

 

Id throw a 1” block back there and rock it. You will be fine. When more funds become available later and you need a full leaf pack do it. Unless you plan to carry tons of weight all the time, I bet you never change the block out.

 

They're wrong. The overload leaf only engages when the springs de-arch or sag enough from weight to impress upon the leaf. During normal, unloaded driving the leaf is not depressed. You'd have to hit harsh bump to even touch the leaf. That's why you're sitting low in the rear.

 

Ohhh thanks guys I get it now. Didn’t realize a lot of the kits came with 3 new leaves(leafs?)

The AAL I had in mind is by the same company as my suspension(Ironman4x4) and specifically designed for a case like potentially mine if I go for a camper where you already have their performance load springs and want to upgrade them to essentially the heavy loads.

 

I don’t think blocks in the rear will affect ride quality, but they will increase the axle wrap which might not be a big problem if you aren’t doing burn outs, driving in deep snow, or other such activities. YMMV.

I have about 2” of lift in the rear plus extended length shocks and haven’t had an obvious problem with the stock brake lines.

 

Same here, 1.5" of lift exactly.

 

I experience a ton of wheel hop / axle wrap when driving in snow deep enough that avoiding wheel spin is unavoidable. I would not want to risk increasing it by adding a block in the rear. Otherwise I rarely notice it; maybe once in a while when spinning the rear tires on gravel.

 

I had considered even going down one clip on the front, but they charge an arm and leg. I was quoted 600 for that with alignment, which is what has led me to look for alternatives.

Installing blocks here is fairly cheap at most shops around $100.

Im going to see if I can find a good shop that can put on the overload leaf again. The shop I went to to put them on put my aal on for 300, so looking for something more economical