Air bags -vs- Sumo's

All good suggestions... Might as well add the supercharger 'while you're in there' upgrading parts.

 

Yeah those leaf springs are flat.

If you found ATS replacements for $200 you've got to hook me up. I just replaced my stock leaf springs with ATS HD and paid $800.

 

$200 Ha! For shipping maybe...

 

Sorry I didn't answer your question. I am using stock tires and fender measure is 38 3/4". I also compared the shackles to OEM specs and they match. 4 inches from center to center.

 

Yep, came in at $197.50 ea and $142.08 for shipping = total of $537.08.

 

Ah ok, so you were talking about one side for $200, not both, and got the light duty, with no hardware. You'll spend another couple hundred on hardware.

I got HD (both sides of course) with all the hardware (bolts, u-bolts, nuts etc.) in the kit. The hardware is surprisingly expensive, even the crappy quality stuff.

 

I really wanted the whole kit but ATS didn't have one.

 

You can’t reuse the factor hardware? Is it super rusty?

 

Surprisingly not rusty but I still plan on drowning them in PB Blaster and !!

 

I guess you could reuse the eye-bolts, but definitely don't reuse the u-bolts.

 

Our local AutoZone has a set of Dorman u-bolts in stock.

 

If you’ve never taken the u bolts off they’re fine; if you’ve had them on and off a few times I would contemplate replacing them, they aren’t torque to yield so reusing them is fine

 

Right...OEM are ok being reused. Aftermarket, absolutely only one use (though some people like to live dangerously).

I'm used to running old enough trucks that it's always smart to replace hardware, regardless.

 

Yeah I agree, his is an 18 so I hope they aren’t super rusty or he’s gonna have bigger problems lol

 

Going to assume that the previous owner at least had them loosened just to install the Timbrens. They look good but I'd rather eliminate any doubt and put on a set of new ones. Although I am only doing about 6K miles a year on average I like the piece of mind I'll get whenever I get the TT.

 

I replaced mine when I put on the Sumo Springs. So then when I replaced my leaf springs a year later, since I knew they were non-OEM u-bolts, I replaced them again. That's not a part you want push the limits on...

But yes if your u-bolt manufacturer is unknown, it's a good idea to be safe and replace them.

 

FINAL UPDATE (I hope) - Spent about 4 hours today, which included many breaks, and got the new ATS leaf springs and black SUMO's put in. I bought a new set of Dorman u-bolts but whomever did the bend on them must have been having a bad day. Two issues with them. The bends were too close together and the horizontal part of the bolt would not rest flat on the SUMO base plate. This plus the length was about a half inch shorter left the bolts too short once the saddle was put in place. Add to that problem the SUMO base plate is twice as thick as the Timbrens. So out with the new and in with the old. I still don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about reusing the u-bolts so I'll either pay a visit to the dealer or have some made locally. I am now sitting at 39 3/4' height so I got a nice little boost. Enough to where I'll have to re-aim the headlights probably. But it rides 1000% better!!!
Other areas I feel compelled to share;
1. Not sure about other years but the springs are different, left and right. ATS marked mine but I come to find out that they are different front to back too. About 5/8" longer when measured from the center stack bolt to the center of eye. Bob at ATS was a big help in getting me straight on the spring orientation.
2. You will thank yourself if you drop the spare tire! Makes getting the shackle out much easier.
3. The torque specs I found online were:
a. U-bolt 90 ft lbs
b. Leaf spring eye bolt 115 ft lbs
c. Shackle 67 ft lbs
d. Steel wheel lug nut 154 ft lbs
Thanks again for all the advice!

 

Glad it worked out for you! Do you have a picture of the truck on the ground and how much curve the springs have in them?

 

Not a great deal of difference in the spring arch just looking at them but the ride height and smoothness now is like night and day compared to the old springs..

 

Looks good. I think you could have gotten away with blue Sumos for a bit less stiffness, considering how little/light you plan to tow, but I'm sure you put thought into it.

 

I contemplated the blue Sumo's but thought, hey, I can go a little bigger with the TT now if I want!

 

Years ago I was given advice to never buy a truck bigger than the boat you want to own/tow. He was right. Good thing Toyota doesn't make a 1 ton.

 

Nice. If the trade-off isn't a really harsh ride, it was a good call.