Rear Suspension (AAL Leaf Springs)

Throw down your knowledge and wisdom. School me on Add-A-Leafs or AAL’s. Purpose of them just to even out ride height or increase bed/tow sag?
-What are the top 3 brands or manufacturers? (ICON, Hellwig, Wheelers, etc)
-What are is the difference in weight ratings? (500-2,000 lbs?)
-Anything Else? The ride stiffens and becomes harsh if you add too much leaf spring?

Ready? GO

 

Summation from a Hand Models readings:

1) Nothing increases your tow capacity on your truck. Some things help the sag, but nothing increases capacity.

2) Skip the AAL and put your money/time into new leaf springs.

 

This sums up my experience with my ICON AAL.

 

Had an F150 that was bought used with AAL in the rear. Increased weight capacity but did nothing for stability/ towing.

Recognize that my (new to me) Tundra has a high sitting rear end... makes me want to take a leaf out! My wife got two buckets of compost the other week and the wheels were pert near rubbing.

 

Now, do we go with new leafs or do we convert to 63" Cheby leafs?

 

I’ve heard about those. When the time comes I’ll just do General Springs basics. They have a HD version with one more leaf for carrying 500lbs extra on a steady basis (camper shell, bigger bumper, gear in bed, etc).

 

I've wondered about the claim that the Cheby leafs yield better carrying capacity while also giving a better ride and articulation due to them being a wider spring. I've had real thoughts about going 63".

 

@Darkness will know.

 

I'm happy with my Wheeler's Off Road AAls, they suit my needs. If you're springs are already sagging, they'll be a short term bandaid. If you're going to be carrying extra weight regularly, new springs are probably the best solution.

 

This is true according to good sources, but it requires cutting off the front mounts and welding in new front mounts ahead of where the stock ones are, and doing some shackle mods.

I knew a few guys on an older forum who did this and it cost less than $300 because they got springs from a yard and did the fab work themselves.

 

What I am hearing is that they are pointless or worthless? If this is the case why do people buy them? Manufacturers wouldn’t make or offer them if people weren’t buying them... Doesn’t even prevent bed/tow load sag?

 

I've typed up some long responses about them in the past. Too tired right now to type it all again.

I bought an ICON AAL because they promised 1.5" of lift. I got less than half an inch. The main issue is that our trucks are getting so old now that they just are not as effective as they used to be. Our leaf springs are worn out. ICON told me they designed these 10 years ago. I really think they need to do a redesign. I really think you're better off buying new leaf packs.

 

I am happy with my Alcan leaf springs. The ride is a little stiffer in the rear than the stock ones were. No more sag for me.

Here is a link to my build because I can't find any pictures of them to upload at the moment.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/tundra2s-lifetime-project.65626/#post-1804503

 

I have Toytec AAL's with 5100's and a rear sway bar kit. They work great so far, I do alot of freeway driving and weekend light-duty adventures.
Been a month and so far no problems at all.

The price is great too!

 

This is the route I will likely go... $89, wont be end of world if worn leafs don’t get me the a 1.5”. I just don’t want the pre-runner stance. Looking for evened out, look.

What about difference between 500 lbs. vs 2000 lbs. AAL’s? Stiffness only difference?

 

Pic before and after my 5100's, Eibach 600 lbs springs, AAL and rear sway bar:

Before: https://i.imgur.com/B6kRBlDl.jpg

After: https://i.imgur.com/k4aQr59l.jpg

Next to stock 2WD: https://i.imgur.com/wbMboDIl.jpg

See more here of my install: https://www.tundras.com/threads/stage-1-complete.69933/

 

This is type of stuff I was looking for! Learned there are short and long AAL’s, who knew?

 

Yes sir, I have the long style ones from toytec. To me, they work very well and give our tundras around 1.5 inches of rear lift.

 

Narrowed down to:
-Wheelers
-Toytec (Deavers)
-https://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toy...tundra-2-add-a-leaf-kit-pair-tac-sp-aal2.html
-

$148 Hellwig 991 EZ-990 Helper Spring Kit

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UFRUXO/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Toyota%7C76&Model=Tundra%7C1033&Year=2001%7C2001&ie=UTF8&vehicleId=4&vehicleType=automotive