When you brake for a stoplight, does it feel like your front-end is trying to overrun itself?
When you let off the brake, does it feel like someone tapped you from behind?
Thats Axel-Wrap.
Looks don't mean diddley.
And if they are shot, go for the real fix.

 

I don't think I have those symptoms, if they are indeed noticeable. Which way is the bottom leaf supposed to be arched?

 

The bottom most leaf, called the overload leaf, is supposed to arch downward. New leaf packs are supposed to arch upwards like this:

De-arched leaf packs will either be flat or start to arch downwards.

Check here: http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/9504tacoma.htm for your various needs too.

 

Thank-you. Mine are definitely flat and I'm trying to figure out which way to go. I thought Timbrens, but am not sure if the bed is sagging. Then I saw Super Springs, but not sure I can afford them. I know there is the Add-A-Leaf option, but read it's a rough ride. I also am looking into air bags, but have been told they can bend the frame.

This forum has been a great help!

 

Wheelers Offroad carries stock style springs for much cheaper than OEM. Check their site out.

 

It maybe axel wrap in your situation, you might want to try to torque your drive shaft and propeller shaft bolts. I own a 2001 4x4 TRD which had that dreaded clunk at the end of my braking. After torquing my bolts to 54 ft lb. the clunk was noticeably better. Hope this helps.

 

I put this 5 leaf pack on mine a few weeks ago. It's advertised to give 1-1/2" lift, but I only got about 1/4" lift. If you want to stay at stock height, these may work for you.

 

The "thud" or "clunk" or "bump from behind" or whatever you wannna call that characteristic Tacoma thingy isn't necessarily axle wrap. I have an 04, on which I got the factory springs replaced just before 40K on the clock and the springs are still almost perfectly flat, although they lifted the rear end about 1/2". The thud didn't change and although these springs aren't the best I know they don't exhibit axle wrap when they are new. The slip yoke lubing seemed to be the most effective at getting rid of the problem. \The slip yoke is that part of the drive shaft that slides in or out to make up for the changing length of the drive shaft under different ride height conditions. It sticks sometimes and then abruptly releases when breaking. Lubing seems to solve the prob. Zerk fitting to lube is on the drive shaft is just ahead of the rear end.

 

Thanks for the recommendations. I have a 4 leaf pack from a '97 x-cab going in on Wed. Apparently these work on my '95. I'm going to have Timbrens put on but that might be overkill with new leaves...but perhaps not.

 

I'd be interested in your results. Especially as they relate to the "thud". thx