Leaf Packs

Talk to me about leaf packs or add a leaf. I just put Fox 2.5s w/ external reservoir coilovers on the front and the matching set on the rears. I had them tuned by AccuTune. I added JBA UCAs and a ton of other front end work. My question is, I’m running a 1” block in the rear and the rear end feels like it’s just floating everywhere. It could be that I was used to the harsh ride of the old Rough Country junk that was on it. My question is, should I remove the block and do something different like an AAL or a new leaf pack? If so, what would be the advantages? I don’t use this truck to tow and only have things in the bed when I’m doing home projects(not all that often). The most “off roading” the truck see is driving field edges and bean/corn fields during hunting season.

 

I feel like this is covered pretty well in the ‘Suspension, wheel & tires’ section: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

As it should say in there, amongst other helpful tidbits: Blocks are not great for a myriad of reasons, big one being they put the axle housing in a disadvantageous spot. One that not only tweaks driveline angles unfavorably, but also contributes to axle wrap, and premature wear of driveline components from said wrap. It’ll be worse if your leaf packs have a lot of miles on them.

 

Also, the pics of your front end setup on the other thread show the need to dial the front in first as it is excessively preloaded and you are waaaaay tall up front with no apparent downtravel left. Once the front is dialed in, then I would address what the rear needs.

 

Yes, there is too much preload on the front. I don’t not into this to happen, I over estimated. I have ordered a spanner wrench, I’m hoping I can bring them down while they are still on the truck. I need to bring it down at least an inch probably more like 1 1/2”.

 

No worries, it’s gonna be a great setup!

 

I hope so, I tired to pick out what I thought would last and give a comfortable ride. This truck doesn’t really off road, might drive field edges or cut across corn fields during hunting season but that’s all. I bought it with the rough country stuff on it and have been dealing with it for the last few years.

Have you ever adjust the preload with the coilivers still on the truck? I’d prefer not to have to remove them but I can if if have to.

 

Yeah, I read through that but did know if there were any new options. It also seems like it is geared towards someone who may tow or carry heavy loads. I’m looking for the best most cost effective way to just eliminate the block. Truck only really had stuff in the bed during hunting season and it can’t weigh more than 100lbs.

 

The whole point of coilovers is being able to adjust while on the vehicle. But there are cases, as you'll see in the video from Omar (who has one of my favorite 1st gens on the planet) below, where you need to pull..

In the case of adding preload like he does, it's easier to remove and adjust as he shows. In the case of removing preload, which is what you need to do, it's pretty pedestrian and should be possible on the truck? That's what I've always done on my sport suspension builds, but arguably have less experience with coilovers for offroad. Most manufacturers offer instructions on how they recommend to adjust, you should read up on your product (I can't say 100% this is it, but fundamentals carryover, did you get the manual with the order?!) but I'd add, many have discussed this in offroad/lifted coilover context over here (with videos there too):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ucDma7IGtU​

 

I prefer adjusting mine on the truck. Sometimes it's easier to do if you remove the four LBJ bolts and jack the spindle up by the wheel studs where you have more room.

 

I have not. My 5100s require removal and spring compressing to adjust the spring cup position. You should be able to unload the spring tension by lifting the truck and drooping the suspension to relieve the coil tension. Then adjustments can be made.

 

Can you compress the springs with em on the truck? I’d be worried about hurting the threads adjusting while loaded.

i’ve gotten ‘02 ac 4x4, ‘06 dc 4x4, and ‘03 ac 4x2 leafpacks and the lengths have all been different. Surprisingly the ‘02 had the longest leafs. The 6-leaf bastard pack we built for frank was surprising smooth, but we removed the overload. Still waiting to ride-in or drive a truck with a deaver 10 leaf pack or a 63” gm leafpack.

 

From what I've read, the threads on the fox shocks are soft and you can pretty easily strip them. The instructions from Fox even recommend taking the CO off the truck to adjust them. I spent about an hour last night trying to lower mine with them on the truck. The spring compressor was getting caught up. Once I took them off the truck it was really easy and I can't believe I spent all the time trying to leave them on the truck and do it.
The rule of thumb (which I got from Accutune) is that 1/2" preload is roughly 1" lift.

Depending on how much you've driven with them so far. I would hose them down with soap and water and then some sort of lube (I used Tri-flow teflon lube) cuz that's what I had and spray down the threads. You can get dirt, sand, salt, etc. in the threads which makes the collar hard to turn. If the threads are clean and you have a spring compressor to compress the coil you probably don't even need the spanner wrench. Once I took all the tension off I could turn the collar by hand.

For your leaf spring question, read through Shifty's thread, and start by ditching the blocks.
I can give me limited experience and 2 cents. I have the Deaver mini pack AAL which is a 3-leaf progressive leaf pack that installs with your stock leafs. The truck had new stock leafs when I got it. I had the same setup on my 2003 AC tundra and was very happy. It handles weight well, adds lift, and rides very well. I didn't want HD leafs because most of the time my truck doesn't have extra weight in it and I value a comfy ride. If you want to haul extra heavy weight then you can always add airbags. I know Deaver makes a full leaf pack but have heard and read from others that it can't handle weight. If/when I change up my rear suspension more then I'll be going to Archive and getting his hammer hangers and his leaf pack. Some members on here have them and only have great things to say about them. Otherwise, I think you'll have to look into custom springs.