Another TOYTEC KIT kit thread...

So I've searched quite a bit and have hopefully narrowed my questions to a few specific ones.

Background for Questions:
I will be putting a full suspension lift kit on a 2014 DC. Up front, I will have a CBI Moab bumper + Warn M8000-s winch( So say 160 pounds). In back, a cab-height Leer topper (Say 200 pounds). I will be rolling on 265/75r16 duratracs. I want to avoid rake if possible. I occasionally pull a 5x10 utility trailer or pop-up. I drive Very (with a capital V) rough Colorado forest service roads summer and fall, but I don't drive "trails." I take the offroading slowly, and I'm in 4-Low quite a bit.


What I Know:
I have decided on toytec's ultimate lift kit with radflo front coil-overs. Extended travel, heavier (650#) coils, and Light Racing UCA's. The kit comes with the toytec 2" add-a-leafs.
Link:http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Ultimate-lift-package-with-Radflo-front-coilovers_p_263.html

The Two Main Questions:
#1: Considering the topper, should I upgrade to the Dakar Leaf Pac? I'd like to keep the ride softer if possible, but I'll be setting my front coils to 2.5" or so.

#2: Given the information above, is there a good reason to spring for (ha!) the 2.5" shock body instead of the standard 2"? I'd like to avoid this if possible, and save the $210.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to yet another suspension thread.

Oh-and I'll definitely post pics of the process!

 

well it seems like you would be fine with the AAL.

 

Thanks-

Anybody with specific experience of add-a-leaf and topper? Will the 200# topper drop the rear at all? I'f I'm going up 2.5" in the front, how far up to i need to go in the back to level the truck out?

 

I wouldn't go more that 1.5" because you'll end up with that factory rake look. 2.5" up front and 1.5" in back with a topper should be just fine.

 

I'm currently debating the rear setup for my truck. One of the more popular suppliers on this forum advised me against the Dakar spring pack for carrying weight or pulling a trailer, as they claim it has a lower weight rating than stock (they do sell the Dakar). Their claim was that an AAL and air bag system was a better option. This is thoroughly confusing - good luck!

BTW, I'm just up the road in Avon.

 

Thanks chasebrooks14-- I'm definitely trying to avoid rake.

I noticed in your profile that you're from Jefferson Ga--I was born and raised in Athens.

wow- I had no idea that factory was higher weight rated than the ome dakars! I currently have OME suspension on my old '01 singlecab, and it is stout (maybe too stout). I've heard good things about the airbags, I just don't have anything heavy enough to really need them. Keep us posted on what you decide on.

Skisailbike, I teach school in Edwards, so I'm up that way a lot--what does your truck look like?

 

really? that's awesome! im down in Athens a lot!

 

chasebrooks14...yeah, Athens is a great town. I'm glad I get to come back every year and visit family.

skisailbike... your truck sounds nice--a twin of the one I'm buying. Did you get the new, darker "silver sky" color, or the "silver streak?"

I drive a faithful, green, dirty, beat-up '01 singlecab with an aluminum topper, arb bumper and black wheels. It's always parked at Berry Creek Middle School. I'm selling it in February when I buy the new one, but I'll sure miss it.

 

Is that true, the DAKARS have a lower rating than stock? I don't see how.

I have loaded up my bed with 300#s numerous times and I don't see a drop. I've even measured and with roughly 300#'s in the bed it drops just a tad over 1/4 of an inch. Personally the DAKARS are a strong ass leaf pack. If you want very stiff, go with the expo leafs. A friend of mine has them and he has a Camper shell on his bed (actual camper folds out). That thing weighs over 400#s alone. With the bed packed with gear he's sitting level.

 

^^^^This was my original impression of the Dakars...

 

Based on tons of research, I'd never doubted that Dakars are more stout than stock until the shop employee brought it up. The feedback I'm getting in a separate post is similar - go with the Dakars.

 

Anybody with a 2nd gen & topper happy with the toytec Add-A-Leaf??

Anybody running the 2.5" diameter Radflos?

 

I got a 2014, so its the new silver. I like it a lot, seems to have a little blue in it...

Ordered my new suspension today, with the Dakars. I'll let you know what I think when I get it installed in a few weeks.

 

Excellent-- ^^^Pics!!

Yeah, I really like the new silver too.

 

So--

On the radflos,
Is the 2.5" diameter shock body worth the $210 more it would cost over the standard 2"? Since I'm spending $2,000 on this lift, I'm ok with spending a little more, but only if there's a real difference. There should be, considering that's a 25% increase in diameter.

 

I've seen the 2.0 Radflos and comparing them to my Icons I would get he 2.5s any day. The 2.0s just seem a little small

 

Thanks Mitch.

Like Skisailbike, I decided to take advantage of the Black Friday sale. I ended up getting the Ultimate kit with:

Radflo 2.5" shock body, extended travel
650# coils
LR UCA's
Bilstein 5100 rear shocks
Dakar leaf pack

The kit wasn't cheap! $2200 out the door, but I think it is a quality set-up.
As soon as I buy the truck I'll post some before and afters!

 

So far, I love the setup I installed. The coilovers came pre-set for 2.5 inches, I dialed them down a little bit because I thought they ran a little high. With the dakars in the rear, I got AT LEAST 2.5," probably closer to 3." The topper I have ordered should help a little there.

On road, the ride feels as smooth as stock.

I haven't had a chance to really offroad them, but on snowpacked forest service roads they soak up the bumps really well.

The tires are 265/75r16's