Suspension Questions

[Brent.ff]

Truck (2014 LB taco, with full canopy) hit 170k, still using the stock shocks and leaf springs. Leaf springs apparently are 'flattening out' from last inspection, and I'm going to be towing a bigger load this year.


Got a couple quotes on just replacements from Standens (~232 each) or ARBs (https://www.4wheelparts.ca/p/arb-old-man-emu-leaf-spring-el096r/_/R-BHWQ-EL096R), and was also recommended to Timbren Rear bump stops..

Thoughts?

[blueToy]

Have a buddy who went with airbags ( Firestone?? ) when he went with a bigger trailer. He seems to like the set up. I put on Dakars when I lifted. Have a canopy and gear and I like them too.

[R-Audi]

Your best bet is to head to a Toyota 4x4 orientated shop and chat with them. Not 4wp.

In terms of parts and knowledge, Id highly suggest Krave Automotive.

[ExtraSlow]

Standens knows suspensions.

[R-Audi]

No doubt they know their leafs... but Id much rather someone who is highly versed in the specific application.

[SkiBum5.0]

Your best bet is to head to a Toyota 4x4 orientated shop and chat with them. Not 4wp.

In terms of parts and knowledge, Id highly suggest Krave Automotive.

Is that the shop on 11st SE? There is a Toyota truck shop right by my office and always cool stuff parked on snowbanks out front

[Brent.ff]

Is that the shop on 11st SE? There is a Toyota truck shop right by my office and always cool stuff parked on snowbanks out front

ya thats them, ive been in there a couple of times

[ExtraSlow]

No doubt they know their leafs... but Id much rather someone who is highly versed in the specific application.

I have a distrust of the entire automotive industry, but standens has been great for me several times, so I trust them. Maybe that's just me.

[idriveabox]

Give KRave a call for your taco. Kyle will set you up. This is the shop referred to above. Don’t use 4WP.

[KRyn]

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[CelicaST-162]

KRave definitely knows their stuff when it comes to the Toyota 4WD's. Another shop I would highly recommend is The Gear Shop, they know the Toyota 4WD's inside out!

For suspension on your Tacoma, Standens does a great OEM leaf pack replacement and you can even tailor it to carry a little bit extra weight if you need to. If you go with the Timbren's, There is a kit from Timbren (PN:ABSTRFK- Active Off Road Bumpstop) which has an integrated U-Bolt flip kit which moves the U-bolt base to the top and you gain more ground clearance. With the Timbren's, when you land on them, it's not such a jarring sensation, it's a soft progressive feel and especially helps when you need that extra support when you're towing or loaded with gear or cargo. I have Timbren's on my 4Runner I've landed on them MANY times driving on the forestry roads (at speed) and they are an absolute god send!

PM me if you have any questions.

[Brent.ff]

Another shop I would highly recommend is The Gear Shop, they know the Toyota 4WD's inside out!


they also told me i needed to replace my leaf springs, which so far two other mechanics have said they're fine.. sooooo

[CelicaST-162]

they also told me i needed to replace my leaf springs, which so far two other mechanics have said they're fine.. sooooo

I just edited to post above

I'm basing this on your OP, if your leaf springs are flattening and you're towing a bigger load than before... Then I don't see a problem with their recommendation of replacing it or at least addressing it especially if you're going to tow heavier. yes, no?

[ExtraSlow]

Is this the point where I say that standens can make you replacement springs with higher spring rate than stock, which is better for someone who's hauling heavy loads than just "replacing" your leafs? Nah, probably not, I'll keep that to myself.

[idriveabox]

they also told me i needed to replace my leaf springs, which so far two other mechanics have said they're fine.. sooooo

This doesn’t surprise me. Stick with KRave. Gear shop has some issues...

[KRyn]

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[CelicaST-162]

CelicaST-162 What kind of lift if any did you get with the Standen OEM leaf pack? Looking at lifting my truck 2" or less with the basic Elka package and trying to figure out how I want to lift the rear.

The one I did for the customer was stock ride height. The major difference was the leaf pack was thicker than the stock to handle the additional weight. Another option, if your leaf pack is in good condition, or if it's been recently replaced by Toyota from the recall is using the OE leaf pack and adding an "add a leaf kit" Wheelers Offroad makes a nice 3-4 progressive leaf pack that gets added to your OE leaf pack. You gain ride height, more payload (not exactly sure how much, use your discretion), it attaches to your existing leaf pack and will naturally give you OE leaf pack additional arch.

Shocks, there's lots of choices... pick the ride height you'll go with and spec out your shock accordingly. On the Tacoma, the passenger side rear shock is place in front of the axle which is very vulnerable to get pitting on the shafts from the front tires. FOX 2.0 has the available Roost guards which protect the shafts for that exact reason.