sumo springs or AAL? RTT + gear

I was driving the other day with a couple of friends in the back seats, and I always have my RTT on the truck (sucks to put it on, so I leave it on). We were on the highway, traveling at about 120km/h and we hit a dip in the road. Back end of the truck bottom'd out and hit the bump stop (heard and felt the thunk). I've read that an AAL with the stock overload can tend to make the ride very harsh and lift the rear end, which I don't want. on the other hand, I can run the AAL without the overload. Will this still lift the rear as much? Will the ride be softer, or still stiffer than stock?

Apparently sumo springs don't affect the ride when the rear end isn't loaded up, but stiffen it up when loaded. With the tent, larger spare tire, tonneau cover and my waterport in the bed, I'd say I have a little over 220lb's over an empty bed.

All I want for now is something to keep me from bottoming out and hitting the bump stops, until I can afford to really invest into the suspension. I do light off roading, no crawling. Everything on the truck is stock, aside from bigger tires (275 70 R17's)

If AAL is the way to go, what brands are recommended?

TIA!

 

I went with 5100’s, Dakar single AAL and overload, and Firestone airbags (for towing). It works well offroad too. Lifted about 1.5 inches.

 

Ran into the same issue on mine. I ran with the free option on mine because I had the parts already. This route is not for everyone. Took pair of D5XL Old Man Emu add a leaves I had in the leaf spring pile in my garage. Modified them to fit in the stock leaf packs. It worked great the ride quality was nice and it carried weight well. Ran them until I decided to go ahead and lift my truck. You will need to drill out the center hole on these add a leaves from 5/16” to 3/8” and cut both ends off of the leaves.

 

After reading about it on TW I just put on a Roadmaster Active Suspension. It has a few advantages over AAL or sumo springs. I've only had it on for a few weeks but so far results are good.

https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Su...9qyzabe_hkXAfWKF8rdwWHATTW4KSpNBoCH1UQAvD_BwE

 

Very interesting. Do you notice them when then bed is empty?

 

I have a cap and a tool box, so at the minimum mine is 200-300 lbs over stock weight. With 200 lbs of gear added to that, my rear was really sagging. The RAS brought it back to stock height. The ride has improved but I can't tell you how it would feel with no weight in back. One nice thing about the RAS is that it's adjustable. I have the drivers side preloaded to about 30% and passenger side at 20% to account for the increased weight of the tank, battery, and driver. (A slight lean is normal in tacos apparently).

 

AAL>Sumos. I've had both, Sumos are ok until they get loaded enough to make it so that you contact them going over dips in the road. They can get quite jarring. Add airbags if you want to pursue that route.

 

I had sumos and returned them. Driving with a dirt bike in the back every little bump felt like a 2x4 in the road

 

Same

 

Check out Toyotabumpstops.com

Just throwing that out there. I have the 4.25” rears and standard fronts and I love em

 

good to know!

 

what brand did you go with? I'm trying to get away with as little lift in the rear as possible. this will just be a temporary solution. did you keep the factory overload or take it out?

 

Dakar. Was about 1.5 to 2" rear lift after a few months.

 

Did you get the ssr-610 or 612 sumos?

 

I don’t remember but I think the blue ones

 

Were they contacting the frame all the time? I have the 612’s. I don’t particularly disike they’re ok

 

Someone on TW suggested RoadMaster active suspension. I took the advice and am very happy with the results. Towed my pop-up trailer and hardly knew I was pulling it fully loaded. Also, picked up a load of wood for camping and the progressive springs were barely loaded.

 

Only reason im hesitant is because i wheel with my truck. Roadmaster doesnt recommend the RAS when offroading

 

Looking at the geometry of the springs and how they RASa attach, I can't see why there would be an issue. I think the "not recommended" would be a liability thing. I can only say that I am pleased with the results I have got with the mod. Also, raised the box 1.5" at the wheelwell.

 

How are these holding up for you? Have you done any further wheeling with them to say how they limit your flex offroad?