Selecting a mild lift (TRD Baja TX Pro + Icon AAL)

No. But the kit does comes with rear brake line extension brackets for the hard lines to allow for more droop.

 

In the Baja kit there is one small line extender bracket (not the block), does anyone know which line it's for?

 

Yes, it replaces the bracket under the driver side leaf.

 

One of the most sensible builds on here IMHO.

Do you go off road with this setup much? Ever wish you had a larger lift and/or 33s?

 

Thanks, I try for everything in moderation, to keep everything functioning as if it could be stock.

I go on a few multi-day 70-80 mile off road trips a year in the mountains in the PNW. Some rock crawling, hill climbs/descents, tight technical trails in the trees, lots of sharp volcanic rock. The truck handles it all well. On some rutted trails the softer springs on the Pro would probably be a little smoother, but everywhere else the truck excels, and since it is a daily driver I prefer the stiffer front coils.

IMO you should only lift the minimum amount needed, not higher. A lower COG and better suspension geometry will handle better and be more stable in off camber situations on the trail. I do plan on eliminating the poorly designed exhaust crossover which will gain a little more clearance, but the truck does everything I need it to do now on the trail, so I don't need to go higher. I also did not want the mpg or performance penalty of 33s or having to cut my cab mount, or the other headaches from a taller lift.

Going to 2.5" and 33s only gains you 1" of ground clearance, for significant drawbacks. IMO if that 1" is make or break on a trail, you really should be spending money on armor instead.

 

you said that you wish you installed the spacers in the front for alittle higher lift. If i did that do you think there would be any issues with the upper control arm?

 

Nice Build. Think this is very similar to what I want to do myself.

 

I would consider adding 1/4" spacers if I were to do it again, just for looks. If you did that you should be ok. Running 1/2" spacers starts nearing the needing UCAs territory at 2.5" as well as adding spring preload. I'm happy with the outcome. You might actually get a little more front lift than I without the 70lb supercharger and being a little lighter with the access cab.

 

@crashnburn80
I too am running the Icon AAL with my stock OR leaf pack. It appears that the factory plastic inserts in the leaf pack clamps are starting to give out and half of one is missing completely. Do I need to be concerned about this? Have you experienced the same thing? These are on the drivers side. Passenger side is fine so far.

 

you are fine without the plastic things. those clamps are only there for manufacturing, you could technically take them off and run them without much issue.

 

Not that I am aware of, but my truck is a few years newer. Shouldn't be an issue running without them, if anything they would prevent occasional metal to metal contact. Did you cut the OEM clamp for the AAL install? I didn't but apparently there was an earlier version of the AAL that required it.

 

Thanks for the replies and the reassurance. No clamps cut; all there from the factory. There has been a little bit of mission creep in the kinds of trails I've been running lately so I try to keep a close eye on things. Thanks again!

 

I am getting an Icon 3 leaf AAL installed on my baby next week. I am loving my truck so far, but want a little bit of rake. So stoked based on the pics and info you guys have posted!!

 

It will really help dial in the rear to better match the front springs. Are you having a shop do it, or DIY? It is a very straight forward install. If you can change your brakes, you should be able to install the AAL.

 

Not sure if anyone has said it yet, but any progressive add a leaf will DECREASE carrying capacity in the rear

 

Actually Icon states otherwise, though that is debatable. You can leave the overloads in and increase the capacity over stock.

With my overloads removed and the AAL the truck manages moderate weight in the rear much better than it did stock, but I have not loaded to capacity.

 

I talked to Icon. If you don't believe Icon or myself, put a load in your bed for a little while and see. Maybe if you don't pull the overload, but that's why I decided to go full leaf pack. That progressive add a leaf is designed to ride smoother, which is why the weight capacity is reduced.

 

I'm not disagreeing. Removing the overload will cause the springs to compress easier when heavily loaded, however you can leave the overload in and increase the capacity. When not heavily loaded the truck manages bed weight better though with less squat and roll. I didn't buy the AAL though for increasing max capacity, i bought it for mild lift and improved performance.

In another thread there was a post showing they stated increased capacity, which most disagreed with. It may have been the Toytec version, though they are all the same.

 

ToyTec/Icon/Wheeler's etc etc all use the same spring manufacturer for the 3 leaf AALs.

They're literally the exact same product with different stickers and different prices. Confirmed.

 

My experience with the stock springs had me hitting the bumpstops on pavement with no load in the bed and two passengers in the back seat. Icon AAL (with no factory overload) corrected that nicely. All that said, Dakars are now on my shopping list.