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3 Leaf AAL vs 1 Leaf AAL for 1.5" lift in rear?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by CurboCycles, Sep 12, 2011.

  1. Sep 12, 2011 at 2:52 PM
    #1
    CurboCycles

    CurboCycles [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've got 2.5 Icon coilovers on the front of my DC TRD OR PreRunner. Rear is stock. Right now the truck is 1.5" higher in the front and I'd like to improve the rear suspension and even it out (get rid of the squat/bro lean).

    I'm looking at getting the Fab Tech AAL for $70 which is just one spring per rear wheel, or the Icon 3 leaf AAL for $180. I'll put 5100s along with whichever AAL i choose.

    Can i get your advice on whether I really need to spend the extra money for a 3 leaf AAL? Does the 1 leaf improve ride/suspension at all or just provide height? Is most of the suspension in the rear based on your quality of shocks or leaf springs? I'm on a budget so the less I can spend the better, but also want to make sure I make the right decision here.
     
  2. Sep 12, 2011 at 5:31 PM
    #2
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    The 3-leaf AAL rides great! You don't feel like you have an AAL in the rear at all. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking. It does come with new U-bolts and centering pins which is part of the reason why it's more money. In my opinion, it's well worth the money and I'd definitely buy it again.

    Also, if you off road your truck, the 5100's aren't necessarily the best option. They're a short shock, check out the thread below about the cautions of using 5100's for a lifted rear. (Personally, I have 5100's and that 3-leaf progressive AAL without any problems but I'm mostly on pavement).
    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/167652-busted-my-5100-a.html
     
  3. Sep 12, 2011 at 9:50 PM
    #3
    CurboCycles

    CurboCycles [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Pugga thx for the info and link. the link doesn't seem to answer the q whether or not the longer 5100s are good for a 2" lift. I've thought about the new icon v.s. 2.0 shocks but don't know how well they fit.

    Can anyone else weigh in on the benefit of a 3 leaf aal vs 1 leaf? Or how well billys work on a 1.5" lift in the rear?
     
    Fish Taco 4x4 likes this.
  4. Sep 12, 2011 at 9:52 PM
    #4
    S.B.

    S.B. Well-Known Member

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    I love my 3-leaf that I got from Wheelers! It rides great and still add height and helps with weight in the bed.

    I think they were $150 from wheelers
     
  5. Sep 12, 2011 at 11:45 PM
    #5
    extremachn1

    extremachn1 I am an asshole, deal with it!

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    I have the 4 leaf TSB with the Toytec AAL w/ 5100's and I love the ride and wheel the piss out of it and its great.

    That being said, I am replacing them with the ALLPRO Expidition leafs and Fox 2.0 shocks for even more clearance, flex, and load capability while offroad.
     
  6. Sep 13, 2011 at 5:08 AM
    #6
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    There was a lot of controversy in that thread about whether the 5100's were appropriate for a lifted rear. Technically they can top out and you can blow out the shock. That being said, a lot of people are running 5100's with a lifted rear and not having any issues. I was just trying to give you the link in case you hadn't heard there could be a potential problem. Good luck with the set-up!
     
  7. Sep 13, 2011 at 6:45 PM
    #7
    06TXED

    06TXED Well-Known Member

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    No brainer I have the wheelers 3-leaf AAL get it and don't look back!!
     
  8. Sep 13, 2011 at 6:58 PM
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    Sublime

    Sublime Well-Known Member

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    The 3 leaf without the overload will be the smoothest riding aal you can get......best you can do without replacing the whole pack. There's a reason its included in the Icon package. I ran the 5100s and they were fine, I have longer 5125s now for more droop but they will be ok! If you have the budget get the re-buildable icons for the rear. You'll be getting as much travel in the rear as up front 10" or so!
     
  9. Sep 14, 2011 at 7:07 PM
    #9
    danteisme

    danteisme Well-Known Member

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    is there any downside to running the 3 leaf aal without the overload spring?
     
  10. Sep 14, 2011 at 9:14 PM
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    Sublime

    Sublime Well-Known Member

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    Can't tow as much weight but I've been able to load the truck up pretty heavy and its been fine! It's more for flex and a smoother offroad ride!
     
  11. Jan 12, 2015 at 9:48 AM
    #11
    TucTaco520

    TucTaco520 Well-Known Member

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    How much towing/payload loss do you get from removing the overload leaf and just running the 1.5" 3 leaf aal?

    Also, wouldn't 10 or 12 inch 5100's work better for lifted rears than the regular ones?
     
  12. Jan 12, 2015 at 9:54 AM
    #12
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Payload and towing capacity can't be changed from what the factory specs are. There is a lot more that goes into it than just the springs. That being said, the 3-leaf AAL carries weight pretty well but you should still stick to the factory ratings.

    As for longer shocks, that depends. If you go with longer shocks, it may mean you'll need to swap other stuff out as well such as the brake lines and bump stops. If you stick with stock length shocks, the shocks will still be the droop limiter but your stock bumps and brake lines will function as they should. For mild off roading or on road use, stock shocks with the slight lift work fine.
     
  13. Jan 12, 2015 at 1:30 PM
    #13
    TucTaco520

    TucTaco520 Well-Known Member

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    Very interesting, thanks for the reply.

    As far as towing is concerned, I would like to still tow two polaris 700 utility quads maybe once a year. It does it now no problem...I'm worried taking the overload leaf out will not allow for that. Any thoughts?

    I always thought adding longer shocks in the rear just preloaded them a little so they wouldn't top out (I'm still very much a noob with suspensions). If I plan to install the 1.5" wheelers AAL, what should I go with shock-wise so I don't kill it when doing some moderate offroading without lifting it even more?
     
  14. Jan 16, 2015 at 4:59 AM
    #14
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    If you're concerned, you can always just leave the overload leaf in place. I bought the Icon 3-leaf AAL and did just that. For everyday driving, the overload leaf is just basically a 1/2" spacer. When you tow or load up, that's when it comes into play and will help out the leaf pack. Wheeler's used to sell an HD version of the 3-leaf AAL that might be a better option if you tow and want to remove the overload.

    The removal of the overload leaf is for additional flex off road. Without the overload, you can more easily articulate the rear end which keeps your tires on the ground when going over obstacles. If that's not a concern for you, just keep it in there and you'll gain about 2" of lift instead of 1-1/2 but will be better set up for towing.

    Rear shocks do not carry the weight of the truck so longer shocks do nothing for lift. They only dampen the ride. If you go with too long of a shock, and the shock bottoms out before hit the bump stops, the shock will not absorb the impact and it will break. Standard length 5100's will work just fine for a stock leaf pack and the 3-leaf AAL. That's what I ran for years and it was a nice setup.
     
  15. Jan 25, 2015 at 10:26 AM
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    TucTaco520

    TucTaco520 Well-Known Member

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    Is it ok to add the pack, and take the overload out without the tsb done?
     
  16. Jan 25, 2015 at 10:40 AM
    #16
    williams63

    williams63 Well-Known Member

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    I have the wheelers hd 3 leaf pack and left the overload in and rides fine. gave me about 2" of lift in the back. do you have any plans for the front?
     
  17. Jan 25, 2015 at 10:43 AM
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    williams63

    williams63 Well-Known Member

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  18. Jan 25, 2015 at 10:57 AM
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    StuckinOhio

    StuckinOhio Well-Known Member

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    I recently installed icon's 3-leaf 1.5" AAL
    I removed the overload leaf. gave me about 1.75" lift (no tsb)
    The ride is smoother
    Entire leaf pack seems to flex more.
    It actually looks like I have + arch in my leaf pack (stock pack looks flat as a board)
    my axle seems to stay planted better while accel. around turns.
    I upgraded my rear shocks a year ago to Icon 2.0 but dragged my feet on actually lifting my truck
    Summary- my rear shocks made a more noticeable difference on ride quality compared to the 3-leaf AAL, but the leaf pack was definitely an improvement over stock.
     
  19. Jan 26, 2015 at 8:10 AM
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    TucTaco520

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    I just installed 5100s and put them at the highest setting. Still have the factory coils though. I think Light Racing UCA's and some OME 885's are next. Ultimately I want to get some 285/75x16's in there, still have around 40% tread of the factory size tires.
     
  20. Jan 28, 2015 at 2:45 AM
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    ThatguyJZ

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