Spring or Coil Over Recommendation

I would prefer a coil over based on what I have read in the threads in that they provide a better ride quality, but if I can't find what I'm looking for in a coil over, I would want a spring/shock combo although I really do not want to pre-load the springs, again for ride quality.

I am not a wheeler. This truck is my DD and I do a fair amount of towing (4,000lb boat trailer) in the summer. I'm going to be replacing my rear leaf pack which is flatter than Kansas. I am leaning towards the Wheeler's HD with a leaf removed. I understand that should give somewhere between 1-1.5" inches in the rear. I would probably replace my stock shocks with 5100's.

I would like to level out the truck and keep to 2" or less. This should match the rear with a new leaf pack. I want a progressive spring with a rate somewhere around 550.

Can anyone recommend a coil over or spring/shock combo to meet these requirements?

Thanks guys!

 

One of is a little confused. The front suspension is a Coil over shock design. You might want to look towards Eibach coils with Bilstein 5100 shocks. Yes those are adjustable (adjustable spring perch to preload spring) but you can leave them at 0. For the rear Wheelers Offroad/Icon has a 1.5" 3 leaf progressive AAL.

 

I wasn't confident in adding an AAL to a leaf pack that appears to be spent, or very near spent. I was thinking if I'm going to take them out to AAL, why not replace them?

What I meant was replacing the existing spring/shock with a unified coil over vs. replacing the spring and shock separately.

 

You mean having a matched pair like Fox or King? You're still choosing them separately based on your needs. Most companies will assemble them for you before shipping if that's what you are worried about.

 

Can you recommend a front spring with a rate around 550?

 

From another site.

 

The OME 884, and 885 are 590lb/in. Lowest you are going to find for the front coils.

 

What's your budget like for the front end alone? Since you mention you won't be off roading, I don't think spending the money on Icon, King of Fox coilovers would be a worthwhile investment. As mentioned above, stock coils are 540 #/in and the only ones that are progressive are the TRD Off Road coils. I'm not sure which of the aftermarket coils are progressive rate.

Eibach coils on 5100's set at 0 would lift the front end of a V6 4x4 Tacoma about 1.5" but they have a spring rate of 620. OME 883 coils would run about the same lift and have a spring rate of 590ish. 884 and 885 coils have the same rate but are 1/2" taller so 884's would lift you about 2", 885's would lift you about 2.5" roughly. OME coils can be paired with 5100s also.

 

I haven't set a budget outside of common sense considering I'm not a wheeler. This is mostly because my current setup is needing replacement and I would like to beef up the wheel/tire setup from stock. I'm thinking $1,000 front and rear combined knowing that the Wheeler LP will be going in the rear.
I was thinking progressive would be better given that most coils are rated over 600#. With the OME's maybe that's not necessary. I wouldn't mind a coil that's stiffer than stock I just don't want to rattle my teeth out on the way to work every day.
I do want to keep it under 2" for simplicity, cost and alignment reasons. If there was a chance that the 884's would put me over 2" I would go with the 883's but 884's seem like a safe bet.
Do I need the adjustability of the 5100's in the front where I am changing the LP and don't really know where that will put me for lift?
I'm also assuming either shock choice can be assembled with the coil prior to shipping which from feedback seems like money well spent.

 

OME Coils Spring Rate
05-13 Tacoma 1.6″ lift
620LB coils will support additional weight without sagging

Heavy duty struts such as Bilstein 5100 or Old Man Emu Nitrocharger are recommended with these coils.

 

I didn't realize you were a Prerunner, the lift numbers I gave you were for 4x4 since they are a bit heavier. 884's will likely put you right at, if not a touch over 2" of lift. You can get short top plates with 883's to give you some level of adjustability with your lift.

5100's aren't required with OME coils, you can use them on OME's nitrocharger shocks if you wish. Just throwing it out there that it's an option.

Another option, since you're replacing everything, is the Ironman lift kit. It's similar to OME but provides 2" of lift. BostonBilly is a local member who recently installed this kit and seems to really like it (I've seen it in person and it looks great, still able to get the truck aligned properly and comes with a replacement leaf pack that's heavier than stock). Sierra Expeditions sells this kit but I believe it's just over the $1,000 mark you were looking to hit. It does come with new shocks all around, new coils and a new leaf pack though.

 

Yes to both, 884 is a safe bet if you don't add much weight to the front. You should be fine with alignment after the 884 or even 885 coils but you may want to look at UCAs just for some extra feel good. Most shock and coil configs can be assembled and then shipped (If bought from the same vendor).

 

My truck is 4x4.....TRD Sport Dbl Cab

 

The Ironman kit would be a good option. $880

Could also do the for $1140. Just let them know you want 884 coils and assembled.

*Prices are for complete lift front and rear.

 

That Wheeler's pack has Dakar LP. From what I have been reading, wouldn't that LP provide too much lift in the rear?

 

I believe you can have them match it to the front, talk to YotaDan or call wheelers offroad.

 

With a V6 double cab - I think you'll be happy with OME 884 springs and shocks in the front for your application. On my single cab, I found 885 springs to be a bit harsh and didn't leave enough downtravel for comfort until I swapped out the UCAs and added extra weight in the form of various pieces of armor and off-roading gear.

Folks do sometimes remove leaves from the Dakar leaf pack in the rear. I'd recommend just calling up Wheeler's and talking to Dan who's already posted in this thread to help you out to hammer everything out.

 

Thanks guys. I spoke to Dan and he was very helpful. Just looking for opinions and feedback from guys who are running the setups. I've narrowed it down to two options and the last remaining decision I have is really 5100's vs the OME shocks if I go the 884 route.

 

Personally OME with OME.

 

Not doing heavy off road use? Go ahead and pick the 5100s - they're less expensive.

On TW, the only documented difference is the rate of fade damping loss in protracted relatively high-speed off-road conditions (e.g. driving 35mph all day on washboarded roads in death valley -- the OME shocks hold up better in these conditions.)

There may be minor differences in "feel" on road but you'd have to do a blind test to be able to identify it.

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