How to Upgrade Your Toyota Tacoma Suspension to Handle More Weight for Overlanding
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- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2024
- I show you how to upgrade the rear suspension (leaf springs) on your Toyota Tacoma, to handle the weight of your overland gear and roof top tent.
This is the first video I have ever made, and it was quite a learning experience. Any suggestions for how I can improve would be greatly appreciated!
For more about our Tacoma build, visit Tacoma3G:
tacoma3g.com/ww/
For more of our van life journey, check out our Instagram:
/ wanderingwinterfields
Thanks for watching!
#toyotatacoma #overlanding #liftkit
The gunshot sound when he said no to going out for lunch😂
Lol!
I've been Off-Roading since the early 90s with all sorts of builds. Been to many places (including Central America) owner of a 3G Tacoma & starting to mod the truck. So looking forward to your no BS channel LOL & adventures.
Heavily Meditated hell yeah! \m/
Dude- best install video ever! Did one side of my taco- seemed straight forward-then watched this video- you got me afraid to continue! Thanks for all the tips!!
Thank you very much. I just noticed you said it got you afraid to continue - what happened?
Most install videos are pretty boring, but yours was very entertaining and I got some good laughs out of it. Keep up the great work!
Bryan Lee thank you, I really appreciate that!
Just watching again.
Best video intro ever.
Good stuff Tyler
Haha, I really appreciate that!
Totally impressive! Had I seen this video I would have most likely never attempted replacing my leaf springs, rear shocks and front coilover. You threw in the all the details that none of the other DIY videos came close to mentioning. Like you, I have a time window to meet...I am not sure if I am going to make mine. I might have to seek a professional, or someone who knows their "shit" like you! Bravo: informative and entertaining!
Haha, thanks for the comment!
Finally a smart man who installs proper leaf set. So many videos guys use the bolt on junk that has so many failure points and bolts. I love this heavy duty leaf spring pack. I thought i was crazy when i added 2 leaves on each side of my stock 4 leaf suspension on my 2011 Nissan frontier but i see that you have total 7 leaves in your spring and my 5 leaves should be good. I carry a 300lb canopy plus 200 lb ladders and about 400 lb of tools in my canopy so about 900 lb constant weight plus 3 of us in the truck another 550 lbs. so the 5 leaves are amazing. My truck does not sway side to side so much and over speed bumps i do not bottom out every time.
Great video! “Wipe the blood off!” Probably the best quote in the vid
Byron Wilson lol, glad you enjoyed
Fantastic instructional video. Best ever!!! I see a very bright future for you.
Thank you!
Alright bruv. Despite your suggestion I’ve already liked and subscribed and I’m only 3 and a half minutes in! Nice work so far.
Haha, I appreciate that!
So glad I don’t live in the rust belt. Thanks for the video
haha, yup! thank you.
Awesome vid. Good angles and explanation, better than seasoned YT channels I’ve seen. Thanks!
Thank you!
Tyler. Good video. You picked a topic with a lot of steps which makes it hard to make sure you’ve covered everything. Keeping it “real” it what viewers like I think. For your next one, tackle a smaller topic on the camper.
Thank you for that feedback.
Can't watch all of this adventure with the Wnterfield crew!!!
thanks brotha
Dude… that was awesome. Well done.. about to install my Icon RXT’s and found the video really helpful. As an IT guy, I’m familiar with the pc part but teaching myself the wrenching on trucks part so thanks for posting this.
Thank you for the feedback! I’m stoked that it will actually be helpful for your install.
Best video intro ever. If video have stupid intros i generally click off.
Thank you. I can hardly watch most RUclips videos anymore for this reason
The Dom Mazzetti references are killing me 🤣
Kudos on a hard job. I’ve only changed one spring on an old Chevy and a whole rear end on a 68 F-250, where the springs stayed on the truck. Today I would use leather gloves no matter the weather. And today I would use a torque wrench.
sammolloy1 thank you!
Saw the post on IG. Good luck man. I’ll follow the journey
Justin Garnick thank you!!
The intro you killed it lol 👍 I liked it just cuz u didn’t want me to :)
Jesse Rizo thank you!
You are incredibly hilarious, I’m in love with your channel already!
Wow, thank you!
Great video helped me with my Tacoma Thanks
"Wipe the blood off (part) before reinstalling" 😂
Nice work!!
OE shackles without bushings are like $20
Get yourself some Archive Garage Hammer Hangers, highly improves rear end "feel and stability"...he's up in NY and also has upgraded shackles, though not the $20 oem options.
Subscribed
I have them now! And the cross bar.
This video answered all my questions. Thanks for doing bro!
"Instructions" (Does a manly Toss of instructions.) Next scene....reading recovered crumpled instruction. Lol.
Great job and video. Informative and funny.
Thank you!
Totally awesome! Love the commentary! 😂😀🤘
Ben Chavez Thank you!
Great video man. Definitely learned some dos and donts haha. Something I need to look at doing.
Corey Haury thank you!
Hey man , I feel like we would get along great, I got a Tacoma too and your gonna be helping me out in the future I know it. Preciate it brother
Right on! Enjoy the truck and if you have any questions you can always ask on the tacoma3g.com forum.
Brother i love this you sounds exactly the same but the deepest voice
Awesome bro🤙
Solid video and looking at more to see🤘🤘🤘
Noa HNLSFO1 Thank you!
Heck yeah! Been waiting for you to post this up! Keep them coming 🤘🏻
Tacoma Dad Thanks, brother!
CLICK BAAIITTTTT!!!!! ....Hahaha, just playin" ... great video, brother. Thank you for going thru the steps. Very informative. Keep on wrenchin' on. great job on your first video. Take care and be well
Right on! Thank you.
Your video is so real! Haha
wow, thank you! that was what I was going for
Well done for the first one. I liked the "Don't do this." stuff.
Art Bencomo thank you!
The sup set and gun sounds got my like and sub 😂🎉
😂
Great Video! and funny ! clean the blood before install the leaf springs LOL, I think some of my installs has some blood too, and burbs when welding is involved.
Lol! Thank you!
Cool vid, nice tut, great humor... great job. Subbed, look fwd to next one.
koolkatsmoke Thank you!
After watching this video I went with the dobinsons L59-111-R leaf for my dclb taco with no weight back there and for sure it got no where the height it got on yours. My truck has a reverse rake with 3inch in the front. Not that I want to but now I might just have to add a 1 inch block back there to level the truck out
I don’t know the model number of the ones I have - did you get the same ones as me or are those lighter than the ones I have? Either way, to fix that reverse rake, what I would do personally, is get some of those Firestone airbags from Amazon. I think they are around $200 and they will let you not only fix the rake, but you’ll also be able to add more air if your truck ever sags when towing/hauling. They give about 0-3” lift depending on the PSI you put in.
amzn.to/3xbggUm - these are the airbags. Looks like the price is now $380. I still suggest this over a block though.
I have the medium duty ones because I figure 99 percent of the time my bed is empty. Yes, most likely I’ll go with that airbag set up because I really don’t want to go with the block route
Perfect intro
Haha, thank you
Thanks for sharing, very informative and helpful 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🇺🇸🇺🇸
You should have WAY more subscribers. You're f***ing hilarious!
Haha, thank you for that!
Ahahah that intro! 😂😂🔥
I'm not sure if I will ever get used to talking to the camera
Nice video!
Looks like the hardest part was the shackle bushings.
Could you have left the original bushings in there?
Not in my case because the two different brands I had were slightly different diameter.
I would re use the overload leaf springs from the old set, they are very heavy duty.
That’s a good idea. I don’t have them anymore but I would maybe throw one in, in the future. I do have a set for my 1986 K30… I wonder if I could retrofit them, lol.
@@wanderingwinterfields The new ones should be fine as they are doubled, I only have 1 on my Nissan frontier which carries constant load of 1000lbs and plus 500 lb of passengers. They rarely break the overload leaves this is what a spring shop mechanic told me. It is the upper leaves that take the bulk of the work and support. I have 5 leaf + overload and you have even more so you should be fine. Those axels are not designed to carry any more load anyways. Your set is wonderful, so many guys use these bolt on junk add a leaf sets and do not have a proper stack of leafs.
Well done
thank you!
Great video
Fuckin a are those Dakar springs squeaky! I hate mine. Everyone always says “hey buddy, your truck is making noise”. I’m like “fuck you, I know”
Tell me about it!
Awesome video
Thank you!
@@wanderingwinterfields gotta ask, were those dakars heavy load ones? How long did they last? I bought them and will be installing them and just have seen a ton of people switching to the deavers from dakars.
@@filkinsjonathan they were the heavy load ones, yes. They were in the truck for 3-4 years before I took them out in this video. They held up well and took a lot of abuse. My main complaint when they were newer, was just how squeaky they became. Other springs don’t usually get squeaky as early as those did
@Wandering Winterfields ok. Thanks for answering and thanks for this awesome video.
What high clearance bumper do you have? Looks sweet!!!
Thanks! It’s made by Relentless Fabrication.
@@wanderingwinterfields 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
pro tip put wd40 or other rust penetrating lube for disassembly a day before project
I wish I could remember to do stuff like that, lol
Great video, and thanks very much! I was worried while watching because you weren't wearing gloves and then you cut yourself...and then didn't put gloves on, lol.
One question - I had a spring shop upgrade my 2019 2WD Taco SR5's leaf springs, and it looks like the brake line is very close to the flexing springs, with no bracket to keep it in place. Is this something I should be concerned about? The brake line seems to have a rubber covering to protect it, but it looks like an accident waiting to happen.
Thank you for the feedback! So, I’m not sure what happened, but I never got the notification for your comment, which is why I’m replying 5 months later; I only noticed your comment today. Your brake line shouldn’t be able to get *that* close to the springs. I would go under and try to bend it away from the springs just a little bit.
@@wanderingwinterfields I bought a piece of tough ribbed (but flexible) plastic tubing designed for fish ponds, and put sections around each brake line and zip-tied it together. It adds another protective layer to the brake lines and actually looks pretty cool because the black plastic is ribbed.
Great video! How was the new leaf spring? Can u send is a buying link for the heavy duty leaf spring? Thanks
They have been great. I’m not sure about a direct buying link; I bought mine directly from the tacoma3g.com Tacoma forum.
In the video, at 2:36, you showed the Firestone AirSpring. Did you install that in addition to the Dobinson's leaf springs?
I did, yes. The air spring kit makes a huge difference
Can I run that same leaf kit on a stock Tacoma. I use it for work and constantly have tools in the bed
Great video!! I see you haven't made one in a while, where ya been? I was wondering what you did for struts and front springs to help with the camper weight?
We took a break when covid became a big deal. We plan to hit the road within a month or so but I’m unsure if I’m going to film any of it because I honestly don’t enjoy filming.
@@wanderingwinterfields that's too bad, a lot of us out here enjoying your videos!!
@@wanderingwinterfields any mods done to the rest of your suspension?
@@hadlo yes, a bunch. Firestone air bags - the most useful one. Then I have 1000lb rated leaf springs, 780lb rated front coils, heavy duty shackle hangers and a heavy duty crossmember in the rear, upgraded brakes, cradles that go with the airbags so you don’t lose your articulation, and maybe a few more things I’m not remembering
@@wanderingwinterfields awesome!! Any upgrade to the shocks? Looking to do the same to my rig. I take it after all the work it handled the camper well?
Hey guys. Not Looking to lift my truck for oberkanding or anything like that. I Just want to make sure that I can safely carry loads in the bed when needed...I saw I can just upgrade the leafsprings...my question is what should Install so that I can safely haul about 2.4k lbs safely?
Hey, good question. First, what kind of truck do you have? A Tacoma? In general you should upgrade the leaf springs to the aftermarket option that is rated for the highest load (1,000lb in my case). However, the thing that will make the biggest difference will be installing airbags as well. The airbags are relatively cheap on Amazon and easy to install. In my case, they are rated for 3,000lb which is much more than the Tacoma should ever have on it anyway.
Did I miss the part when you installed the airbags?
Bryson Skiles yes, it wasn’t in this video and when we ended up installing them recently I didn’t get to film it :(
I’m debating between old man emu and dobinson. Can you let me know the difference between them two. I want strength and a bit of a lift on my truck and definitely get rid of that squeaking noise.
OME don’t offer the same max strength as the super heavy Dobinsons do. They generally don’t provide the same lift height as same of the other brands (meaning their 2” is not as high as another brand’s 2”). Since this video, my Dobinsons still don’t squeak, which is awesome. I don’t think the OME squeak much either, though I haven’t used them. We have a lot of discussion and info on this exact question on tacoma3g.com if you want to take a look.
@@wanderingwinterfields Thank you for the info. I’ll definitely will go into the forum and do more research.
Do these suspension upgrades such as the leaf spring upgrade change if I have a 2wd Tacoma? I’m a builder so I have a lumber rack and fully loaded tool box on my truck, so I want a more capable and comfortable suspension
They shouldn’t although it would be best to know more about your truck and what products you’re looking at buying
Can you provide a link for the leaf springs?
4eyes I actually ordered them through my own website. You can contact them on the site and tell them Tyler sent you. tacoma3g.com/members/dobinsonsusa.4637/
I just picked up a 2020 TRD off road Taco (also in Quicksand) and would like to start modding it out like yours but not sure if I should wait (since it is a lease) and get a a JT Gladiator after they work out the gremlins (never buy a first year model) or a JLU, (but did take both for a test drive before going with the Tacoma. I preferred the over all build quality over FCA Jeeps. The reason I say this is it is easier to add bigger wheels and tires (no trimming required) on the Wrangler and Gladiator, plus you don’t have to re gear with the Pentestar 8 speed to turn those bigger wheels/tires! I know Toyota has better reliability & resale over Fiat Jeeps, but what is your opinion on this matter? Should I buy out my Tacoma at the end of the lease and start doing mods whenever I have the $$ to do so? Or hold off until 2023 and pick up a JLU or JT. Really liking my OR Taco so far.
Armand Couture I’m actually a big fan of both options. I obviously have the Tacoma and my wife has had a 2013 Jeep JKU since 2013 when we bought it new. When I found out the Gladiator was coming out, I felt like it was designed exactly for ME, and I was jealous I couldn’t have one because I already had the Tacoma. The solid front axle is HUGE to me. But I’m very content with the Tacoma (now that the initial hype is over). At the end of the day, they’re the two top trucks you could buy, the biggest difference is one has a solid front axle and removable top/doors, and one is the trusty Toyota everyone knows and loves. But I think it comes down to your own preference on looks and maybe that new diesel engine that’s coming for the Gladiator, if that’s your thing. If you would like more advice, try asking the same question on Tacoma3G.com. You’ll get more opinions (albeit, probably leaning toward the Taco), and I will be able to compare it better for you than what I did here.
Wandering Winterfields well the horrendous break over angle of the Gladiator is what I did not like. Also, it is pretty darn ugly in stock form! However, once you lift it and throw on a set of 35, 37 or even 40’s it looks like a beast and the break over angle is no longer so awful. Plus, it has plenty of power to turn them if u can’t afford a Rubi you can get a Sport S with the max towing package which offers enough power with out having to re gear! This is why I have a bit of buyer’s remorse. I wanna start building an off road/overlanding vehicle and this seems like it would be the perfect platform!! Thanks for the honest advice and I will definitely check out that forum brutha!!
Wandering Winterfields another thing that bothers me is the lack of grab handles, especially the driver’s door, if you plan on lift ring the Taco. Also the rear back seats. I have teenage kids, one boy and twin girls. How I they supposed to get in if I lift it add bigger tires? They will definitely wear out those seats sliding in and out! 😂 But I also thought the back seats were a bit uncomfortable at a almost 90 degree angle. Saw somebody who owned one agree to this. She also had to keep legs angled towards the door cuz transmission hump/console sticks out when sitting in front passenger seat! Have you ever driven or checked one out in person yet? Oh her husband said the 4 wheel drive shift kept piping out when in 4 Low! That ain’t good! Also the e break is crooked, not straight. Which I did notice in my test vehicle. So by no means is the JT perfect! Like I did maybe I will get one in 2023. I just need to not break warranty by modding the Taco in the mean time. Only small cosmetic changes, which is what I have done so far, like blacking out the badges and console adds.
Armand Couture I agree about it being ugly while stock, lol. I think unless it has 37-40s or bigger, a built Tacoma will always be able to keep up with one, even with the IFS. Yeah, it does handle the big tires better than the sluggish Tacoma, but that isn’t a deal breaker for me personally. I did OVTune on mine before I regeared and even that helped tremendously with my 35s. But you said you’re liking your Tacoma, which is good. I think you will “get over” the guilty pleasure for the Gladiator like I did. Show ‘em that your Tacoma can keep up with the Jeeps and build it up. ;)
Armand Couture To help people get in on either the Taco or JT, you could install zero degree rock sliders that double as steps. The rear back seats are definitely uncomfortable, yes. Likewise, the rear area of the Taco could have more leg room for adults, in my opinion. I haven’t drove one but I have been inside one and compared to the previous JK model, they really did improve on a lot of things. I haven’t heard of any issues with the 4wd shifter and I didn’t notice that the parking brake isn’t straight. If you decide you want to commit to the Tacoma, you could simply start modding it now and refinance the lease to a buy, which is what I did. My biggest comfort complaint with the Taco is that my head almost touches the ceiling (I’m 6’1”) but that shouldn’t be a problem in your 2020 with the adjustable seat. I also wish the steering wheel could be pulled out more but I’ve gotten used to that at this point.
what is your lift setup? how much lift did it give you?
Hey Mike. I think I mentioned it in the video, but if I forgot, the full build specs are listed here: tacoma3g.com/ww/. I think adding these leaves gave me 2” more than what I already had.
How much you paid for the Heavy Duty leaf spring? Whatever price you comment back on, is it for a pair or just one side?
I can’t remember anymore but I would guess it’s around $900 for both sides
@@wanderingwinterfields hey thanks for the quick response.
Did the leaf pack cause any vibrations? I installed an AllPro Exp leaf pack and got 3" but notice a distinct vibration now.
No, no vibrations. I don’t think vibrations are normal so there might be something wrong with your install.
You need the driveline spacer kit from old man emu, this is a spacer kit that goes between the mount and the ears of the drive shaft carrier. $14 kit, might solve that vibration issue.
what size is the bolt to attach the e brake bracket? i lost mine
Crap, I don’t know the exact size of that bolt. You can try to check the full Tacoma service manual found here: tacoma3g.com/3rd-gen-tacoma-service-manual/#post-45481 (Note: The .pdf file takes a long time to open because it is thousands of pages long.)
Drivers side tends to sag more due to the gas tank being on that side.
Yeah.
High are you lifted and what size tires?
The tires are 75/315r16 which are considered 35s and the lift in this video is about 3” in front and 4” in rear
I'm stuck between choosing a sb or lb 4x4 how do you like your lb ?
jaayyy_ 27 you might be asking the wrong person because I’m biased. I’m a HUGE advocate for long bed trucks. I don’t understand why someone would buy a pickup truck but chop off part of the one thing that makes it a pickup. I also think short bed trucks are ugly as hell.
But this is an unpopular opinion. I recently made a poll and about 65% of the people prefer short beds. 🤮
Well I love the way a long bed looks! I have a 2013 long bed but planning on getting a new one and I rarely see any long bed tacos that are 4x4. Yours looks bad ass
jaayyy_ 27 thanks. Yeah, I use the hell out of the bed and always have more room. I also wheel just as well on harder obstacles than the short bed guys, even if it might require some extra finesse.
Anyone know if this would still work with block leveling kit?
It should still work, yes
I have heard the W shape of the Dakars is intentional.....
Really?
@@wanderingwinterfields yes.... forget where i read it.... i have owned 3 sets and they are all like that
what kind of bumpers do you have? who fabricates them?
Matthew Jaroslawski they are from Relentless Fabrication
@@wanderingwinterfields thank you for the reply, i bought some relentless rock sliders a long time ago when i first bought my truck and love the look and functionality. relentless fabrications is my #1 choice for front and rear bumpers, i havent found anyone with a better look and price.
Matthew Jaroslawski I feel you on that!
@@wanderingwinterfields im undecided on getting the preditor front bumper or the summit front bumper. any reason you went with the preditor?
Matthew Jaroslawski it’s personal preference on looks. But for me I figured it would be good with all my cross country driving against deer and other animals
What brand are the new leaf springs? I could not make it out....
Liana Benks they are from dobinsons USA
Wandering Winterfields thank you.
Are they still squeak free and do you like them better than the OME?
Liana Benks they’ve still been squeak free since this video. Not bad I’d say
@@wanderingwinterfields Super dumb question, I bought the same Dobinson's and the bushing kit, the bushing kit only came with two sleeves, for 6 bushings. And now I'm stuck. What am I missing, sleeves or intelligence?
If there wasn’t a little blood, you weren’t trying hard enough.
agreed
Just buy a new part!
So much easier!😉
What new part?
@@wanderingwinterfields Buy a new coil spring..
@@useryggfdcc the truck does not have coils in the rear
@@wanderingwinterfields leaf springs.
I have a 2021 Tacoma, replaced the front shocks with Bilstein 6112 and Bilstein coils and rear Bilstein 5100 and added Icon AAL to rise the rear of the truck.
Works excellent for hard offroad.
If the bushings are shot, much easier to replace the whole leaf assembly.
Hope you understand now what I try to say. English is my second language.
Greetings from Canada.