I just installed the Icon AALs yesterday on my 23 TRD pro, and even though I’ve done AAL installs on older Tacomas years ago, I needed a refresher and this video was an excellent reference. It was actually easier than I thought it would be even after watching this video: it took me about 45 minutes per side.
At last! Video of adding up a leaf. We have the same truck. And planning the same setup. Just looking for the right add a leaf. Coz I couldn’t decide which is better and worth a penny.
For the E brake cable, make a about 2" extender from Simpson hurricane strap tie. Good video, we are going to be doing the add a leaf on my sons truck.
@@GearheadJT It was the second time your videos saved me a lot of time, I also used your front coilover video to install a used TRD Pro Fox suspension I picked up from a fellow Taco owner. Again, everything went very smoothly and I was very happy with the results. Thanks again!
Thanks a ton for the video. If you happen to read this - I have a question you could help out with. I'm planning on doing the exact same set up - Icon 1.5" add-a-leaf and Bilstein 5100's. But Bilstein has two stock options for the rear of the Tacoma, and neither of them appear to be exactly right. As I understand it the Bilstein 24-186728 is rated for 0 to 1" of travel, and is roughly the same travel as the stock 4600. The other choice is the 33-319070 for vehicles with 4" lift, not "up to" 4" lift. Do you mind sharing which one you used and how it's worked out? Many thanks!!
It doesn't look like you added the very bottom shim back that was underneath the overload. Any particular reason why? I believe that shim is there to supposedly help with take off vibrations when accelerating. Great straight forward vid though! Thanks!
Hi, I saw a guy put the OEM overload spring back in with the Icon at the leaf to make it taller and more strong. Any reason why you didn't do that or know why we should not do that?
Because the icon AAL comes with Instructions that says they do not recommend doing so. I know other companies say you can but who knows how safe it is.
I did the 3 leaf AAL and left the overload in and what a mistake that was I just had to go in and remove it the ride was unbearable and was way stiffer than the front Toytec Aluma Series 2.5 front coilovers with the 700# Eibach springs.
I’m not a mechanic but want to tackle changing out my leaf springs since I have a broken one. I also will do the shocks at the same time. My question is with everything apart how do you get the axel back in the exact same position so everything is squared up with the front wheels like it was originally?If it’s off slightly the truck won’t drive straight. Hopefully I explained this right
Thanks for the video does your taco makes a squeaking noise when u enter and exit the taco after the add a leaf ? Thanks for all the upgrades video god bless
Going to be doing this soon to my 07 Tundra but instructions say to leave attached leaf spring and overload.... The 2 middle leafs are the ones to be removed! As a side note, why TH would anyone attach a bracket to a moving part, a brake line to boot 😅😅😅😅
Does taking out the overload spring affect the lift of the add a leaf. It says it lifts your truck 1.5 inches but if you take out the overload is it still going to be 1.5?
Did you experience any driveline vibrations after your lift. I have the Bilstein 5100’s and icon 1.5” AAL not installed yet but I’m half freaked out since going down an internet rabbit hole on driveline vibrations and potentially having to replace needle bearings and shim this and that to get rid of it all. Wondering what your experience was?
Great video! Is this the ICON expansion pack sku 51200? For that kit the instructions show that you want to retain the overload spring, but I see you did not. Was there a reason for that or is this a different kit from ICON? I have the 51200 on order, will be doing the install soon. Thanks for the detailed walk through.
Update on mine.... Trucks stuck on jack stands cuz icon springs have such a curve I cannot get them in. I'll probably hafta jus steal one of the leafs to replace the one that broke. Not sure if they are all curved that bad, the one in this video doesn't look as bad as mine.... Kinda stuck!!!
It is recommended to run aftermarket rear shocks which will allow for the additional length. However, I have seen guys running AAL's with factory shocks without any issues while street driving.
Pretty funny, down to the same color and year tacoma TRD off road I’ve just ordered the exact same suspension set up, 5100s front and rear with the old man emu 887 2” coils and am getting ready to place the order for the Icon 1.5” add a leaf for the rear. I have a question about the front set up, did you have to add any drop down kit for the front differential and did you need a sway bar relocation kit as well , I had both on my last 3 rd gen tacoma with a SST ready lift level lift spacer kit but haven’t herd anything about needing those two items for this set up
Hey man whats the reason to cut that bracket in the rear ? Does that affect the height if its not removed ? I bought the same kit as you but in the instructions it doesnt say to cut it .
Hey there, with the ICON AAL it actually would overlap the rear bracket if not removed. Other AAL's don't seem to have this problem as they are shorter on the back side.
@@agustinherrera5600 that overload leaf doesn’t provide any load assistance until the leaf is compressed to about 70%, it helps prevent your bed/trailer tongue load from bottoming out on and bashing into the bump stop. Honestly it doesn’t help much at all.
Thanks for the video. So the leaf adds 1.5 inch lift, but what about the Bilstein shocks? did that add extra height as well or are you able to adjust the shocks lift to "zero"? Thanks
Yes, the Add a Leaf add an additional 1.5" - The Bilstein shocks are not adjustable don't affect the height of the rear, they essentially improve the ride quality over stock and are setup to be able to run a lift in the rear like the Add a leaf or lifting blocks.
@@GearheadJThow will that add a 1.5” when you just basically replaced the bottom leaf? Thickness of that bottom leaf is not that huge a difference from the Icon AAL
I have the same year make and model as yours. I also just did the same exact thing with my suspension, bilstien 5100 front and rear shocks, 2” OME spring, and Icon AAL in the rear. The rear is like 3 inches higher than the back? Is this normal? Anyone? Lol
@@GearheadJT Hey, i know you said you kept all shims on but did you reuse the overload shim on the bottom that touches the axle? Because I didnt... lol LMK plzzzz
I just installed the Icon AALs yesterday on my 23 TRD pro, and even though I’ve done AAL installs on older Tacomas years ago, I needed a refresher and this video was an excellent reference. It was actually easier than I thought it would be even after watching this video: it took me about 45 minutes per side.
Awesome, glad it helped!
Can you please do mine..lol. about to tackle this job on Tundra..
Like others, going to install a similar kit and your video is very straightforward with no filler. Great content, subbed!
Thanks for watching and the sub!
Best video out there for this AAL kit.
For the parking break line - bend the bracket with some vice grips, then you can bolt it to the leaf spring clamps.
Clear and straightforward. Thanks for the video.
Good Job. I bent that break line bracket around and was able to reuse it.
Great instructional video man! Thanks!
Just got this done today on my Calvary blue Tacoma! Would be epic to have a before and after I’m the light. Great video bro! Enjoy your rig!
At last! Video of adding up a leaf. We have the same truck. And planning the same setup. Just looking for the right add a leaf. Coz I couldn’t decide which is better and worth a penny.
For the E brake cable, make a about 2" extender from Simpson hurricane strap tie.
Good video, we are going to be doing the add a leaf on my sons truck.
Great idea!
I like your videos and the description you give. Better lighting for visuals would help but great work. Thank you!
Thanks!
Thanks for the support!
I was hoping to see a before and after height of the rear fender well.
Great video, took me and a friend about 2 hours for both sides.
Excellent tutorial. Did you end up with a solution for the brake line bracket? I think I am just going to cut it off and let it dangle.
Thanks for the great video, I installed my Headstrong 3 Leaf AAL today, you video was right on and saved me a lot of time messing around.
Glad to hear it helped! Thanks for watching!
@@GearheadJT It was the second time your videos saved me a lot of time, I also used your front coilover video to install a used TRD Pro Fox suspension I picked up from a fellow Taco owner. Again, everything went very smoothly and I was very happy with the results. Thanks again!
FYI- you left out the replacement shocks have Alan heads to hold the shock rod from moving.
I referenced this video for the same procedure on my Tundra. Thanks!
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the vid ..came in handy for me when I had to install the same kit for my buddy.
Thanks a ton for the video. If you happen to read this - I have a question you could help out with. I'm planning on doing the exact same set up - Icon 1.5" add-a-leaf and Bilstein 5100's. But Bilstein has two stock options for the rear of the Tacoma, and neither of them appear to be exactly right. As I understand it the Bilstein 24-186728 is rated for 0 to 1" of travel, and is roughly the same travel as the stock 4600. The other choice is the 33-319070 for vehicles with 4" lift, not "up to" 4" lift. Do you mind sharing which one you used and how it's worked out? Many thanks!!
It doesn't look like you added the very bottom shim back that was underneath the overload. Any particular reason why? I believe that shim is there to supposedly help with take off vibrations when accelerating. Great straight forward vid though! Thanks!
Same question.... I didnt install it either... I have no vibes.
Awesome vid man. Thanks for uploading. Installing mine tomorrow.
Very thorough, thank you!
Hi, I saw a guy put the OEM overload spring back in with the Icon at the leaf to make it taller and more strong. Any reason why you didn't do that or know why we should not do that?
This!
Because the icon AAL comes with Instructions that says they do not recommend doing so. I know other companies say you can but who knows how safe it is.
@@goodvibeterps91 I left mine in and so far so good.
I did the 3 leaf AAL and left the overload in and what a mistake that was I just had to go in and remove it the ride was unbearable and was way stiffer than the front Toytec Aluma Series 2.5 front coilovers with the 700# Eibach springs.
@@goodvibeterps91thier instructions as of today say to leave it in. Only remove 2 middle springs
@thetopalovic how did the rear end feel once you added the extra leaf? Did it feel stiffer? Or not too much because of the progressive design
its so hard to find real reviews of the performance of an AAL
I don't think I ever seen that color tacoma! what wheels are those!?
The bilstein is only rated at allowing 1” of rear lift, how are these 1.5” holding up?
Exactly
Not recommend
Why not adda block? does it worsen the ride quality/. also, why remove the lowest spring? Curious because I am looking to do this.
I’m not a mechanic but want to tackle changing out my leaf springs since I have a broken one. I also will do the shocks at the same time. My question is with everything apart how do you get the axel back in the exact same position so everything is squared up with the front wheels like it was originally?If it’s off slightly the truck won’t drive straight. Hopefully I explained this right
thats why you take it to a shop and get a professional alignment done after
That's what the alignment pins for. The comment above will only fix front end alignment, there are no adjustments to the rear
You don’t need any shims for the drive shaft vibration?!
Saw a guy who left the break lines loose because the extra travel from the axle needs it to be loose anyways. I doubt you'll need reattach it there.
Stewart J that’s exactly how you’re supposed to do it
The 5100’s limit his travel so greatly , so not necessary
I'm not sure why they'd even attach that bracket to a moving/flexing part... 😂😂
Thanks for the video does your taco makes a squeaking noise when u enter and exit the taco after the add a leaf ? Thanks for all the upgrades video god bless
Going to be doing this soon to my 07 Tundra but instructions say to leave attached leaf spring and overload.... The 2 middle leafs are the ones to be removed! As a side note, why TH would anyone attach a bracket to a moving part, a brake line to boot 😅😅😅😅
Do you need shims after the installation?
Great video. I'm doing this on mine tomorrow.
Does taking out the overload spring affect the lift of the add a leaf. It says it lifts your truck 1.5 inches but if you take out the overload is it still going to be 1.5?
It will only take out the thickness of the overload spring since it's pretty much at idle at all times.
Did you experience any driveline vibrations after your lift. I have the Bilstein 5100’s and icon 1.5” AAL not installed yet but I’m half freaked out since going down an internet rabbit hole on driveline vibrations and potentially having to replace needle bearings and shim this and that to get rid of it all. Wondering what your experience was?
What torque do you used for the U bolts, 120ft-lbs?
Tundra it's 90lbs
Per Icon instructions the Tacoma is 90ftlbs
Great video. Easy to follow
Yo you think I’ll be fine with 2block ?
Great video! Is this the ICON expansion pack sku 51200? For that kit the instructions show that you want to retain the overload spring, but I see you did not. Was there a reason for that or is this a different kit from ICON? I have the 51200 on order, will be doing the install soon. Thanks for the detailed walk through.
SKU is 51100
This video is for 51100. Cheers
@@GearheadJT thanks for confirming!
which is the better kit?
Perfect. Will do the same soon but with the Bilstein 5160 rear shocks.
I like the build 🤙
Update on mine.... Trucks stuck on jack stands cuz icon springs have such a curve I cannot get them in. I'll probably hafta jus steal one of the leafs to replace the one that broke. Not sure if they are all curved that bad, the one in this video doesn't look as bad as mine.... Kinda stuck!!!
Can you run stock length rear shocks with that add a leaf or you have to get extended shocks? I have same add a leaf from icon sitting at home
It is recommended to run aftermarket rear shocks which will allow for the additional length. However, I have seen guys running AAL's with factory shocks without any issues while street driving.
need strengthening 2004 tacoma stock leaf springs, i think that would be different kit ???
RR
How’s the AAL treating you? Do you think you’ll experience rear sag when hauling an rtt and rack daily? (200lb estimate)
Update on this. The AAL Is great, Currently running a 200lb RSI SmartCap on the rear, and no rake!
Pretty funny, down to the same color and year tacoma TRD off road I’ve just ordered the exact same suspension set up, 5100s front and rear with the old man emu 887 2” coils and am getting ready to place the order for the Icon 1.5” add a leaf for the rear. I have a question about the front set up, did you have to add any drop down kit for the front differential and did you need a sway bar relocation kit as well , I had both on my last 3 rd gen tacoma with a SST ready lift level lift spacer kit but haven’t herd anything about needing those two items for this set up
Nice set up guy's, maybe how many pounds will add on the payload after the icon 51100 installed? Thanks
Do you have to cut that piece out with a grinder or can you take it off without grinding it off?
It needs to be cutoff unfortunately.
Hey man whats the reason to cut that bracket in the rear ? Does that affect the height if its not removed ? I bought the same kit as you but in the instructions it doesnt say to cut it .
Hey there, with the ICON AAL it actually would overlap the rear bracket if not removed. Other AAL's don't seem to have this problem as they are shorter on the back side.
Thanx .what about the bottom leaf spring that is removed from the oem . Can i add that back on the truck to raise it a bit and hold more weigh ?
@@agustinherrera5600 that overload leaf doesn’t provide any load assistance until the leaf is compressed to about 70%, it helps prevent your bed/trailer tongue load from bottoming out on and bashing into the bump stop. Honestly it doesn’t help much at all.
@@agustinherrera5600you can.... The actual instructions say to leave main spring and overload and take out the 2 in the middle
Are these Available for the first gen Tacomas?
Yes. I have it on my 1st Gen.
These icons are for 96 and up Tacoma’s
@@larrycampos346 oh thats good to hear thanks!
@@ron8098 thank you
@@ron8098 Any follow up?
Thx
What do you torque the U bolts to?
90 ftlbs
73ft.lbs.
anyone know if the aal voids warrenty?
Idk what went wrong but somehow my leaf springs shifted forward so now i can get my bolt all the way through but the bolt wont line up with the axel
Not sure if you figured it out but use a screwdriver to line it all up. You can pull the leafs back and forth with enough pressure
Thanks for the video. So the leaf adds 1.5 inch lift, but what about the Bilstein shocks? did that add extra height as well or are you able to adjust the shocks lift to "zero"? Thanks
Yes, the Add a Leaf add an additional 1.5" - The Bilstein shocks are not adjustable don't affect the height of the rear, they essentially improve the ride quality over stock and are setup to be able to run a lift in the rear like the Add a leaf or lifting blocks.
@@GearheadJThow will that add a 1.5” when you just basically replaced the bottom leaf? Thickness of that bottom leaf is not that huge a difference from the Icon AAL
GOOD VIDEO
Did you Leave the other side bolted up ? or did you unbolt both sides and drop the the whole axle ?
My coworker say you don’t have to cut the holding bracket on the back. He say he just put the add leaf on without cutting.
Depends on the vehicle
I have the same year make and model as yours. I also just did the same exact thing with my suspension, bilstien 5100 front and rear shocks, 2” OME spring, and Icon AAL in the rear. The rear is like 3 inches higher than the back? Is this normal? Anyone? Lol
Thanks
You actually installed the adds leaf facing wrong way, longer part faces rear.
i wish you had more light, good video though
Thanks for the feedback!
any vibrations?, have you kept the original shim or have you installed a 2 degree shim?
No vibrations at all, I reused all OEM Shims and just replace the OEM Overload spring with the ICON AAL. I've been very happy with the kit so far.
@@GearheadJT Hey, i know you said you kept all shims on but did you reuse the overload shim on the bottom that touches the axle? Because I didnt... lol LMK plzzzz
@@7913joyyou probably should.... It's angled too so make sure you have it in right direction
Leave the overloaded plate in!!!
thank you
FYI- you left out the replacement shocks have Alan heads to hold the shock rod from moving.