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Perplexed by my rear ride height decrease (Wheeler's AAL)

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by BenWA, Sep 28, 2011.

  1. Sep 28, 2011 at 5:02 AM
    #1
    BenWA

    BenWA [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've had a Wheelers 1.5" 3-leaf AAL in back for about a year now -- I love em and they ride great. I had my front 5100s set at 1.75" lift, and I liked the nose-low negative rake with that configuration. The rear sat about 1.5" higher than the front.

    Then recently I increased my front to 2.5" and put my overload leafs back on with my Wheelers AAL's. The overload leafs are a little more than 1/2" thick, so I figured it would increase my rear ride height by that much.....buuuut now my rear and front ride heights are almost level relative to one another :confused: My rear sits *maybe* 1/2" higher than my front. What the heck? Did my rear springs/AAL's suddenly sag after I put my overloads back on??? Doesn't make any sense.

    If my rear shocks are blown, would that cause my rear to sag? That's the only thing I can think of. I'm running 5100's in back, which I know I'm not supposed to do with 2" of lift, so it's possible I blew my shocks. But I think if they were blown it would be more obvious in how it rides.

    Any thoughts?

    Here's a before pic with just the AAL's (no overload leafs) and front at 1.75" -- definite nose low:

    014_1d3142033c2f4f602c5e1bccc2cc6b7ac08312c2.jpg


    And an after with the 1/2" thick overload leafs added and the front raised to 2.5" -- looks pretty much level compared to before pic:

    DSCF1327_7c0d7e6c326d636b7a531ba9383df2330b58d403.jpg

    I realize in the second pic it's parked on uneven ground but it looks exactly the same when it's parked on level pavement. WTF is up???
     
  2. Sep 28, 2011 at 5:14 AM
    #2
    malander

    malander Well-Known Member

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    So the front is set at 2.5 and the rear is a 1.5" leaf pack with a .5" thick overload? So 2.5 in the front and 2.0 in the back..sounds like it should be level if not slightly raked. Even with the stock rake the wheelers leafs are progressive right? Tow anything lately?
     
  3. Sep 28, 2011 at 5:31 AM
    #3
    MAXTacoma

    MAXTacoma Well-Known Member

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    From my experience with an AAL they gradualy lose strength over time. I had the same set up. AAL in the rear, front 5100's set at 1.75. Had a light forward rake for about 6 months. Then the AAL lost all strenght and I was bottoming out againand had a slight rear rake. You leaf pack might be shot so it might be time for a whole new leaf pack. OME Dakar is what I replaced mine with, and I couldn't be happier. Its a 7 leaf pack and super strong. I can load just about anything I want to in the back and it doesn't bottom out.
     
  4. Sep 28, 2011 at 11:12 AM
    #4
    Sublime

    Sublime Well-Known Member

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    How did adding the overload back in change the feel? I'm thinking of doing the same! You should still have a rake but I think it looks good leveled! I like the leveled look or slight rake, not the larger factory rake!
     
  5. Oct 5, 2011 at 5:12 PM
    #5
    socal4x

    socal4x Well-Known Member

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    I'm thinking about it too. Sub'd
     
  6. Oct 5, 2011 at 5:26 PM
    #6
    Sublime

    Sublime Well-Known Member

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    Talked to Johnny at Wheelers and he said they keep the overload in with that aal and it's fine. Uptravel will stiffen once the overload is engaged but down travel will stay flexey.....so should work! I'm getting new bumpstops and adding the overload back in soon so I'll report back with ride and height measurements, etc.

    BenWA, did you take any measurements? or just going by looks?
     
  7. Oct 5, 2011 at 5:45 PM
    #7
    rolltide05

    rolltide05 Active Member

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    I just done the Wheelers AAL with and without the overload and there is no differences at all in the ride quality. Height wise there was a .5" or so increase once I added the overload back in which is great. My front sits at 39.25" and the rear is right on 39.50".
     
  8. Oct 5, 2011 at 5:52 PM
    #8
    Sublime

    Sublime Well-Known Member

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    Ya, I really like mine other than the fact they softened up on me! 39.5" front sounds high.....Toytec's pre-set run like 4" lift. You may want to lower them so your CV's dont eat it. I ended up lowering mine to 38.5" running 285 MT's. I know that's pretty close to 3" as I had a 2.5" spacer and that sat at 38". They will ride way smoother at 3" with removed sway bar!

    I posted I want to see pics in your other thread!
     
  9. Oct 5, 2011 at 6:17 PM
    #9
    rolltide05

    rolltide05 Active Member

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    No front sits 39.25 at most in front but I want to lower them but after the first time trying to adjust them I said screw it all after 2hrs. my CV angles really do not look bad and arent squished together.
     
  10. Oct 5, 2011 at 6:22 PM
    #10
    Sublime

    Sublime Well-Known Member

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    Did you have the tires removed and front lifted? Mine were super easy. Just get the small one lined up and resting against something and use the larger one to spin it. It's a lot easier before dirt and grime gets in there. Good luck, truck looks great!
     
  11. Oct 6, 2011 at 9:45 AM
    #11
    brian

    brian Another Traitor

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    I had a similar issue with different equipment. Its really strange. I'm still considering installing another inch in my rear. I have a little reverse rake.

    FYI shocks have nothing to do with ride height.
     

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