3rd gen 5100's w/ AAL

Install what you have, if you want more you can always swap them out to dakars. Ive never had an aal but i do love my leaf packs.

 

Couple of questions on this topic:

1. What percent of lifted gen3’s have had to replace the needle bearings?

2. With so many ways to lift the rears, what is the difference between AAL, leaf packs and whatever else there is?

 

As far as the 1st ? - I do not have an answer other than from what I have read, and that looks to be that a lot with a lift over 2.5" - 3" have done the needle bearing replacement from ECGS.

As far as the 2nd ?

REAR Lifts options:

First off you have:
Lift blocks:
These are blocks of metal that are placed under you rear leaf packs, on top of your axles. The kit includes the lift blocks and longer U-bolts. This is the most basic of the rear lifts and adds NO additional benefits other than height.

Add-A-Leafs
This type of lift consists of an additional Leaf spring that has an increased arc. They added lift by increasing the curve of your rear stock spring pack. They also allow added load capacity for hauling.

This is the instructions for the AAL rear install: Leaf Packs:
This type of rear lift is the high end of rear lifts.
Consists of a new multiple spring pack. Provides lift, a smoother spring rate. May add or decrease carrying capacity depending on the spring characteristics.

This rear lift is also fairly simple to do since they come pre-assembled. Simply R&R.

Taken from this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read-this.11282/

 

Excellent answer! Many thanks!

 

So what is the real difference between AAL and something like the Dekar Leaf Pack? Other than the $400 of course.

 

the process of disassembling your stock leaf pack and adding the extra leaf in.

 

Any difference in performance/ride/reliability? I'm about to place order myself for a lift kit and wondering if it's worth it to spend the extra money to get the Dakars.

 

I think you should look into this thread and the source provided in it.

We all want to save some $, and I guess, it all depends on what do we use our Tacos for, how we use them and how much are we willing on compromising over a few hundred.

 

OK cool. I'll probably just go with the AAL for now and then possibly upgrade in the future. Thanks for the help yall.

 

Headstrong kit. 888 set at mid point, AAL in the back, 255/85 ST MAXX, just over two inches increase not ncluding the tires.,

 

Great looking truck and exactly what I'm looking at getting. I was under the impression that the 888's would get you close to a 3" lift though.

 

Looks good. How do you like those 255? I was looking at putting them on my off road wheels too.

 

Nice. Single or 3 leaf AAL?

 

Sorry, 3 leaf pack.

 

Did you leave in the factory overleaf? Also, what do you mean by "888 set at midpoint"

 

I put 888 for a future steel bumper, but yes right out of the shop it was 2 7/8 all around, it has settled about a 3/8 so far. Ride is great, southern Utah rocks, sand and two track, ride is great.

 

Ah I see. That works. Looking forward to getting mine out and about once the work is done.

 

@Dmking8 so check it out man, it all depends on the bracket of your price range. if you have the extra money to burn, go for the HD dakars and 5160 bilsteins and dont look back. but if you have a budget and the wife is already about to kill you for spending more money on a brand new truck, then go with the AAL for now lol

 

Yeah you hit the nail on the head there. She says I'm already spending too much but I told her it's necessary. Fortunately she just got a new car too so she's a little more forgiving. Headstrong has a package for front/rear Bilstein 5100's with AAL and LR Upper Control Arms for around $1100. Looks like the route I'm gonna take. I appreciate the advice man.

 

The Bilstens have 5 settings. I have the ring set at the middle setting. The 888s are a heavy spring.