Leaf/Rear Suspension help/suggestions... From AAL to??

Howdy -

Got my Taco in 2018, and love it. Initially installed Front/Rear Fox 2.0 Suspension (which has been bulletproof) and the Headstrong AAL w/ the overloads in in the rear as well.

Since then, I have added a Leer cap, as well as recently front/rear Prinsu racks. So, maybe a few hundred extra lbs in the rear.

Definitely feeling some sag in the rear now over the past 6 months, and it is noticeable.

Suggestions on moving on from the Headstrong AAL?

Do I go to an OME leaf pack? And, would I need the medium or heavy duty?

Any insight appreciated. The sag is def annoying.

 

Unless you tow frequently, I’d look into Icons RTX pack, that’s adjustable from 1.8-2.6”” lift unloaded, and dependent on weight as well. You can play around with the stages (1-3) to get your desired ride height.
https://iconvehicledynamics.com/acc...coma-multi-rate-rxt-leaf-pack-w--add-in-leaf/

Or Deaver’s u402 expedition pack. I think you’d want to go with the stage 2 pack.
https://deaverspring.com/product/tacoma-2wd-4wd-6-lug-2005-2018-expedition-series-spring/

They will both be loads better than OME I’ve heard.

 

I recently was in a similar situation to yours. I have Fox 2.5 Coilovers and Fox 2.0 in the rear with a Wheeler's AAL. I have Mobtown bed bars, tonneau cover, Front Runner RTT, and spare tools in the back at all times. I have a Hooke road roof rack, Front Runner awning, traction boards, and a 4 gal Rotopax on the roof at all times as well. I went with the heavy duty Dakar leaf pack and love it, I haven't had any issues at all with it and the ride isn't an worse than before. You would probably have a smoother ride and me since you have a cap on the back.

Here's the best picture I can get of my truck right now, it is loaded down with all of my camping gear and 10 gallons of water in the back right now.

 

Take a look at Dobinsons. I have them front and rear and works great. I don't have a lot of weight in the back, but they have other leaf packs. The first post by @Crikeymike provides a lot of information and he is great answering questions. Give him a call

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dobinsons-16-taco-suspension.474308/

 

Thanks man.

As long as the OP is running a short bed Tacoma, these would be the proper springs to support that additional weight.
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...pair-for-toyota-tacoma-2005-to-2019-l59-111-r

 

Add some archive garage hammer hangers To those dakars, will be super smooth

 

I started a thread on ATS springs. I run them and they are awesome, cheaper than many other options. Made in USA too by a family shop.
If not them Dobinson is a solid #2 though they are a bit pricier.

 

I have Dakars too, but I don't like the issue with the rear shackles. I trimmed mine when installing, but you shouldn't have to do that to fix a design oversight. It's one thing when doing complete custom fitment, but not for an off the shelf standard install.

 

I went w/ ICON RXT. It adds a lift to rear so be mindful of that, but it comes in different options (or stage). So if you want to ever change your loadout, you can go in there and add/remove the third leaf depending on your constant weight.

 

I went with deaver expedition series stage 3. Theyre pricier but id heard horror stories about the dakar packs finish quality, W deformity after a while, and squeeking. I love my deavers so far. Got about 2 inches of lift over stock in the rear. I have a drawer system, topper, prinsu rack and when camping have a RTT and a bunch of gear with me.

 

Great info and similar situation. How much lift did you get out of the Dakar’s?

 

@Crikeymike Thanks - I’ll check these out for sure. It is a short bed - I’m estimating between the Prinsu and Cap, about 250 lbs of constant weight - so - probably these as is (meaning not removing the leaf?)

 

Since no one else did, I say 63's.
It's a major change but was totally worth it for me.

 

what is 63’s?

 

Chevy 63" rear leaf spring conversion.

 

Very few people want to go that way. If you have welding experience and a welder it can be a no brainer but for the average guy it’s a ton of money to get that work done

 

Yeah, it's a commitment and an undertaking. Figured I'd throw it out there though. Might as well cover the bases.

 

100% man. Lots of people on this forum don’t even pay attention to items that aren’t marketed heavily so nice for you to mention something off the beaten path.

 

What I am seeing is many people first buy Dakar springs because they are cheap, and the brand name is good. However, many later get rid of them due to the issues and squeaking (metal to metal scraping) and step up to a better designed product. You could go straight to Deaver for around $900-$1000, or what many have done is spend $600 on Dakars, and then $900-$1000 on Deavers. I recommend the cheaper route of straight to Deavers, and take the money you save and buy some Archive Hammer hangers which have a noticeable improvement in ride and handling, and a vast increase in durability for offroad.

 

True. My ATS springs are killer, way better than Dakar, and cost be sub $500. That’s more what I’m getting at - people don’t look to hard then overpay for poor quality leafs.