Rear leafs are flat

So it sure looks like my stock leaf springs are flattened out.
The truck has 108k miles with Toytec shackles and Bilstein 5100 shocks. I don’t have a constant load on them , the bed is empty most of the time , but they sure didn’t last long.
I picked up a set of Toyota leafs off a Crewmax with 7k miles , and I will get a fresh set of 5100s on soon.
Question- what bushings would you all recommend I installed in place of the OEM ones ? thanks in advance

 

Following for the same reason/reasons. I have 130k on the clock and acquired a set of very new OEM springs with the bushings already removed. I was thinking of installing with the Dobinsons greasable shackle if it every comes back in stock @crikeymike. I would also use the Dobinsons bushings at that point. They also make a greasable bolt for the front.

https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-toyota-tundra-greasable-shackle-kit-for-2007-2021/

 

If you have lift shackles and have not adjusted your bump stops in height adequately, you will once again flatten the springs. The factory spring is simply getting compromised when it hits the stop and is being forced down by the longer shackle. That said, the factory springs are crap anyway.

 

Ironman 4x4 greasable shackles here, they are great!

 

Agreed , the OEM springs are lacking , but if I get another 100k miles out of these I will be happy , especially for $150 I paid for them. what bump stops would you recommend?

 

The factory springs are crap. Mine were flat and actually had a huge gap in them at 13K miles.

@texasrho83 and I have aftermarket springs from Alcan.

 

Any noise from anything?

 

This is why I’m wondering if it’s even worth the effort to swap in newish OEM springs.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/custom-leaf-springs-input-alcan-dakar-only.99579/

 

I hear you. And yes, I just hit 13,000 miles at the time on my 2020 when they were shot.

 

I would for sure look at the Alcans if I had the extra money and would use them like they are designed for. My daily driver and property off-roader has held up shockingly well for the abuse I’ve given it. It’s just time to replace the saggy parts.

 

I would suggest you ask Toytec since they know the specs on your shackles and I don't. You just need something to catch the load before the spring flexes beyond the design limits and the factory bump stops aren't going to make that happen.

 

Keep in mind that the stock springs don't have much arch when new and look flat from the factory.

 

?????? Noise from a well lubricated high dollar rock solid suspension? No

 

Still can't believe you only got 13k mi outta them

 

I have the dobinson leaf pack, along with their greaseable shackles, pins, and poly bushings. The leaf pack was a little stiff at first, but well worth it.

 

They are flat when new... that's how they are supposed to look.

 

Mine had gaps between them and creaked like an old Dodge.

 

Mine weren't flat

 

I've heard Deavers squeaking like crazy. Many thinner leafs will tend to flex more and last longer. I think they all use the same steel.

 

It seems kinda random... or maybe to do with installation, dirt, lube, etc...

 

Dobinson's 5+2 HD packs, Roadmaster Active Suspension HD kit, and yellow Sumo Springs, over 3k mostly behind the axle in this pic

 

Just bought some of the blue sumo springs. Didn’t want too harsh of a ride. Plan on towing another camper in the future.

 

Holy payload lol

 

Shhhh! Don't wake em up!

 

Contact Runnin 4 Taco's and ask for Hugo. Hugo was at Toytec. The go to guy.

 

Right
I’m surprised the forum pl police haven’t scolded you already

 

Oh come on. Let’s have some fun

 

The factory leafs are supposed to articulate to keep both rear wheels on the ground when on uneven terrain. Toyota knows their customers fall more into the off-roading category rather than the heavy-hauling category. Here’s my factory rear setup on a trail in middle TN. This pic isn’t even at full articulation. The leaf actually inverts at full articulation. It’s meant to do so.


I don’t hate on the factory leafs at all. They were made to do a specific job, and they absolutely excel at it. If you’re hauling loads rather than riding trails, then you just need to mod the truck to suit your needs.

@Porkchop Express said he is empty most of the time. I would recommend against a heavy leaf pack. In fact, if he’s offroad on his property most of the time, then another set of OEM leafs is probably the right call, IMO.

To answer your question, @Porkchop Express, I went back to OEM shackles but kept the bushings out of my Coachbuilder shackles. Any greasable bushing is going to be a good choice. You’re going to want a ball joint press tool to remove the OEM bushings. Harbor Freight has a $90 kit that worked great for me. My rear setup now is OEM with Duro Bumps and RAS.

 

I'm not saying you're completely wrong but there's nothing normal about negative arched springs that give a truck a rake.