Looking for aftermarket suspension with OEM longevity

Why yes I do. I have the extended length struts and the rear shocks.
They’re pretty badass. That’s in comparison to stock, and 5100s

 

They give you any trouble? Corrosion, leaking, rough ride, weird noises, or otherwise?

 

I completely agree!! I want some rake, just not excessive amounts of rake. Maybe 3/4-1". One the OME leaf packs there are some people that will remove a leaf to reduce the amount of lift. I don't know if the Dobinsons leaf pack has that option as well, but I would assume it does since its the same principle.

 

If you want to level a bit and avoid lifting your front end over 3 inches - therefore avoiding all the drama that ensues after installing a lift that size - you definitely want a rear end lift of 2 inches or less. Deaver is an option, since their Expedition Stage I pack should lift around 2”. Dobinsons are your only other option (to my knowledge); they are about half the price of Deaver and have much better customer service. The medium duty Dobinsons leaf pack (L59-110-R) will lift a DCLB 1” in the rear, more for a DCSB or ACLB.

I didn’t do much research into blocks or AAL setups. The OEM leaf packs are pretty underwhelming, so I opted to replace them outright.

 

The Dobinsons Heavy (L59-111-R) and Extra Heavy (L59-110-R) can be made into a Medium leaf pack with removing a leaf from the pack (I believe, and also think the leaf might depend on the 111 vs. 112 setup but don't quote me). I do believe it is outlined on Exitoffroad.com.

 

Yeah, you can remove an overload leaf to reduce the overall rate of the pack and reduce height

 

Appreciate all the info and work in this thread.

Wondering/assuming you looked at the Icon RXT leaf pack wondering what your thoughts are? I had them on my 13 and felt they were pretty good, not much to compare them to besides stock. I now have a 15 and am looking to put a full leaf pack in the back. Mine is a pro so I have front left as is for now.

 

I eyes the txt pack, but was referred to Dobinsons, ended up with their L59-111-R Heavy Leaf pack.

I've been happy with the lift and ride so far (installed them at the end of May) with stockTrd OR suspension. I do, to be fair, and did have my hammer Hangers and cross tube installed earlier this past May ahead of leaf upgrade).

I gained 2.75 inches over the 1 inch block and stock springs my truck came with (also note that 3rd gens and long bed lifts are altered compared to 2nd gen and short beds given the stock heigh difference from 2nd to 3rd gens)

 

I too have looked at hammer hangers and wondered if I should go that route too. I didn't want a crazy amount of lift in the back and felt like the leaf pack and hangers would be more lift.

How much lift do you have in the back and what kind of weight do you have on the truck?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dobinsons-16-taco-suspension.474308/page-30#post-23439571

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dobinsons-16-taco-suspension.474308/page-30#post-23439006

So Hammer Hangers don't add height, or if so it's negligible 1/8-1/4", but he outlines that in his thread on the HH. I put my reviews from the Dobinsons thread here, also look at cubie's write up in that thread, he went all in with Dobinsons so he's also running the heavy leaf pack.

I'm running around 335# with the topper included.

Dobinsons offers a medium leaf option, or with heavy and super heavy you can remove a spring to make them essentially a medium leaf (which I think is up to 2 inches for 3rd gen with up to 200lbs I believe. Check out exit offroad.com for specs)

 

Hanger upgrade is totally worth it, I know bamf also has an offering. I went with Archive Garage after seeing them in person and seeing such great feedback and results.

 

I was under the assumption that the stock shocks would be almost maxed out for length with aftermarket leaf springs. How is that working for ride quality?

 

They're stretched for sure, and Archive addressed that with me, as well as commented on my post about it and the associated safety risks...for what it's worth most all of my driving has been interstate and highway driving. No issues so far, but I'm holding out hope for my shocks/coilovers to arrive in a month (dang shutdowns delaying production).

 

Ok, that all makes sense! I have a set of Dakar Med leafs and I am waiting for my shocks and U-bolts to come in, they'll be here next week but I am so anxious to install them!!! Were you able to use the stock U-blots?

 

I ended up going with Archive's u-bolt flip kit and his bumpstops, which had plenty of extra bolt. I suggest you go ahead and take your u-joint/driveline angles now so you can remeasure post install in case you end up with an extreme angle.

FYI I ended up putting in a 4 degree shim to resolve my rear pinion working angle being thrown off with the added lift.

 

It is strongly recommended to replace U-bolts unless you’re re-using very low mileage ones

 

Also remember, you can do the exact same thing to two of the same truck and get different results...this is especially true with driveline issues/vibrations.

 

Yup. I have an Icon U-bolt flip kit coming from wheelers as well as B110's and extended brake lines, don't worry...it will be proper. haha

But that isn't due in till about 13 July and with current shipping issues all around I would like to get everything I can out of the way that I can. I would like to install the Dakars as I can make final adjustments to the 6112's on the front. I won't be driving it like this, maybe just a few miles to "settle' everything in.