What Suspension Kit to Correct Sagging Rear End on 2002 Toyota Tacoma During Occasional Towing

Updated 05/09/2013 | Published 05/05/2013

Products Featured in This Question

SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit

(246)

$481.99

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(5994)

$269.36

Question:

I dont tow or haul very offten but when i do my 2002 tacoma sags pretty bad. what would you recomend. super springs or timbren bump stop things. I tow a small travel traler a couple times a summer and load the back with camping gear. I thenk i would need around 500 to 2500 lbs of support.

asked by: Myles

Expert Reply:

As you noted there are several different types of rear axle suspension enhancement products for your 2002 Toyota Tacoma: air-springs, rubber bump-stop springs and helper leaf springs such as the Super Springs # SSA18.

Air-spring kits are more complex to install and require regular checks to maintain their required minimum pressure, but offer adjust-ability to suit changing tow and cargo loads. Rubber springs are not adjustable but do offer progressive resistance as the load increases, are relatively simple to install and are very cost-effective. Helper leaf springs offer both suspension support and anti-sway functions, and some adjust-ability at the time of installation, but are a better option when towing regularly.

Since you tow and haul only occasionally my suggestion is to use a rubber spring kit. These will have no effect on your ride quality during normal driving but when under load they will support your rear suspension. Their installation is the simplest of all options.

You can choose a kit of any type based on the vehicle style you have. One of the provided links will display products suited to the Pre-Runner. You will need to select either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive at the left hand side of the page to filter results for your vehicle. The other link will display products suited to styles other than the Pre-Runner; again you will need to select 2- or 4-wheel drive from the left side of the page.

The Timbren kit # TTORTAC4A will fit both 2WD Pre-Runner and 4WD non-Pre-Runner versions. This bolt-on product includes all required hardware and mounting brackets and installs without drilling in place of the OEM bump stops. Installation instructions are included for your review.

I have also linked an article on Timbren suspension systems.