New OME Dakar Leaf Pack Review

I know this thread is not for all leaf spring packs, but...I have been looking into the Icon 51101 kit because it comes with an extra leaf offering 3 different configurations for lift/load bearing capacity. The Dobinson's look good and are definitely cheaper. However I like the versatility of the Icons. Also, if I am going to order a new rear leaf pack, what other parts do yall recommend getting? The Icons come with new u-bolts and bushings, so I'm assuming just new bolts to go through the shackles?

 

anyone running the HD springs with 200lbs or less in the bed? how do they handle? I've got about 200lb with Tonneau cover, bed mat, aftermarket full size spare and sliders. I was leaning toward the Medium duty's originally as I don't have much weight at all and have Firestone Airbags if i do any serious hauling. These come with the complete kit i'm planning on going with so I don't mind trimming some of the spring like mentioned above.

 

Occasionally I run with 200lbs or less. The ride isn’t bad. My opinion though. It’s stiff but not overly stiff. You still feel it but forget about it pretty quick. I stuck with the HD Dakar’s because I wanted to maintain ride height when it counts off-road, hauling my junk places where few people go.

 

DCLB with Snug top Rebel and a bed mat, no complaints.

 

were you able to still use the leaf anti squeak pad after you cut it? did you just stuff it up under there, or would you advise drilling a new hole to fit a new pad? I have the Medium duty pack so that third leaf is out of the way, i'm thinking about cutting the end, and drilling a new hole for the pad.

 

I did nothing other then cut it. I can’t advise to or to not drill a new hole for the anti squeak pad. Have not heard much of a difference after the cut.

 

Not for DCLB. I did not need a drop bracket.

 

Oh no we all gon die.

 

How does the POR-15 hold up? Looks great!

 

Yeah this hobby isn't cheap. Not sure if I've done the right thing but I got King 2.5's in the rear. Found out I had to have them modified for the EL096r so I don't need a limit strap. Went with rod end extenders. Made by King. I scored a wicked deal on Bilstein 8112's for the front. Had to upgrade those as well to 700lb springs for 600. I have a steel bumper, winch, dual batteries and I'm not done yet. I don't think I'll ever be done!

 

Did you modify your kings? I had to..

 

So far so good! Goes on pretty easy too. I’ll be under there a bunch in a couple weeks getting the new bumper on so I’ll clean it up and inspect.

 

Looking for any help with my rear suspension...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/taco-lean-increase.653584/

 

Should medium duty dakars have a plus sign on the leaf or an O?

 

The driver side of Tacoma is heavier by nature. My Dakar mediums came one as + one as 0. Put the + on the driver side. I posted this below in a different thread.

+ = over spec
- = under spec
0 = at spec

 

Awesome, thanks for the info Dave. Guess I got lucky then because I did not know this and put the plus on the drivers side.

Side note, my drivers side is now 3/4 taller than the passenger side in the rear. Was dead even before. Is this pretty common? Hoping it will settle some. I'll measure again after I go for a ride.

 

My medium duty’s both came with - signs.

 

did one of the two EL096R's tonight. sand, prime, paint and removed the 4 thin metal spacers in place of leaf liners that go end to end. Also added the extra leaf given the weigh I carry. So it's basically an 8 pack versus some of the other players 9-10 leaf packs. Thickness on the EL096R as received was 2 5/8 inches and after installing the extra leaf and leaf liners it's 3 1/4 inches thick. Should be good. Could only source a 5 inch centre pin so I'll need to trim that.

 

This is the leaf liner I used. Got it at Speedway motors. it's the perfect width and has a bit of a side wall. I'm sure it will rip off over time but I've heard good things about toning down the squeak using this stuff.

 

Does anyone know why they haven't fixed this issue?