Installed HD LEAF SPRINGS and 2.5'' Block , rides like a rock

Had a broken leaf springs , so decided to install HD leaf springs so it does not happen again. we also installed a block in the back and 3'' space in the front to lift the truck a little. ever since I installed the new leaf springs it hits bumps like a ROCK sounds and feels like the back is going to fall off. Could this be fixed with some new shocks in the back. I understand its going to ride rough with the HD leaf springs but was not thinking this bad.
2011 tundra sr5

 

I’m pretty sure all you can do at this point is remove the spacer and especially the HD springs. Toyota springs are known to be soft. If you make them stiffer your ride comfort is done..As for the rear shocks, you can try a hydraulic shock, but I doubt it will help with softening the rear end.

 

The first thing i would do is remove that block and see what it does

 

Spacers are the worse way to lift a vehicle.
Take those out and get drop shackles like Coachbuilder. Then if you must, add smaller blocks to reach your height goal.

I also hope you got new UCA'S in the front with your 3in lift or your alignment will suck, even though it may be "in spec" yours tires will get eaten up. Also drive shaft drop and front diff drop to avoid more troubles.

In the end HD leafs are going to be stiff and ride rough, they are for heavy loads/towing,not empty cruising.

 

For a livable heavy duty suspension you may want to check out Old Man Emu- will give you about 3 inches of lift and will drive much better. They are HD components, so are about 10% stiffer than stock- but totally doable. Great for hauling loads, towing, etc. I think you would be much happier. As mentioned earlier, approaching 3 inch lift in the front will require adjustable UCAs.

 

If you lifted the back and did not replace the shocks they are probably shot. You have to match the shocks with the amount of lift. If they were stock there is no way they can handle working at that extended length.

 

Add some weight in the back of the truck. Riding empty will be super rough. Heavy duty leafs are usually built to be under load. I also agree with the OME components. That will be my next upgrade as I usually have 500-1000 lbs in the bed at all times.

 

Get rid of the entire spacer and block setup. They ride like crap.

 

Thinking about having the local spring manufacture modify the springs I have or throw new ones on and eat the cost of the HD ones. I will also be looking for some new shocks for the Rear, looking at the Bilstein 5125 Series Rear Shocks for a 3''-5'' lift. I will definitely be looking into the front spacers . They were a bitch to do so I might hire them out this time. I currently have 35's on the truck. What kind of front lift do you all like running.

 

Before you spend money on the leafs, I'd look at the other things people mentioned. New rear shocks first, then front shocks without the spacer. If that doesn't work, try the shackles in the rear. Front spacers change the way it rides much more than rear blocks.

I put HD leafs on mine and love they way the ride, stiffer, but not super stiff.

 

I will try rear shocks first. The truck rides amazing its just the rear end when I hit bumps.

 

Shackles in the rear and you will feel like your rear end is cradled by the hand of God.

 

Curious what HD spring are you using? How much more capacity do they have over stock?

 

Also what air pressure are you running? And did you just upgrade to the 35’s as these affect ride quality greatly, probably a 10 ply tire. I find 3-5psi difference in the tires can make the most difference.

 

Huskey HD springs from RockAauto.Did not look to see how much more capacity they can take over stock. by looking at my old ones and the new leaf springs there was a extra leaf in the new ones. New tires just installed yesterday.