OME Dakars with AAL or All-Pro Expo Leafs?

I've heard good things about both and both give about the same height lift.

I'm trying to decide which are best for my application. They will be paired with Icon 2.0 remote resi shocks.

I regularly carry my 200 pound hard shell, a 130 pound bumper with a 100 pound spare and about 100 pounds of gear in the bed. When I camp, there is a 100 pound RTT on top of the shell and about 200 more pounds of supplies in the bed.

I know this question has been asked before but most of the ones I've seen have been years ago and I know that both have improved their product since.

Thanks for the help in advance. Help me save my truck from this bro lean...

 

I say Dakar with AAL.

 

Do you have those?

 

Sounds like you are always carrying a load. So dakars are better for that.

 

No I made a custom pack with chevy leafs. Dakars have a great reputation with 300+ in the bed and with the AAL you will be golden considering the extra weight when camping.

 

Yeah that's what I've heard. I like the fact that they have overload springs.

 

I have the same setup you are going too....dakars with aal and icon 2.0 rr shocks.

Also carry about the same as you....shell, steel bumper, full size spare, ect. Rtt and camping stuff.

The ride is nice. Without the aal I did sage a bit fully loaded but not that bad. With the aal I do t notice any sag fully loaded for camping.

The nice thing is it doesn't feel like it rides different loaded vs unloaded.

My only complaint....Well two complaints...is the finish sucks on them. Mine had rust forming after just a couple months (light rust mind you). Plus the finish wears off in contact points. The second is the "Dakar squeek" which seems hit or miss if it's an issue. But mine squeeked bad. But there are fixes for it that are cheap in a thread on this site.

But if you buy the dakars and aal seperatly it's hardly an issue. You have to take the lead pack apart for the aal anyways so while it is apart just paint it with better paint, apply some lube, I did the zip tie method for the squeek, and then reassemble and install. Adds an extra day for the paint to dry but actual work is maybe 30 minutes.

Don't let that scare you though...I love the dakars and icons. Ride is nice and smooth

 

One of the things that made me consider all pro is the Dakars finish and squeak. I've heard that all pros are nice and quiet and they look to be finished nicely. Every set of Dakars I've seen is super rusty.

Do you feel that your shocks work well with that? People have told me they are too short but the seller said that he custom ordered them so that they will work with Dakars so I assume they would work with either as their lift is .5" different.

 

Yeah i highly recommend taking them apart, removing any "shipping rust" and repainting them. I used Rust-Oleum Rust reformer spray paint which i am liking more and more. Used it on the leaf springs, LCA's, rear axle, frame, everything pretty much and it is holding up quite well. Doing it is quick and easy if you do it before installing them. Same goes for the "anti squeek" fixes. Doing it all while the pack is apart is not much work at all.

i cant speak for the all pro's though since ive never seen them or anything. THe finish on the dakars seems to be common...the squeek is hit or miss. Mine squeeked BAD, but northwesttaco's didnt (from what i remember) and nor did a couple other guys i know.

As for the shocks....Icon used to only offer a stock length shock. So you had to order a "custom" length for lifted applications. I put custom in quotes cause yes it was custom and not off the shelf but at the same time Icon knew the length pretty well as it was commonly ordered. So if he custom ordered them to work with the dakars they are the same as the version Icon now sells that they advertise for "2-3 of lift"'.

I like the Icons with the Dakars. Its a nice ride. How does it compare to a fox/king shock...no clue but im happy with the icons

 

We may be a little biased but the All-Pro Expo Springs would be perfect for your setup! Our springs are already set to carry that kind of weight without having to add a leaf. If you want more information about them please give us a call, we'd love to earn your business!

 

I have your AAL and really like it! I've been emailing you back and forth earlier today. Thanks for the input and I think right now I'm leaning pretty heavily toward you guys!

-Matt