Four problems related to rear suspension leaf spring have been reported for the 1997 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Left rear leaf spring separated/causing left rear to sag.
I am the original owner of a 1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 lx. I have experienced suspension problems for the last 6 years. The rear leaf springs will not support the weight of the stock vehicle. I have tried several times to get Toyota to replace them with larger springs. Toyota has turned their back on me and several friends that have the same problem. I installed aftermarket helper springs and one of them broke as it was overloaded because of the weak factory springs. I now have a drivetrain noise because the driveshaft is at an improper angle due to the sag in the leaf springs.
Rear suspension and body of vehicle sags and driving and handling are negatively effected.
Consumer complains that rear leaf springs do not meet load specs as specified by manufacturer, causing vibration.