I just joined yotatech, so I'm just trying to get familiar with this. I built a popup camper this summer for my 99 tacoma, and It weighs an estimated 400-500 lbs. I have been wanting to get a small lift for my truck since I got it a year ago, but now that I have finished my camper I need to do suspension work so that it can carry the weight better. I have done research on AALs, but I don't know how much weight they help to carry. I've also read that they lessen your truck's flexing? are there any other lift systems that would help carry weight and at the same time lift my truck 1-2"? I also need to lift the front end of my truck 1-2", so what would be a good combination?

 

HOLY inverted springs batman!!

yes you need new springs. might want to look into 63" Chevys. they're known for giving 2-3" of lift, but with your added weight it should be perfect.

 

I've read that 63" chevys are soft. and they involve welding - I don't really know how to weld... are there any other options?

 

go with 4wd 63" chevies..

i believe they had more leafs..which will equal a little more lift..(around 4in.) and the ability to carry that camper nicely..

with the camper on there..and 4wd chevies..you should be at like 2in lift..lol

 

uhhmm...

new leafs..

AAL's..

maybe new leafs and ZUK mod..

the ZUK mod puts a coil spring on top of your leaf springs..adds like 2in lift..and about 200lbs load carrying capacity i believe..

of course depends on which coils you go with..

different coil= different weight capabilities..and different lift heights..

 

I just put a set of wheelers off road 5 leaf alcan leafs on my 02.Raised it an inch and a half.They haul a load and ride well compared to the 3 leaf mexican springs it came with.No more sway around corners.Not to stiff and no more sagging rear end.You can use your present shocks and no ext brake lines needed.Fixed my problem.I also have airlift air springs on them to.I had to with the stock springs.They sagged with just the weight of a camper shell.My truck only has 28,000 miles on it and the springs were shot.

 

either your springs were tired to begin with or your 400-500 pound guestimate is a bit off.

OME Dakars or a Deaver 10 or 12 pack would be a could choice

 

Google firestone ride rite air lift for towing. Helps with the weight And has nice smooth ride. Its kind of like air shocks but its air bags. Check it out

 

Thanks everyone for the input.
Dropzone I think a bit of both of your statements are accurate. my suspension was already tired before I put the camper on, and i think my camper might weigh a little more than I expected.
Rugerm44 I like the sound of your setup. do you think it could withstand the weight of my camper?
I have looked into the ride rite minimally, but it could be a possibility. do they give your truck any lift and/or are they compatible with a AAL?