Topic: Tacoma Leafs01-04 vs 98

[Yota87Truck]

I have a 98 Tacoma.  I was displeased with my block lift on the rear which I replaced with an AAL which I hate worse, got rid of the axle wrap but now my suspension sags bad when loaded (daily for work) and doesn't flex worth .  I recently acquired a pair of 02 tacoma leafs.  O'Reiley lists the 98 as different than the 01-04 leafs.  Anybody know the difference.  I know some taco leafs are prone to breaking.  Which ones break?  I believe that both mine and the 02 are the same length.  I have about a 2.5" lift up front and would like the rear to match. What are my best options?  Can I swap the 02? Will it lift my truck at all? What about a custom leaf pack, if so how do I find the correct height?  They guy said he believed the 02 leafs were nearly new.

[scheefdog]

I owned a 99 Tacoma TRD for a couple years that had some crappy aftermarket rear leafs on it (probably because they broke an oem one). I found some off an 01 or 02 TRD that were in really good shape and they were the same length. I took the existing leaf packs apart and then cut a leaf from each pack a little shorter to add to the 02 packs to achieve about 2.5" of lift. Was very happy with the end result, truck rode great unloaded or fully loaded and didn't sag anymore. 

98-04 Tacoma leafs are all the same length. I believe 98-00 are the ones that are known to break, so you should be good with 01-04.

or you could go with Old Man Emu springs for about $300 if you want a more bolt on solution
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/yotamain/1995-2004-toyota-tacoma-parts/suspension-parts/1998-2004-toyota-tacoma-ome-medium-load-2-25-lift-leaf-springs-driver-side-cs046ra.html

[Yota87Truck [OP]]

I owned a 99 Tacoma TRD for a couple years that had some crappy rear leafs on it (saggy). I found some off an 02 TRD that were in really good shape. I took the existing leaf packs apart and then cut a leaf from each pack a little shorter to add to the 02 packs to achieve about 2.5" of lift. Was very happy with the end result, truck rode great unloaded or fully loaded and didn't sag anymore. 

How did it flex off road?  How many leafs did you add to the stock 02 pack? How much did you shave off?

Thanks for the input!

[scheefdog]

Flex was great, better than an AAL because the leaf you add is the same thickness and close to the same arch. I only added one leaf at the bottom of the pack (where you would put a typical AAL), I don't remember the exact length but I made it match the existing step down of the leafs in length (and cut down the bottom leaf of the pack you take apart). I'll see if I can dig up a pic of the truck.

[Yota87Truck [OP]]

That makes since.  I'll have to give it a shot.