Best lift for a constant heavy load?

Looks great to me!

 

Im jumping on this thread to revive.

2010 with ARB bumper + winch. Going to be adding a camper cap to the rear.
Originally was going to go with this set up:

− OME 9000 Front Shocks
− 2886 Front Heavy Coil overs
− EL096R Rear spring pack
− OME 60091 Rear Shocks

Im being told that i may want to change this setup "I am not sure if it's a good option to go with OME shocks, you can't recharge them. That's why I went with FOX this time around, I can recharge them later in US/Canada and keep running vs buying new shocks every 60K (assuming you actually abuse them)."


thoughts?

 

BUMP!

Remarkably, there are still very few discussions on lifting with heavy constant load. I just purchased a 2002 TRD Off-Road long bed and I intend to add a FWC Fleet and a few other accessories. This will be an extremely heave rig and I'm having a hard time researching suspension options. Even the main go to suppliers (Deaver, OME, etc) didn't have a lot of info on how to best outfit a 3rd gen Tacoma for 1500 pounds constant load.

 

Dobinsons makes 2 heavy duty leaf springs. One for 600lb and another for 800lb constant load for each. Never heard anything bad about them. I think Deaver makes custom leaf packs for different weights but 1500lbs on the back of the tacoma is probably pushing it. So I dont think there will be many companies willing to claim 1500lbs constant load with their springs.

 

Unpopular but effective choice: heavy Chevy 63s.

Currently running a 5+1 set (https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7367) with 14” relocated 5100s, sumos as bump, 3750 rear axle weight. Mild/moderate offroading, ~11” of travel.

Springs handle great, only complaint is that I wish they had more arch/droop. It’s a lot of weight for the billies: I’m moving to 2.5s to dial in the valving. Sumos are tall for bumps: great support but limiting on the up travel.

Airbags are easier, and if you don’t do your own wrenching/welding a custom pack on stock geometry will probably be cheaper, but the 63s work for me and have a lot more options in heavy packs.

Also, the usual caveats that you’re pushing systems other than suspension beyond factory specs - watch brakes, frame, .etc as well.

 

You are probably correct that there won't be anything available off the shelf that will provide that kind of support out of the box, so I'm leaning toward Deaver's Expedition Stage 3 leafs, which are rated for 1000 pounds constant. Additionally, I will add either HD airbags or 1500 pound Supersprings, as well as heavy duty dual res shocks front and rear. I'll try that first and make changes if needed, although I think that setup will work great.

There are many 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas on this site that have been rolling for years at upwards of 8000 pounds I've chatted with a few of these guys and got some helpful info and a great deal of confidence about what I'm planning. In any case, I'm not the least bit concerned about my proposed setup, which won't exceed 7000 pounds fully loaded. Truth is, pretty much every truck/camper you see on the road is over its GVWR, unless it's a HD truck. People often scream bloody murder about it and of course there are limits to how much weight I would carry (probably around 7200 would be my comfort limit), but it's really not a big deal IF you have the right suspension setup and don't try to drive it like a racecar.

 

You would definitely know more than me as I have not researched into this like you have. But definitely keep us posted on your setup! I would love to see the journey of your build!

 

My suggestion is to load your truck up and go to your local mulch & gravel yard and have your truck weighed. Then give Deaver a call with your weight and have them do custom leafs.

 

I've heard airbags in the rear are the way to go, but I've never tried it.

 

Unfortunately it's gonna be a slow one because I want to pay off the truck before spending a ton on mods, but I'll definitely do a build thread.

 

Haha pretty much in a similar boat except that I am leasing. So no mods planned until I know I want to buy it at the end of the lease.

 

Some say they aren't great for off-roading because they can get damaged pretty easily and leave you limping and they can limit articulation as well. I have zero experience with airbags but that's just what I've read.

 

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. I've recently outgrown my current setup. It seems like there are quite a few in here that are much heavier than I. After turning the Dakar pack into a w, I need to go heavier. I had the medium duty as the build wasn't supposed to be more than a lift initially.

I don't want to do the rear a third time, so I really want to start with a proper leave pack.

I don't know what stock axle weights are, just an idea of curb weight.

Here is my weigh in. Any help, or pointed in the right direction would be appreciated. Not wanting to get away from stock geometry at the moment. I have 4 years until I'm willing to weld to the frame.