Icon setup questons 2015 Tacoma

Hi All,
I recently had a Stage 3 Icon Kit (with tubular UCA) installed on my 2015 Tacoma. The lift includes the Icon AAL which I read is supposed to replace the load bearing leaf. The shop left the load bearing leaf saying that most people prefer it left there because without it the rear sags too bad when towing. I find the ride to be a bit rough and am wondering if I should have them remove the load bearing leaf. I do tow a 1500lb rzr several times a year (on a 6x10 flat bed trailer) so dont want the rear to be bottoming out while I'm towing. What do you guys think? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

For extra info, I also had 285/70R17 Toyo Open County R/Ts and ProComp 5034 Rockwell wheels installed. The truck is otherwise completely stock.
Regarding how the front is setup: the front shocks were left at the height they came from the factory (looks about middle) so currenty the back sits higher (I hate this) - to fix the rake the shop will raise the front up a bit, but I'm thinking if pulling the load bearing leaf will make the truck ride better and level it out without adjusting the front then I might not raise the front might keep the ride less stiff.

What do you guys recommend?

 

Remove the overload leaf and the truck will sit level and ride like a dream. Your towing will be fine as I'm sure your trailer set-up doesn't have enough tongue weight to overload the rear suspension without the OL leaf. I have mine set with the same config

 

You may need to run a lower tire pressure too. Toyos have pretty stiff sidewalls.

 

The overload leaf will actually influence uptravel more than you think. The leafs don't have to be flatted out before it comes into play. I can explain further, but won't bother for now.

As for the Icons running stiff, I actually remember them being valved pretty much spot on as far as quality of ride goes, but I can always confirm by taking a trip over to a friends house who has both the 5100 and Icons available for a simple manual compression test. If I follow through on this I'll report back my findings.


OP,
I'd say ditch the overload and run a longer more forgiving bump stop like the Timbrens. The bumps will cover you when towing and with the overload gone you should feel an improvement in the ride.

 

I removed the overload when I installed the Icon AAL, and the ride is stiff. However, when I hook up my 4000 pound camping trailer the rear drops less than an inch.

 

Isnt it to be expected that your ride gets stiffer when you add leafs (resistance) to the suspension? My rear is stiffer now with the 3 leaf aal than stock but it feels fine on and offroad and handles a load no problem. I took out the overload leaf and am happy that way.