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DCLB 6112/5160 - HD dakar question

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by is_wiley, Jul 2, 2020.

  1. Jul 2, 2020 at 8:31 AM
    #1
    is_wiley

    is_wiley [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If there is a thread that covers this (which I'm sure there is) can someone point me to it? I've been scouring them for the last few days, got LOTS of good info but I still have a couple of little questions that are keeping me from pulling the trigger.

    2013 DCLB TRD sport. Pretty much stock right now, but probably adding bumpers next year. Filled with dogs, kayaks and camping gear maybe 2-3 times a year. Will I run into any issues with this kit below without already having the added weight?

    Bilstein 6112s at 4th notch with 650lb coil
    Bilstein 5160s in rear
    HD dakar rear leaf pack
    Also adding UCAs not sure which ones

    I'm having a local place do the install, so just want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row for them. I know I can pull a leaf from the HD dakars if needed, think that would be necessary?
     
  2. Jul 2, 2020 at 1:39 PM
    #2
    LC7

    LC7 Well-Known Member

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    5100's w/885's, SPC LR UCA, Deaver U402 stage 1 w/Fox 2.0 RR, 285/75r17 Toyo AT III load C on SCS F5, Dynabeads
    Since you are investing a good chunk of change in your rig, I would advise against the Dakars. Unless you plan to add a bunch of weight full time or you prefer a really stiff bouncy rear end, you'll be better off with Deaver, AllPro, Alcan, or another custom leaf pack.
    I had to weigh down my bed to make the Dakar ride bearable. Way too stiff for a stock DCLB with a Leer shell. I removed the 3rd leaf to make them Medium and they were still too stiff.
    I started thinking about the extra fuel I was burning after adding ballast weight, and realized I could've saved money by getting leafs more suited to my needs in the first place. All I thought about was lift and droop, and Dakars are very popular and cost less than other leafs.

    I sold my Dakars to a TW member who has plate bumpers, skids, bed bars, and a roof top tent, and I bought AllPro Expos from another TW member. Now I'm good. Got the lift I wanted, plenty of droop, no squeaky leafs, and a much better ride.
    I have 1" rake unloaded. When I load up for camping the AllPro leafs flatten out some but don't squat.

    I'm not knocking Dakars when used for their intended purpose. I just wish someone would have given me the advice I'm giving now, so I could make an informed decision.

    I also recommend SPC LR UCA's because they have the most alignment adjustment and because I have them.
    EDIT: I should add that the adjustability of SPC UCA's are only relevant if you have an alignment tech who will work outside the box, or if you adjust them yourself before getting the alignment.
     
    rorofoo likes this.
  3. Jul 2, 2020 at 1:52 PM
    #3
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    I replaced the leaf spring OEM bushings with poly. Recommend getting all new hardware (bushings, spacers, nuts) for the rear shocks. I also replaced the rear spring shackles, I was in there, cheap enough, why not. I didn’t need new UCA’s.
     
  4. Jul 2, 2020 at 2:25 PM
    #4
    is_wiley

    is_wiley [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hmmm interesting, giving me something to think about now. I was planning HD dakars so I could add anything I want in the future, but maybe it makes more sense to upgrade the pack later on if it comes to that. Is there a limit to how much lift a pack can have to be compatible with the 5160s?
     
  5. Jul 2, 2020 at 3:18 PM
    #5
    LC7

    LC7 Well-Known Member

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    5100's w/885's, SPC LR UCA, Deaver U402 stage 1 w/Fox 2.0 RR, 285/75r17 Toyo AT III load C on SCS F5, Dynabeads
    Yes. 5160's have 9.84" of travel (24.06" extended, 14.22" collapsed), so the more lift you have at ride height, the less available droop you will have before full extension. Contact @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc or @HeadStrong Off-Road for expert advice on 5160 applications.
     
  6. Jul 2, 2020 at 6:39 PM
    #6
    GrundleJuice

    GrundleJuice Well-Known Member

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    I just did this config, but with medium dakars and 600lb springs, on a 2015 sport. Coming from stock the ride was about the same as far as overall comfort. Small bumps and cracks in the road transmit slightly more into the cabin, but it's a small amount. My wife said she couldn't tell the difference in that regard. There is much more compliance when hitting big bumps, especially at speed. I drive a couple dirt roads several days a week and the difference there is huge, especially when they get bad. I finally did some actual wheelin' the other day and it did great. I didn't do any when it was stock, so can't compare in that regard. Chassis support is better, too. Despite the higher CG after lifting, corners are flatter and the truck feels more composed. I also changed tires from the Bridgestone Dueler L/T 265/65 to a Nokian Rotiiva 275/75, both in a 17. The Bridgestone's were light truck tires and the Nokian C load sidewalls do I don't think the tires made a huge difference in bump compliance. The rear leafs are a bit stiffer and it's noticeable but I don't mind it and don't find it harsh. I went with the mediums and can add the extra leaf if I need it when I get the RTT/overland gear loaded up. I've already overloaded the bed past gross payload and it was lower than the front but not on the bumps or even close.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2020
  7. Jul 3, 2020 at 7:24 AM
    #7
    MR5X5

    MR5X5 Well-Known Member

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    Not to say others opinions are not valid, but I have heavy DAKARS in my DCLB and have never once thought the rear end was too stiff. That said, I hated everything about the stock suspension... As sprung now it drives/feels like a tuck as opposed to a car.
     
    dustinJ likes this.
  8. Jul 3, 2020 at 7:29 AM
    #8
    is_wiley

    is_wiley [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Any added weight or all stock? I'm eventually adding a rack and rear bumper. Thinking maybe I could just throw in some sandbags if too stiff....but that might get old.
     
  9. Jul 3, 2020 at 9:26 AM
    #9
    GrundleJuice

    GrundleJuice Well-Known Member

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    Agreed that it feels like a truck. It's significantly different from the stock sport rear end feeling, though. I imagine the stock off-road rear end had higher rate leaf springs.
     
    is_wiley[OP] likes this.
  10. Jul 4, 2020 at 8:59 AM
    #10
    MR5X5

    MR5X5 Well-Known Member

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    No added weight. But building toward a rail mounted pop up. That said, considering how it drives empty, I couldn't be happier.
     
  11. Jul 7, 2020 at 8:50 PM
    #11
    TacoFergie

    TacoFergie Well-Known Member

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    The leaf springs are the same part number OEM for sport and off road. The difference is in the shock valving. The sports quite a bit more stiff feeling than the off road. When I added 3rd gen off road front struts and rear shocks it made a pretty big improvement in ride. Though I just added 6112's in the front and I am waiting for my B110's, u-bolt flip kit and extended brake lines to come in for the rear. I have a set of Dakar Meduim (EL095R) leaf packs that I am waiting to install till those parts arrive, should be monday 13 July.

    If you read my 3rd gen suspension on a 2nd gen thread you will see the ride differences from the stock TRD Sport compared to adding 3rd gen TRD Off Road suspension. I did not change the leaf springs, those stayed stock. But the ride was much improved all the way around, a "softer feel" (even though the front springs are 700lb springs on a 3rd gen) like something to soak up bumps better than something tuned for better steering response like the sport was.

    So what I am getting at is ride opinion will be biased from what you had before. They guys that had a TRD Sport suspension will likely feel like they have a softer/smoother ride. Where as the guys that have a TRD Off Road may say it is not a huge difference until you get to bigger bumps or higher speeds as the 6112/5160/5100 is valved digressively like the stock TRD OR, just with better performance you expect out of a performance aftermarket shock or strut. Within reason for the front springs you won't notice a huge difference in ride quality just because the spring is stiffer. A spring merely just supports weight, the shock actually provides the ride quality. It is has been mentioned in some other forums that the 5160 can't keep up with the 6112. In-fact you'll find on the 6112 thread in the Suspension forum that some us Fox 2.5 in the rear and claim that pairs much better and even one person has added Bilstein 8112, which are north of $1500 for a pair! I opted for the B110's for budget and suspension travel.

    I'll keep you updated once I get my rear suspension installed. Hopefully shipping comes sooner than next week!
     
    TacoEspecial and crackils like this.
  12. Jul 7, 2020 at 8:59 PM
    #12
    ucdbiendog

    ucdbiendog Well-Known Member

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    check the suspension forum. there is a huge thread on the 6112/5160 combo. I'm running a DCSB with the 6112/5160 and dakar MD leaf pack (i removed the leaf from the HD pack in case i need the extra support in the future) in back and love it.
     
  13. Jul 8, 2020 at 3:16 AM
    #13
    GrundleJuice

    GrundleJuice Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for that reply. Good info!
     
    TacoFergie[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jul 11, 2020 at 7:01 AM
    #14
    crackils

    crackils Sith Lord Jar Jar

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    Great information! I have a "new to me" HD Dakar pack (which I might go down to MD) and I'm on the fence about buying the 5160 or B110. How important is it to have the u-bolt flip kit?
     
  15. Jul 11, 2020 at 7:12 AM
    #15
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    U-bolt flip? It depends on what you do. Running to the Mall, on the beach or through the mud. Not necessary. If you crawl over rocks, stumps do stuff where you can get hung up, its one less worry. I did the swap because its not that expensive, I was in there changing the u-bolts anyway. PS also upgraded the bump stops to Timbren.

     
    crackils[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Jul 11, 2020 at 7:17 AM
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    TacoFergie

    TacoFergie Well-Known Member

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    I went with the B110 for the extended travel and I haven't heard anyone complain or go from the B110 to a 5160, so I would assume they can't be too bad.

    The U-Bolt kit isn't needed, but longer U-Bolts are needed. On Wheelers they have the Icon U-Bolt flip was $70. I don't know how much just U-Bolts are but I would assume around $8-$10 each.

    I also got my Dakar MD 2nd hand with 10k on them
     
  17. Jul 11, 2020 at 7:28 AM
    #17
    crackils

    crackils Sith Lord Jar Jar

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    That looks great, also seems very practical!

    I may end up going the same route as you (B110+EXT Break lines) though I do have a Leer Shell and plan on buying a roof rack to accommodate a RTT. Think that would warrant the HD pack?

    What coil # would you suggest for the front? I do not have a steel bumper (& realistically no plan on it either) though I do have sliders and 285/75/16 E Load. I see HS offers either the 600 or 650 pound option. Also looking to stay level as possible.
     
    TacoFergie[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Jul 11, 2020 at 7:33 AM
    #18
    TacoFergie

    TacoFergie Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like we are on the same page for mods (265/70r17 tires though) and expected mods. I also don't plan on a bumper, maybe a "slimline" one at most. I have just the 600lb coils so far. See how that goes. I will be building some sliders hopefully withing a month or two. If you are looking for a deal, checkout RockAuto, almost $200 cheaper and they have the 650lb coils for $130 if I recall. Just have to look in the 3rd gen years.

    EDIT: It appears the 6112 is sold out on RockAuto. The do have 4Runner 6112's in stock though and I believe they fit.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2020
  19. Jul 11, 2020 at 7:37 AM
    #19
    FuzzysTacos

    FuzzysTacos Well-Known Member

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    I would also avoid Dakars. If you remove the 3rd leaf it just becomes their regular duty pack. Ive tried both configurations after my first set warped. First set was HD, I pulled the 3rd leaf on the replacements they sent (for free, great customer service) but would probably go a new route if I did it over. You have to have some serious weight to justify them in my opinion.
     

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