02 DC rear springs?

[mtnbike28]

How much negative arch is correct for the rear springs on a 2002 DC taco? (Hopefully this picture will attach) I have a cap right now and plan on loading camping gear for a couple of weeks soon.

Thanks Jay

 

[Mlachica]

none, your should consider retiring them :REOutArchery02:

How much weight do you have back there? How many miles are on them?

Figure out how much weight you plan on having back there for the better part of your driving and talk to the guys at deaver springs. They'll set you up with an appropriate leaf pack.

 

[erin]

is it loaded or empty in the photo? you are almost on the overloads right now.

 

[mtnbike28]

Current set-up

The truck has 58k miles, and appears to have had a cap it's whole life. Right now I have a cap (Ranch brand = REAL HEAVY, if I had known it was so heavy, I would have bought a different brand) and less than 100 lbs of other stuff. I am debating Super Springs ($300) because I don't have the cash for full suspension upgrade right now.

I am planning a 2 week camping trip around Nova Scotia, and will be loaded down with camping gear and such.

Thanks for your input

Jay

 

[njtaco]

Mine are worse than that, and need to be replaced. If yours are not totally shot, and your load varies a lot, maybe air bags would suit your application. I prefer Firestone Ride-Rite, because of the mounting bracket design, but others have used the Air-lift brand with success. I found Ride-Rite at this site: http://www.sportcompactonly.com/Firestone/Suspension/performance-parts_c-23_b-101.htm?k=2304 for $205 and would purchase from Summit Racing, as they price match, and shipping would be about $10. Of course, check with vendors here first, I don't know if anyone sells this product on ExPo.

Not that Deavers/Alcans are not a good solution, but they are more money, and are not adjustable.

 

[erin]

I'm not current on prices, but I would think for $150-200 more, you could get a full deaver 9 or 10 pk, and I think you would be much happier. I've heard second hand that the Super lifts ride REAL rough.

 

[Mlachica]

air bags will allow you to adjust your ride height by adjusting your preload. It may help if your rear is sagging but that doesn't solve your weak spring issue. If you're easy on your rig (driving style) and you don't load it up too much then your springs will last you a little while longer. If you put a lot of load back there and or drive hard your leafs will be prone to crack.

Save up some cash and get some new springs...Deavers, OME and alcan are a few brands that come to mind. I know the alcan's were about 400 shipped to socal and custom made - this was about 3 or 4 years ago.

 

[7wt]

Air bags will also kill you articulation by their very design. I know most people don't need rock crawling flex but flex is a good thing. Add a leafs in your situation will only cause your springs to go south sooner. Start saving for a new set or consider buying a used stock set that isn't a worn. Your truck looks to be in great shape though. Look into OME springs, they are about $350ish. Bottomline is you really do need new springs.

One more thing, my 03 springs look no where near that as far a sag and mine are pretty close to the overloads. The ride is horrible but I don't have a camper shell. I bet your ride must be killing you.

 

[p1michaud]

Replacement springs.

Not that Deavers/Alcans are not a good solution, but they are more money, and are not adjustable.

I think you meant a good solution for the money!

Having gone through 4 variations on rear suspension I would strongly suggest you save the cash and purchase a set of 9-10 leaf Deaver springs and be done with it the first time. It will cost you $500-600 dollars for the Deaver leaf springs. Your first step is to figure out how much your truck weighs with and without all your gear then call Scott Borne at Deaver Spring (if you choose Deaver Springs). Determining how How heavy is your Tacoma? is very important to proper suspension selection.

Scott Born
Sales and Marketing Mgr.
(714)542-3703
(714)542-2898 FAX
scott@deaverspring.com
Deaver Spring Inc.
902 E. 2nd Street
Santa Ana, Ca. 92701

Tell him exactly what you need, they will build it and you will be happy.
Scott is great to deal with and super happy. You can also tell him you heard his name on ExPo. It's been nearly one year since I spoke to Scott so he may or may not be doing the same job but give it a shot.

If you have not already, take a read through this thread: tacoma suspension up grades excellent information.

Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[njtaco]

I think you meant a good solution for the money!


P

Yup, the OP suggested a financial branch in the decision tree. $600 Deavers would be out of range for me, too. If money grew on the tree instead, Deavers/Alcans/OME would be the ticket.