Switched From Toytec BOSS Suspension System To King 2.5 OEM Performance Series Shock Kit

I bought my Toytec BOSS Suspension system when my truck had about 20,000 miles. Then at 60,000 miles the left rear shock broke off the top stem. I was driving down my usual 7 mile mountain dirt road when I heard and felt what sounded like a rock hit my wheel well. Then it sounded like one of my ratchet straps in the bed was rattling. I stopped to check the straps and everything was tied down. I checked underneath the rear and noticed the left side Toytec BOSS shock was dangling from the top and the stem broke off completely. Very unenthusiastic.

Luckily my local tire and auto shop was very close, so I stopped there and had them take off the broken shock and replace it with a donor shock. I set up an appointment with DC Customs in Ukiah, CA. I had them order the King 2.5 OEM Performance Series Shock Kit.

Since DC Customs installed my armor bumpers a few years back, I know their knowledge and work is on point. I would highly recommend them. I already had Light Racing SPC UCAs in the front and the Toytec AAL in the rear, saving some time and money. I was over the Toytec BOSS, but the AAL was still fine (so I thought) and didn’t need replacing.
I also had them reinstall new SPC UCA ball joints and bushings on the front.
One thing to remember is that the bushings and ball joints in the aftermarket UCAs need to be greased periodically. They suggested for my mix of off-road driving and highway, re-grease around every 5000 miles minimum or 10,000 miles maximum. So every oil change or at least every other oil change. Got the installation and alignment done then headed back home.

I did notice a more responsive handling on the highway, cornering at 75 mph no problem. Up the mountain dirt road the King shocks mobbed the trail like nothing. I could feel the ride was smoother, the reservoirs do make a difference.
I did go from a 2” lift to a 2.5” lift. Same BFG TA/KO2 265/75R16 tires. Maybe next set might be the 285/75R16 size? Since I just got new tires and replaced my lift, only more time driving and longevity on the truck will be the true test and review.

Classic sayings like “You pay for what you get” and “Buy once, cry once” started coming to mind. Lesson learned and hope you also gained something from my (ordeal) experience.
Thanks for reading.

Broken Toytec BOSS Rear Shock


King 2.5 OEM Performance Series Remote Reservoir Front Coilover






King 2.5 OEM Performance Series Remote Reservoir Rear Shock




King 2.5 OEM Performance Series Shock Kit

 

Looking good man! What you can do for the future is do some research on valve shim stacks and have a custom shim stack ready to swap in when it's time to rebuild. Have heard it takes them to the next level

 

@Solid Seung Did you have Toytec's Boss 2.5 coilovers or the 2.0? In the rear it looks like you were on 2.0's. Interested to know the ride quality difference between Toytec 2.5 and King 2.5 from someone who has run both.

Glad the Kings are working out for you

 

To update the story, I had the King suspension on for a few days when I noticed that my traction control light came on and the steering wheel started pulling to the right. I pulled over and checked my suspension and found that the left rear U bolts were loose and missing a nut! The bump stop was gone, the springs were sagging and a leaf spring shim was sitting on one of the leaf. I suspected that the Toytec AAL broke and that's how the U bolts came loose. Damn. I should have just replaced the rear leaf springs when I got the King shocks installed... Luckily the King shocks were not the problem! (Sorry for no broken leaf pics. I was not in the mood to take sad pictures.)

For some good fortune I found the missing bump stop on the road home! I limped back and retightened the 3 nuts on the U bolts. Went back to DC Customs to fix the broken AAL and order a set OME Dakar leaf springs EL095R and bushing set. DC took off the leaf springs and found out what I had suspected. Both of the Toytec AALs were broken. They replaced both of my leaf springs with a donor set and reinstalled my bump stop. I ordered the OME Dakar leaf spring set, OME bushing set and new U bolts then waited a few days.

Came back to DC Customs and installed my new OME Dakar leaf springs. Since I have an open bed and don't haul too much weight in the back, they removed the 3rd leaf down for the best ride quality while maintaining ride height. I only carry gas cans, propane tanks and the occasional load of wood.
"If you plan on carrying an extra 330 lbs you can leave leaf 3 in the pack for better load stability while maintaining ride height." (Quoted from Wheelers Off-Road website.)

Finally the suspension was fixed (again) with new leaf springs, bushings, U bolts and an alignment. The alignment was very important because the toe was off from the AAL breaking and causing a ride height shift. The ride feels great and I love the stance. The OME Dakar leaf springs feel stout and handle the bumps well. No more stock leaf springs with a weak ass AAL. Do it right the first or second time.

@GC4x4 Thank you. I had the Toytec 2.0 shocks with no reservoir. The ride quality on the Toytec BOSS was good, but now I do notice a difference. Seems like the Toytec was a little stiffer and bouncier over bumps. The Kings feel more smooth and have a softer ride. Handles the off road bumps better and feels great at faster speeds.

I also ordered a set of Wheelers Off-Road front SuperBumps and Wheelers Off-Road U bolt flip kit with rear SuperBumps. Breaking my AALs, having my U bolts come loose and send a nut flying made me consider a U bolt flip kit. It is known that doing a U bolt flip gives better axle clearance and saves the studs from getting damaged. Another plus for a U bolt flip is that now you can see the nuts tightened on the U bolt studs from the top. A quick look from above the wheel well and you can check if any nuts or bolts came loose. I'll post some pics when I get them installed.

OME Dakar Leaf Spring EL095R