Rear Suspension Enhancement Options for 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Double Cab with Camper Shell

Updated 05/30/2013 | Published 05/24/2013

Products Featured in This Question

SuperSprings Custom Suspension Stabilizer and Sway Control Kit

(297)

$481.99

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6729)

$269.36

Question:

Hello, I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double cab. I have a Leer fiberglass camper shell on the truck and the rear end sags with the load of the shell. I had four new shocks put on along with new springs on the front, however the truck still sags in the back. I have purchased a roof tent and often carry two sea kayaks on the truck. This said, I was wondering what suspension options you would recommend. I was looking at leaf springs, but noticed that you have other suspension options as well.

asked by: Jim R

Expert Reply:

There are several types of rear suspension enhancement kits available for your 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4X4. These include adjustable air springs, jounce-style rubber or urethane springs and helper leaf springs. The link provided will show you all available rear-axle suspension kits for your 2004 Tacoma 4WD. These vary in price and installation complexity. Note that none of these products will increase the weight-carrying capacity of your vehicle.

Air-spring kits are more costly and complex to install and require regular checks to maintain their required minimum 5 psi pressure, but offer adjust-ability to suit widely 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 the most cost-effective option. Helper leaf springs offer both suspension support and anti-sway functions, and can help compensate for minor spring fatigue in an older vehicle. They offer limited adjust-ability at the time of installation, and are a better option when towing regularly when wind turbulence is a concern.

Since you have recently installed 4 new shocks and front springs my suggestion is to use rubber jounce springs. When under load these will support your rear suspension with progressive resistance as the load increases. Their no-drilling bolt-on installation is the simplest of all options. You can use Timbren part # TTORTAC4A. These replace the factory axle bump stops on the frame. Installation instructions are provided along with an article that reviews the features of such Timbren systems.

expert reply by: Adam R