Functional job-related suspension upgrade input

I have a 225+ lb constant load and my Dakars are great. Do recommend unless you're not carrying weight. Then you might want to pull a leaf out of the full pack.

 

Unfortunately I was stuck at work (graveyard) and missed the deadline for the group buy. Bummer.

It's not a huge deal as I'm sure another group buy will come along. This thread did help me narrow down my choices to Icon or King, so that is a positive.

I'll do some more research on the leaf packs. Thanks for the feedback!

 

Yeah, I agree. I got a little over zealous with how "cool" the resis look installed on the Tacomas. The constant weight thing will be a problem since I don't haul nearly enough weight daily. Thanks for the input!

Good info! Thanks!

I don't have a cap and probably won't add one. I'll start looking at some alternative leaf packs or the standard all-pro. Thanks!

 

Honestly the a lot of people use the Dakar pack with no weight. Its a little stiff but I think its softens up after a bit. Could be wrong though. The all pro standard pack will probably suit your needs.

 

Sounds good. Thank you.

I have read that swapping out the stock bushings for poly relieves the "squeak." I'll probably look into that as well.

 

Why not get the icon 3 leaf AAL and new bumpstops instead of a full leaf pack ?

 

I don't believe the bushings are generally the culprits. But that is fine.

 

I'm not sure if a full leaf pack is necessary.

I run the following -

Front:
Icon 2.5 ET set at 2" of thread for 3" of lift / 650 lb. springs
LR UCA's
All Pro End Links
Sway Bar relocation bracket
Diff drop (thought I needed it)

Rear:
Icon 2.0 resi's
1" block
2" AAL (from Trail Gear)
Air Lift air bags (5 to 10 psi when not in use)

It also has about 200 lbs of armor on it.

The tires are MT ATZ P3's 285/70/17 with 36 psi in front and 42 psi in rear. I use my truck for commuting, carrying tools, and towing. It rides real smooth on the highway on empty load, but the tires are loud (wouldn't buy again for that reason), but they sure bull through anything. I simply add air to the bags when I haul the dump trailer or equipment float and tractor (Curt TriFlex brake controller). The end links prevent plowing under load.

I find that my suspension is a good compromise, as it performs well across a variety of terrain that is quite similar to what you travel, or will travel on. I couldn't justify a constantly stiff $600 rear spring pack, when $60 AAL's for lift for moderate loads, and a $200 adjustable air bag system for heavier loads better fit my needs. It is a Canadian TRD that comes with the 4 leaf pack, so now it has 5 leafs. It drove like a car when stock, but the ride now is definitely stiffer and like the work truck that it is used for, but not uncomfortable on long hauls.

I lurked around here for quite some time, read a lot and learned a little. I also pieced my suspension together from a lot of great deals (new/unused parts) from members here over the course of a year, then installed it all at once. Saved a small fortune that I spent on other mods, so did I really save?

I guess it depends on what you want to do with your truck, how and where you drive it, how anxious you are, and how much $$$ you're willing to spend.

 

Good question. I'll add this to my research.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am not in a rush and am willing to spend the money to do it right. I would rather buy once than want to upgrade in a year. Icon is still very high on my list. I'll keep looking into the AAL options as well.

Thanks again!

 

For a brand new truck I guess an aal would work

 

Know also that the ToyTec/Wheeler's Off-road/Icon progressive 3 leaf AALs are all manufactured by the same company and are then labeled, so if you go that route, buy whatever is the cheapest cost. Icon sticker adds $50 if I recall correctly.

 

I think you're right. Wheelers AAL had equally good reviews and is cheaper.

 

You could save money by not going with remote resi. And AAL
Could put that money towards some new tires. Not sure what you're running right now but tires will make the biggest improvement over stock.

 

It was confirmed by Wheeler's in another thread that was once a shit show because a member paid for Icon and received a Wheeler's, among other things.

Eventually it came out that they're all made by the same company (whose name I don't remember) and stickered for each brand. Everything was otherwise the same.

 

Good info! Thanks!

The only reason I considered the resis was for the group buy. My initial order was going to be for the non-resi Icons with Dakar leaf pack.

You must have read my mind about the tires. I am waiting on the next batch of SCS SR8s in October-ish then throwing on a set of Duratracs. I had the Duratracs on my Tundra and absolutely loved them. Got me over the Cascades and Siskiyou Pass multiple times without chains/cables in heavy snow without a hiccup.

 

Sounds like you're ready to order then. Icons up front and progressive AAL and new bumpstops out back. Then next month new wheels and tires just in time for the snow

 

Getting closer daily! Gotta get through the wedding anniversary before dropping cash on myself . You know... Just to be safe!

I have plenty of cash to fund my hobbies, but buying stuff for myself around birthdays and anniversaries is a bit awkward for me!

I digress...

Which bump stops are you guys running?

 

Running OEMs myself.

 

I don't have any in back. I have air bags. I hear great things about superbumps and timbren.

 

Ive heard alot of good from the wheelers super bumpers. thats what i would go with if i had the money.