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Has anyone regretted HD leaf springs?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by rock climber, Jan 17, 2020.

  1. Jan 17, 2020 at 12:01 PM
    #1
    rock climber

    rock climber [OP] New Member

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    I have a first gen access cab and my rear leafs are shot. I have a canopy on it and a fairly heavy futon mattress, plus assorted camping and repair gear. So probably an extra 200-300 lbs in the bed. I'm just worried the ride will be rough with the HD springs.

    I'm lifted with the toytec 3 leaf and the overload still in so I'm looking at 2 options. Buy standard general leaf springs and put my 3 leaf AAL back in, or get the HD springs (and sell the AAL). I'd love a custom pack, but can't swallow the $900+ a custom pack would cost.
     
  2. Jan 17, 2020 at 12:32 PM
    #2
    shellshock

    shellshock Guy who drives a lot

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    I’m running an icon RXT pack in mine but I’ve got an extra 400 lbs of constant weight

    the stock springs tend to be fairly soft so I wouldn’t hesitate running any of the medium leaf packs. I wouldn’t run a heavy pack as those are usually rated for 750+ lbs over stock
     
  3. Jan 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM
    #3
    rock climber

    rock climber [OP] New Member

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    Thanks!

    I believe the general HD are 500lbs, but I'll double check. Would you consider that medium?
     
  4. Jan 17, 2020 at 1:04 PM
    #4
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    do you have an example in mind for the HD leaf pack ? are we talking Deaver or some other brand ? I have a "HD" Deaver pack and it's smooth. I have a topper all the time.
     
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  5. Jan 17, 2020 at 1:07 PM
    #5
    rock climber

    rock climber [OP] New Member

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    For the first gen, I believe general springs is the only one that sells non custom springs. (I know Atlas are technically not custom, but they are too high priced for my budget)

    https://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/90-221hd.htm
     
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  6. Jan 17, 2020 at 1:09 PM
    #6
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    I would get HD especially since you have topper and 300 lbs of gear all the time in the bed.
     
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  7. Jan 17, 2020 at 1:12 PM
    #7
    rock climber

    rock climber [OP] New Member

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    Thanks!

    Just to clarify, the 300# is topper and gear
     
  8. Jan 17, 2020 at 1:22 PM
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    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    HD paired with good shocks should be fine imo. what shocks are you running ?
     
    Pinay likes this.
  9. Jan 17, 2020 at 1:23 PM
    #9
    TruckyTruck

    TruckyTruck Dumbest Username

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    I almost took a chance on these vs the Alcan springs that I have now. I wish I had. If you do, please let us know how they ride and if they gave any lift. The guy I talked with there said he wasn't sure if it would raise the back end any.
     
  10. Jan 17, 2020 at 2:52 PM
    #10
    shellshock

    shellshock Guy who drives a lot

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    my RXT have 3 configurations - 250/500/750 over stock. I’m running the second config for 500 lbs with my habitat and a few other things.

    the nice thing with the RXT is you can buy one and adjust down the road if necessary.
     
    TheBeast likes this.
  11. Jan 20, 2020 at 7:25 AM
    #11
    rock climber

    rock climber [OP] New Member

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    Rear shocks are old man emu, front are totyec coilovers
     
  12. Jan 20, 2020 at 7:33 AM
    #12
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    I’ve studied these General Springs Leafs pretty extensively and will be going their route soon, as they’ve had great reviews from only a few on this site. Their name doesn’t get thrown around like these other brands that are twice the cost and require me to send in measurements. Seriously?

    General Springs are OE spec and no need to talk geometry on the phone with a snooty rep on the other end per these other brands.

    The HD has one more leaf so it would raise the rear by whatever mathematics.
     
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  13. Jan 20, 2020 at 9:54 AM
    #13
    TruckyTruck

    TruckyTruck Dumbest Username

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    Yeah, there is some snootyness going on out there huh! Alcan was very nice and I had my springs built for a inch lift, but they didn't end up lifting it an inch.
     
  14. Jan 20, 2020 at 9:59 AM
    #14
    rock climber

    rock climber [OP] New Member

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    Feel free to flame me if this is a stupid question, but if I don't get the full lift I want out of the HD springs can I just stick my old overload leaf in as a quasi lift block?
     
  15. Jan 20, 2020 at 12:34 PM
    #15
    TruckyTruck

    TruckyTruck Dumbest Username

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    Not sure how that would affect your ride, but you would probably need longer u bolts. Maybe.
     
  16. Oct 21, 2021 at 9:31 AM
    #16
    Jasont

    Jasont New Member

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    I know this an old thread, but did you get the general hd springs. If so how are they working out for you. I’ve got the same decision to make as you.
     
  17. Oct 21, 2021 at 10:55 AM
    #17
    rock climber

    rock climber [OP] New Member

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    I got the ATS HD leaf springs and have been very happy with them. https://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/

    I think there are 3 or 4 other guys on who who have installed them and all reviews have been positive.
     
  18. Oct 21, 2021 at 4:35 PM
    #18
    Jasont

    Jasont New Member

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    Did you get any lift from the he springs. And do the sag much with say 600 700 lbs in the bed?
     
  19. Oct 21, 2021 at 5:18 PM
    #19
    Desert Dog

    Desert Dog Nobody rides for free

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    Bilstein 5100's, SPC UCA's, ATS HD leaves

    I also have the ATS H-D's and I'm very satisfied with how they ride. Smooth yet firm and the rear stays planted well in the rough with Bilstein 5100's.

    IDK how much the ATS H-D's lift over the stockers, if any, since IDK what the stock height originally was (the OEM leaves were totally sacked-out). IIRC, the ATS's measure out at 28" from center-hub to fender well now.

    I've not towed or hauled with the ATS's yet but @Lil Steve may be able to help with your question here because I know he has hauled 1 or 2 of his motorcycles in his.
     
  20. Oct 21, 2021 at 5:48 PM
    #20
    Jasont

    Jasont New Member

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    That’s what I was kinda hoping to hear. In all of my google searching ats never came across on my radar. My end goal is about an inch or so of lift. With minimal squat. Right now I’m running stock springs with a 2” block on the rear. While it looks decent. Loaded up for a hunting trip I was kinda nervous on some trails due to the fact the springs just frowned at me the whole time
     
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  21. Oct 21, 2021 at 6:35 PM
    #21
    Desert Dog

    Desert Dog Nobody rides for free

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    Understood. Sounds like they may be a good fit for your application. ATS has exceptional customer service so if you have any questions you could reach out to them and I'm sure they would be more than happy to help you. Keep us posted on which route you take.
     
  22. Oct 21, 2021 at 6:44 PM
    #22
    Lil Steve

    Lil Steve Living the dream

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    Thanks for the tag DD, I had to go search for the thread I posted in because I'm starting to suffer from CRS. Links coming up.



    I'm another happy camper having installed the ATS HD springs that @rock climber went with. I credit him for my decision to go with ATS and have no regrets.

    With 2 bikes in the bed, ramp and gear I'm somewhere between 700-800 lbs loaded and the springs don't sag much, it kinda levels out. Same load with the stock springs sagged more. I have Timbren bump stops and they don't rest on the frame now with the HD springs and that load, they did with the stock springs.

    Here's a couple of links to my posts with more links of my posts! They should answer most questions regarding this set up, the rest of the thread is also worth reading.

    https://www.tundras.com/threads/rear-leaf-spring-upgrades.92642/#post-2337082

    https://www.tundras.com/threads/rear-leaf-spring-upgrades.92642/#post-2337151
     
  23. Oct 21, 2021 at 7:24 PM
    #23
    Jasont

    Jasont New Member

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    Thank you sir!
     
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  24. Oct 21, 2021 at 7:25 PM
    #24
    Desert Dog

    Desert Dog Nobody rides for free

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    Thanks for putting this in perspective. Very helpful.
     
  25. Mar 13, 2022 at 10:52 AM
    #25
    Jasont

    Jasont New Member

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    I got mine installed the other day. Like em so far
     
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