need to get the arse up a bit

Dakars are an awesome leaf pack, but they are more for those who run a constant load. It sounds like you run naked most of the time, and then weekend-warrior a heavy load, ya? Airbags are a pretty good choice in this instance. But you could definitely still run Dakars too. If you're a man who loves rake (and who doesn't), then I'd go with those. Probably cheaper and less fuss (having to air up and air down the bags). I'd probably avoid the HD Dakars though, unless you like drivetrain vibes.

Just don't do the AAL. It isn't going to do anything for your sag situation. The stock leaf packs on these trucks are notoriously terrible.

 

I still think the add a leaf (this particular one) is great for his application, especially for the money. The cap is probably 125 pounds and he’s adding 300 in tongue weight (occasionally) and he’s at stock height. If it’s still sagging too much, bag it. My guess is won’t be on the bump stops and will be level under load.

In that pic, my lift (885s with 5100s) was hours old and I had the cap and probably 200 additional pounds in the bed. It still had about an inch of rake.

 

It sounds like he's adding 300# of tongue weight, plus gear and kayaks. He's adding quite a bit. 2600# is a pretty big f'in camper.

I'd agree not all AAL's are created equal, but generally speaking, AALs are a band-aid for a terrible stock leaf pack. I've ran an AAL and it did next to nothing for my capacity. If you're someone who tends to load the truck up, the long term solution is to just fix the leaf pack.

 

I hear you.

This add-a-leaf claims to add 1200# of payload capacity. I used to regularly hit the bump stops and I haven’t hit them once since installing. New leaf is as thick as the OEM ones, unlike most options.

Spent last weekend in South Texas and it was night and day compared to factory springs. Coming home, I had at least 600 pounds of gear and deer back there for 250 miles. It wasn’t nose high and it rode like a Cadillac.

 

If they will do what I need, I might just spring for dakar spring packs... no pun intended.
Can any of you point to ones with stock height and higher load rating than stock springs?

 

Don't get me wrong, I think the Dakars will absolutely work for you. But you will most likely want to lift your front a bit to get your rake bake to a normal stance unless you like a lot of rake.

Tacoma's on average are 1" higher in the back at a stock configuration. If you add the Dakars (Medium Duty) you will at minimum lift your rear 2", so without lifting your front you will have 3" of rake. That is some serious rake.

Most people claim to get well over 2" of lift, especially right after install. You will get some settling after a while. Food for thought, good luck OP

 

There's 2 versions;
Medium,
Heavy.

Heavy's can be converted into medium by removal of one leaf.
Medium costs extra to convert into heavy since you're missing that leaf.
Don't think of it as "lift" -- this isn't a major height changer. They're just stronger. And remember that weight (which you've added) will pull them down some -- which is the problem that you are attempting to address. Also remember that this is the BACK suspension, so since you're sitting closer to the front than the back, the impact on YOU is negligible.

Most of the height increase from them is because the leaf pack is actually thicker than the factory springs, combine that with the fact that the springs sit above the axle, and that difference in thickness translates directly into increased height.

I switched to OME springs after I broke one of the factory springs. I don't "offroad". Its a truck, it is for doing work. Carrying heavy loads, plowing snow, etc.
Judging by the rust proofing overspray on the rear shock absorbers, mine appears to sit about 1-1.25 inches higher than it did before.

I would ABSOLUTELY NOT advise mucking around with the front suspension.

 

http://www.oldmanemu.com.au/old-man-emu-suspension-selector/

 

You can get the Dakars and pull a leaf if you want to maintain close to stock height while being able to carry weight. The typical leafs to pull from the Dakars are the 3rd from.the top or and overload leaf.

With that kind of weight, I would get the HD pack. Should you choose to lift the whole truck, throw the leaf(s) you removed back in and you're lifted. They're a good option, smooth ride and can handle weight. My .02 based on my experience with them:

 

I agree with this.

With no weight on the bed you're going to get lift from Dakars - that's just how leaf springs work. And they will take a load better as well (less droop). If you end up with too much rake though ~3", then you may end up with driveline vibrations, which is also why I'd recommend against the HD Dakars.

To help fight rake I think changing out the fronts for a mild 1" lift makes a lot of sense. But I realize this is all a slippery slope.... I think OP is putting quite the load on his truck and something will need to be done though. Those stock leaf packs aren't going to last long.

I'd vote to get Dakars and then assess from there. GL, OP.


Also listen to Geekhouse.

 

He's right.

Firestone W217602407 Ride-Rite Kit for Toyota Tacoma 4WD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FEOSJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qoEqCbCNBF51M

 

Sorry I was late to the party...

 

I installed a pop up camper as well, about 1200lbs in the bed of my 1st gen. I started with the Dakars + aal & the ride wasn't great. It felt like the camper was bouncing the bed and directing the body/ride, if that makes sense. Once I installed the Firestone Ride Rites, it felt as the truck rode as a unified body, instead of a separate bed/cab situation. I like that I can put more air in the driver side, as that's where the brunt of the weight of my camper sits, h20 storage, fridge, propane..etc. Just my experience.

Dakars + Aal: Unloaded

Dakars + Aal: Loaded

Dakars + Aal + Airbags: Loaded

 

Oh man, maybe I should clarify. I am not putting a pop up IN the bed. I am towing a 2600 lb pop up, with a 300 lb tongue weight.

 

I couldn’t figure out why everyone was freaking out about 300 lbs.

 

For that weight an AAL might work but the stock suspension will sag over time. I have about 400# constant weight in the bed and the MD Dakars sagged after 1k miles. Got the leaf to make them HD and it is sitting a little high now but they will settle. Plus, I would rather be level with load and deal with the rake unloaded than sagging when it's full of gear.

If you go Dakars, get the HD set and remove the 3rd leaf, essentially making it a MD set. If after a while it settles too low you can always add the 3rd leaf back in for a lot cheaper than if you were to do it later.

 

whoops. Carry on...