Suspension Advice - 5100 with All Pro AAL not cutting it

I recently installed the 5100's all around at 2.5" with the 1.5 all pro leaf in the rear. It sat basically level and I'm pretty happy with the ride. I added an ARE CX cap on the back and it didn't really change anything much. Still sits basically level. About 1x or 2x a week I go whitewater kayaking and load up 3 buddies and their boats. I've noticed I'm constantly hitting the bump stops even over the smallest bumps.

So check my math:

Cap: 200lbs
4 riders: 600-700lbs
boats: 150-200lbs

So I'm calculating roughly 950 to 1100lbs to bottom out the suspension? Does that seem normal?? Last question is what should my next suspension mod be? I was thinking maybe add another leaf in the pack to help or going with some expedition springs. My problem is most expedition springs I've seen lift 3-4 inches and I don't want the back of my truck all jacked up when I don't have other passengers. Let me know what you think. If you made it this far in the post I appreciate you reading the whole thing!!!!!

 

If you like your hight and ride quality, just get some different bumpstops. Allpro and Wheelers sell different types.

 

And keep the factory overload leaf also.

 

x2. Running their 3-leaf and love the ride! Don't do much hauling with it though. I'll defer to others on how it handles loads.

 

It handles pretty good when loaded down. I kept the factory overload in there though. So far I've towed several times with it and it seemed to be a nice smooth ride. For comparison, I've got a TSB pack, the Icon 3-leaf AAL (similar to Wheeler's) with the factory overload still installed and 5100's in the rear and 5100's at 0 up front with Eibach coils. I have about a factory rake when unloaded (unloaded to me means an ARE MX shell, 3/4" plywood platform and some tools in the bed) and sat just about level, maybe a tiny bit of rake left with a 4,000 lb trailer attached.

 

I didnt use the overload leaf when i had that leaf pack. I wanted it for smoothness and it did great! the only hauling i did with it was my honda 400ex, so not much weight there.


look into firestone airbag kits.

 

Timbrens are always and option

 

I would suggest the timbern bumpstops for your setup.

There is no point in ditching our AAL for wheelers 3 leaf progressive as theres and ours come from the same manufacturer. A proper bumpstop setup will help your problem with the added weight.

Jason

 

I think I might add the factory overload into the setup too. I'd like it to be a little higher in the back and prefer it didn't hit the bump stops at all. Do you think that would do it?

 

x2, the only height you'll gain is the thickness of the leaf but it does keep it off the bump stops. The factory overload is 1/2" thick.

 

i'd put it back in, its free so why not?

 

That's what I'm thinking. Thanks for the advice.