Leaf spring - recall? how hard to replace? cost?

[cbrodsky]

Hi -

I have a 98 Tacoma SR5 x-cab 4WD V6 118k mi. Love the truck until a leaf spring broke - I'm seeing online this is a common problem. Surprised, given the bulletproof reputation on these that led me to buy one. (haven't used for anything heavy other than hauling 1/2 yd soil or mulch)

First question is should I still be able to handle a 1000-1500 lb load with one leaf broken on one side? Need to move some soil ASAP.

Has anyone been able to get these replaced by Toyota under recall, free, discounted, etc?

If not, what is a reasonable cost at a shop? Was quoted ~$414 with tax for one leaf + labor.

Finally, how hard is this to do yourself? I have a lot of experience on cars (suspension and engine building) none on trucks, so I've never dealt with a leaf spring. Seems straightforward - is this an easy afternoon job? And for a basic all-purpose replacement, any top choices?

Thanks for any help!

-Colin

[Sean]

I guess you don't have much experience on older cars, because they mostly had leafs.
That price is highway robbery. I would get a complete spring from the local junk yard and do it myself. IF you spray down all the spring bolts with a good penatrating oil the night before, it should only take you a couple hours to change out at most.
Basically you are going to lift he back of your truck and block it off at the frame. Then use a floor jack to support the diff. Loosen all the bolts connecting the spring the spring pad on the axle housing. The dissconnect the spring at the shackle and at the front mount.
If you want to use your old leaf pack, then you will have to disassemble it by removing the pin in the center which is held on by a nut. Disassemble both spring packs and put you spring back together replacing the broken spring with its respective counter part from the junk yard pack. Then its just reassembling it and you are done.

[cbrodsky]

Yea, my old cars are a '73 Ambassador and '63 Rambler - both coil rears, so never pulled a leaf apart before! (and super easy to change!)

So sounds like my hunch is right - not terribly hard if you get past the rust.

Anyone ever try the following:
www.wheelersoffroad.com/tacoleafs.htm

I wouldn't mind paying a little extra for new aftermarkets if they're good...

Also, how urgent a fix should I consider this, and do you think the truck can still handle a ~1200 lb. load with one of the leaves bad on one side? (have to move a couple 1/2 yd loads of soil)

Thanks,
Colin

[Sean]

I'm a dodge guy so everything old I have worked on had leafs.
I have a friend who drove his jeep commanche with a broken leaf for about a year. I know he hauled a load of soil for me during that time.