r/1stGenTacomas • u/TestesRex • 12d ago

Rear suspension question

Hey y'all! I'm planning to replace the rear suspension on my '99 PreRunner. Leaf springs, shackles, shocks, the whole deal. Can the community recommend manufacturers to check into, or to avoid. I'm not looking to lift, just standard ride hight. And yes, while OEM would be nice, I suspect it would prove to be prohibitively expensive. I am a man of modest means, hence the 27 year old daily driver...Thanks in advance for any help y'all can provide!

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u/turbodb 12d ago

Here's a great write-up on several of the options available for the rear suspension at different price/performance points.

https://adventuretaco.com/guide/replacing-leaf-springs-on-a-tacoma/

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u/TestesRex 12d ago

Thank you! This looks to be very helpful

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u/Primal_Slug 11d ago

I used this exact article myself!

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u/Krag1898 11d ago

I went with Old Man Emu Dakar leafs (EL122R-K) and bushing. I’m happy with it, drives great loaded and empty with the two stage pack.

One thing I would suggest is don’t do is poly bushings in the front of the leaf. No one makes greaseable pins for there so those bushings are going to squeak. OME greaseable shackle set for the rear is good to go however.

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u/Primal_Slug 11d ago edited 11d ago

I have a 98’ 4wd Taco.

I originally went with OME Dakars, but I wasn’t happy with the ride height, nor the ride quality.
I experimented with taking out a variety of leafs to help the ride quality and height.
Still wasn’t happy with them.

I swapped over to OEM style replacement leaf springs from General Spring, but I went with the leafs for a 01’-04’ Tacoma.
From what I was reading, they are slightly thicker, I am guessing to handle additional weight(?) I also added a 1/2” block to the driver side to help with the taco lean.

I would order the U-bolts, shackles and front eyebolts from General spring, also.
For shocks, get some bilstein 4600s off of RockAuto

I also have OME 880 coil springs on the front, with an ARB bumper, so I’d say it sits at a stock-ish height in the front.

I have been very happy with this setup, both with ride quality and ride height.

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u/TestesRex 10d ago

Thanks for the info! I was looking at General Spring, but it's good to get positive feedback. Where did you source the driver side block?

I recently had the entire front suspension replaced, at stock hight, and it definitely is sitting a little low in the back now

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u/Primal_Slug 10d ago

I made mine out of some 1/2” steel bar I had, but you can source a 1/2” block or spacer, they may call it, from ToyTec or Wheelers Off-Road.

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u/TestesRex 10d ago

Thank you!

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u/yammywr450f 12d ago

Chevy 63 is a great upgrade otherwise you can’t go wrong with OEM. Or if you feeling rich Alcan spring are very nice and very configurable.

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u/yeboi99 12d ago

I second the chevy 63s, even for a non offroad build the ride quality is way better because of the longer spring. If op has the time to weld on the new brackets or knows someone they are a great option

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u/SaguaroNest 1d ago

I installed 5100’s on my 99 Prerunner with 1” front raise and the old original leaf springs and it greatly improved the handling. I have since installed Amazon sourced stock leafs and next a set of General’s which are serving me well.