Time for a New Leaf Pack

Looking for recommendations on a new leaf pack for my rear. Currently running stock OR + Icon 1.5" AAL. In the rear, I have a camper shell ~ 180lbs, storage/bed platform ~ 250 lbs. Plan to add a fridge/freezer ~ 120 lbs. Plan to carry about 120-180lbs of water on longer trips and eventually down the line will likely add a steel high clearance bumper ~180lbs?

Recently, stuffed my tire so badly that it was rubbing on the fender well... suspensions too soft for my load and is sagging a bit after having this set-up for about a year...

Options: Dakar, ICON, All-Pro, other? What's the group recommend?

 

If you offroad a lot on unmaintained trails and want maximum flex, dont go with airbags, but on standard graded forest system roads or on standard highways I would consider them if you have a variable load in back (gear, etc.). If you have a lot of full-time constant weight, a leaf pack is preferable. One thing to concider with that is to not use a connected system as air will move between one side to the other on turns from compression. There are valve systems designed to prevent it.

A leaf pack upgrade is a good idea, I got really good help from @HeadStrong Off-Road regarding what to do with towing and heavy load questions too.

 

yes, want maximum flex for off-roading

 

Dang that tire is stuffed for your weight I’d recommend Dakar hds I have them an I’m very pleased with them. Just had about 600-650ish pounds of soil an fertilizer in my truck maybe squatted a 1/2in. Unloaded rides better than the aal i used to have the same rear setup as yourself.

 

I see a lot of people going Dakars. I personally don't have much experience yet. I have to wait a while till I can buy my lift...

 

There’s also a new entry to the leafspring game they look beefy I’ve read good things about them https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/heavy-duty-leaf-packs-for-your-heavy-truck.547497/#post-17760158

 

I’ve only had mine a week before was aal save your money an do it right the first time.

 

That was my case too, so I did not go with airbags. I got a Deaver single AAL and so far it hasnt sagged, even with a trailer, camper shell and RTT + gear. Definitely call @HeadStrong Off-Road - Marie is a great resource there and they do have several new upgrades since I was there.

 

What rear shocks are you running and are you looking to achieve more lift or just handle the weight?

 

That's the plan. I'm going 5100's all around. I may be looking at UCAs at the same time. Then a ubolt flip, and some new leafs. It really depends on money. The wife doesn't share my enthusiasm to mod 'the nice vehicle'. She drives an 03 Corolla.

Sorry

 

Looking at your photo and its probably just the picture doing it, but are your springs mounted forward, or were you axle wrapped forward? Dang, maybe you have too short of a drive shaft! How much room do you have behind the tires?

 

@Blackout14 has some good leaf options. See what his thoughts are.

 

running icon 2.0 shocks in the rear. i'm looking for both more lift and more weight

 

mounted forward? isn't there only a single place to mount the springs? im guessing in that scenario i may have had a bit of axle wrap... behind the tires? you mean towards the wheel well?

 

I'd bet you could do 63's for about the same money.... @Trident904

 

Too bad you don't live closer to me, if you have 2nd gen I have a pair of Dakars I had on for roughly 8 months, I upgraded to a custom made set of Alcan's due to gear I always carry in bed+camper shell+tongue weight of M1101 Trailer I tow. the Dakars are in good shape, never had chance to off road so they only have road use and I was only asking $250.

 

You are right, springs only mount where the pins are. It just looked strange in the photo. I was wondering if you had more room between the rear side of the tire and the wheel well than the front. Looks like you were having fun!

 

All Pro is complete garbage (have their "Expo" springs, and would sincerely enjoy dropping it on All Pro's Tracy & John... repeatedly).

I wouldn't buy ICON's leaf pack, either.

OME Dakar, Alcan, or Deaver springs. Nothing else.

 

i don't think the icon 2.0 have that much travel -- not sure though. also with that much travel, i imagine you'd need extended brake lines?

 

The ICON 2.0s are 24.35" extended, 14.225" collapsed, (got this by email straight from ICON when I inquired ~1.5 years ago) for a travel length of 10.125".

On a third gen truck (not sure about second gens) you do not need extended brake lines for a ~4" lift in the rear. OEM lines are long enough to not have any issues at full droop. This was tested on my own truck.

Do not listen to people (ie. the lying scum at All Pro) that tell you longer lines are required.