Help with rear suspension

I'm going 2 inches up front (probably Fox) with matching rear shocks. I want to level, so I need 1 additional inch in the rear. Can I get Dakars and remove leafs to get the inch? What is my best option?

 

AAL then either remove or leave in the helper spring. That will level it. Several options for you.

I went with Billie 5100s with EMU 885 front springs (2"lift) + 5100s rear & Icon AAL here:
http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p95/Icon_1.5_Inch_Progressive_Add-a-leaf_-_51100.html

This has been a popular setup for some of us that want to do some wheeling and minor crawling and good for on road driving too. Step or 3 up from stock, a bit more clearance and comfortably sporty ride.

 

AAL will worsen the ride, but so will block and spacer lifts. Best option is to buy a new leaf pack...Dakars are noisy I've heard. Give wheeler offroad a call and try speaking with their sales guys, they're pretty knowledgeable and can point you in the right direction for your needs.

 

I thought about going with an AAL setup, but I have heard it is a pretty rough ride. I'm not necessarily set on a whole new leaf pack. I just want to do it right the first time. I don't haul heavy payloads, so removing the helper leaf wouldn't bother me. I commute for about two hours every day, so I want something that isn't going to rattle my kidneys loose on road, that will perform well off road when needed.

 

Why does Headstrong and many others suggest AALs for comfortable on-road driving?? Don't forget AALs with Billie 5100s.

 

Because they sell product and make money? I think it's tough to actually lift a vehicle for a budget and expect a more comfortable ride. AAL is obviously the cheaper option than buying an entire new leaf pack, so that's the attractive quality they provide. However, choosing the right new leaf pack for your use and application can be tricky as well from what I've seen and researched. Some sag too much, some will sit too high at first then they will settle in if you throw some weight in the back for a few weeks or so. Trial and error can get expensive.

 

Exactly! I'm not cutting corners on the rest of the suspension, so I want to make sure I'm "matching" the effort on the leafs as well. Again, I just want to do it right the first time.

 

I'm trying to help you OP - if you need honest answers from folks that do this for a living AND sell stuff I would think they know what they talk about. Vendors here so will be straight shooting honest.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/headstrong-off-road.193/

 

I know you're trying to help and I greatly appreciate it! I just talked to Marie @ Headstrong. She is awesome and answered a lot of my questions. Back to the drawing board again! I will be ordering everything from them for sure.

 

You done good there OP!

 

AAL will only be good for a year or so depending on how you use your truck. The stock leafs suck. All comes down to what you utilize the truck for. I'm assuming though you plan on doing a decent amount of wheeling if you are going with Fox shocks and coilovers.

 

It definitely wont be a mall crawler, but if I'm going to do any serious wheeling, I'll take my Rubicon. I wasn't planning on lifting it at all actually. I got new wheels and tires and I have a very slight rub at full lock going over bumps, so I'm only lifting it enough to make that go away. I just don't want to cheap out on the lift, so I will be buying good quality stuff. I have Fox on the Jeep and really like it, but I'm not married to that brand by any means.

 

Understood. Plenty of options depending on budget and what you're wanting to accomplish. If it won't be a mall crawler, then I definitely suggest skipping the AAL. Personally, I have Dakars awaiting install on my truck. BUT, I also tow, haul, and wheel a decent amount. Plus I have a bed rack and RTT on when needed. So I can get loaded down in the back fairly quickly...

You can always start out with an AAL in the beginning to buy you time if you want, since it's a cheap option. I did that when I swapped on my old man emu suspension. But I wasn't sure what I wanted to setup the rear with yet, so I did an AAL to buy me time to figure out what setup I wanted to do

 

Your 885's got you 2 inches? On Headstrongs website, they list the 885's @ 1.5 inches and the 887's @ 2. Just want to make sure, because I'm pretty sure this is the route I am going to go now after talking to Marie

 

I have an Icon progressive AAL on mine, without the helper. I pull a horse trailer, and its a pretty good set up so far. Its a TRD Pro on the front, which I think are Eibachs. The ride is very close to stock, but better. Certainly no less comfortable, and corners flat like a sports car. The lift is just under 2" and it sits level. Best of all it has the same high speed drivability that it had when it was new. Smooth as glass at high speed, which is why these trucks are so great. Off road capability with high speed capability with no shakes or wander.

 

Ok..With all the lift options out there, I'm having a really hard time deciding which direction to go. Now I'm looking at the full OME kit (887's) with Dakars. Any feedback/opinions on that kit? It really seems like a fully "matched" kit and I really like that aspect of it.