TSB Leaf Springs? What’s it all about?

Hey everyone! Kinda new on the forums here. I’ve been having some issue with my 2011 TRDOR recently, hitting bumps real hard, kinda bouncing around after a bump, and a noise almost like my exhaust smacking up and down when I either change momentum hard or hit a bump (can’t find where that’s actually coming from though). This all with some squeaking like a high schoolers car mid summer, when I get out of the seat. Thinking it’s time for some new suspension components in the rear. I’d like to go with a full OME setup but don’t quote have the cash. Was reading about this leaf spring TSB hoping someone could shed some light on it, might be able to use it to my benefit?

 

There was a recall on the Tacoma leaf springs. The old pack is 2+1. The tsb pack is 3+1. I had it done and shortly after added wheelers progressive AAL. It has since flatten out w the weight i have so an ome setup is in the near future for me.

 

Yea I hear that I’m about 2 months away from the cash and the squeak/ noise is driving me nuts. Probably doing some damage to some components too. So check and see if I’ve got 2+1 leaves versus 3+1 tomorrow, copy that.

 

Also, AFAIK the leaf spring recall, and the leaf spring TSB, are two distinct things. The recall was over the leaves breaking and potentially puncturing the fuel tank or tires, the resolution was new spring packs, which also had a total of 6 clamps counting the 'forks' on the overload to keep the leaves aligned if they do break.

The TSB is to replace 2+1 packs with 3+1 packs. Although if you hadn't had the recall done and got the leaves done under the TSB, the 3+1 packs would also have the extra clamps. I'd also mention that the TSB is NOT a recall, and isn't necessarily free, it's covered during the warranty period, or you may be able to sweet talk the dealer into getting goodwilled. The recall is covered, period, as it's a safety recall.

My '11 came with recall packs, with extra clamps but still just 2+1... lame. I bought takeoff 3+1s. If you managed to find one with 2+1s that hadn't had the recall done yet, you might be able to talk a dealer into putting on TSB packs instead of new 2+1s.

 

Soo determining if recall packs where installed, how would one go about doing that?

 

You mean determining if your truck currently has recall packs installed? Just like you stated earlier, go ahead and look at you rear leaf pack: 2 leaf springs and an overload leaf is probably what you have right now. The TSB packs have 3 leaf springs and an overload leaf (overload leaf is short, fat, and flat leaf). Hope this answers your question.

 

To add to my last post, this is an image from another TW member of the TSB pack:

 

How many miles on the truck?

Squeaking is common with leaf springs. Even on Tacomas.

Ride control can also be a worn/broken shock issue. Springs carry weight. Shocks control springs.

Figure out what springs you have, if you can make them squeak bouncing the bed, and if energetic, pull off the rear shocks (easy peasy) and test them.

 

Well after crawling under there today definitely see I’m gonna need new shocks and springs. Shocks are showing significant rust springs look like a mild ‘w.’ Mileage in the truck is near 95,000 so I was expecting a suspension overhaul here soon anyways my thoughts are if there was a recall and it wasn’t done if I can limp on till I get the cash for an OME or another complete upgrade.

The number of clamps will determine recall versus original and 3+1 will determine TSB or not right?

Picture is drivers side...



Soo 2 clamps, 2 U-bolts, 2+1 leaf spring?

 

IIRC on the 2+1s, the recall replacements have a clamp on each end of the 2nd leaf, plus a fork on both ends of the overload... I think the originals only had the one fork on the overload and that's what allowed the leaf to hit the tire or fuel tank if it cracked.

Yours definitely aren't the rough ride TSB ones. You can run the VIN on Toyota's site and check for open recalls though, if the recall is still open maybe you could sweet talk them into doing the recall with the TSB parts, or at least pay the difference, if you're thinking of keeping them.

 

I believe all the replacement leaf packs from the recall are a 3+1 pack. The dealer installed them on mine when they replaced the frame.

However the tsb pack is a DIFFERENT 3+1 pack that's supposed to be a stiffer spring rate than the regular recall remedy 3+1 pack.

So either way you should get a 3+1 spring pack as part of the recall.

Honestly, there is little difference between the recall remedy + tsb spring pack vs. just the regular recall remedy spring pack. All the stock springs for our tacos pretty much blow poodles.

 

Understandable, I’m just hoping to get a cheaper alternative while I save up some cash for an upgrade.

So if I’m understanding everyone correctly. Either there are 3+1 leafs on the recall and or additional forks, on in each end of the leaf pack. Neither of which are present on mine so if the recall is still active I should qualify? Before I call Toyota customer service (after checking my VIN on their website of course) I just want to clarify...the forks are what are circled in my picture?



Thank you everyone, you’ve been so helpful!

 

Holy shit look at that rust

 

There is a big wide world to experience when you get outside the south and south west.

 

Mine came with recall packs (no open recalls by VIN, and they visually matched the extra clamps in the recall notice) that were just 2+1 leaf. It even came with a high-roof ARE walk-in cap, which I imagine was on it a good long time, so I would've thought someone would've gotten some half-decent leaves on it, too. Somehow they weren't totally FUBAR when I bought the truck, but even without the cap, they were sagged the hell out with like 200lb. of branches in the bed.

 

I don't think I have ever seen shocks rust like that.

 

Upstate NY winters are brutal. The salt eats through anything.

 

She’s as far as I know all original suspension wise. 2011 vehicle spent 9 years in Upstate NY with the salt, nothing I can do but replace at this point. I’m sure she needs it’s. Just trying to get some info to work within my budget for the time being.

 

If my truck ends up looking like that,I’d rather stay down here.

 

Upstate NY born and raised, but I’ll swap with ya! I wouldn’t mind not shoveling 8’ of snow every couple weekends in the winter.