To add a leaf spring or not?

Hi Guys,

I have been the proud and happy owner of one hardworking 2002 3.4l 5 speed manual SR5 access cab.
I have carried many many heavy loads and i’m thinking “would my truck tighten up and carry heavy loads better if I add a leaf spring? Currently they are sagging a bit. Is it worth it? Any ideas or thoughts are appreciated.

Jerry

 

Welcome to the forum. How many miles on your current/factory leaf packs?

If you are consistently carrying loads, I'd consider moving to a heavy duty off the shelf pack, like what ATS offers - expect the rear end to stiffen up a bit and you'll get ~1½" rear lift with the pack.

If you are occasionally carrying loads, I'd run with the Firestone-based airbag kit, make sure you plumb the bags independently so they function as intended - air up when the extra support is needed.

Since you're hauling, I wouldn't advise using an off the shelf

$190 add-a-leaf kit for 1999-2021 toyota tundra - 21.5" short AAL set with isolator pads and square bend u-bolts

add-a-leaf kit like what ICON offers, as they require removing your overload leaf, which is something I'd personally want for hauling purposes I'd think.

If you have a leaf pack you can bastardize to add an OEM leaf, it may be worthwhile, just make sure you get the plastic inserts for the leaf tips to cut down on clunks/squeaks.

 

Generally speaking, it is worth it. I’ve added a leaf to many vehicles with older springs that are sagging. I have added a few springs to my current tundra, which is basically a combination of Icon and Toyota springs cut to length, while retaining the overload.

Some will recommend an entirely new leaf pack - which isn’t a bad idea. But an extra leaf is more cost effective andC if done correctly, IME will yield satisfactory results for a few more years.

 

I use the Firestone Ride Rite airbags. I like that I can adjust to get the optimum ride when empty (although I have a bed topper and tools in the bed), and when I'm towing or carrying a load I can air them up to fully support the load. Totally customizable. It took me a while to figure out what pressure to run for normal driving, but now I've go it down, and 12 psi is perfect. Firestone doesn't recommend running them empty, so they're good from about 5 psi to 100 psi. I thought about putting on new leaf packs, but I really didn't want a super stiff ride all the time. Cost was about the same.