AAL recommendations please

19 2.7 4x4 long bed. I have a constant weight of approx 300-350 give or take a few pounds in the bed between tools/ camper shell. I also regularly tow a enclosed trailer approx 2000 pounds loaded. I’d like an AAL that would raise the truck only about 3/4-1 inch after having the constant weight of shell/tools, that way it doesn’t look like a dragster going down the road when I’m not towing my trailer. I’m safely assuming I would need to get longer shocks for this as well. Any recommendations?

 

I have the Deaver single aal and it lifted the back end of my truck about 1" or 1.25" unloaded. It's a stiff aal spring so it doesn't squat that much when I tow my 16' aluminum boat. Slightly stiff when unloaded which I don't mind, but if you have a constant load then they ought to feel even smoother.

Edit: yes, longer shocks would be a good idea since looks like you get to flexin. I went with OME nitrocharger shocks and am happy with them.

 

Do you have any constant weight in the bed? Did u leave the front stock?

 

Sorry, went back and added this is with the bed unloaded, I only carry a small toolbox with maybe 20lbs of tools. I did also lift the front 2.5" with OME shocks and coils, so all in all I'm about .5" higher in the back unloaded. For this reason I'm considering switching out to a new taller leaf pack because I'd like more rake, but for your purposes the Deaver may be a good idea. I don't know if you're lifted in the front, so if you are you may have the same issue of not enough rake as I do.

 

you could consider the heavy duty (1000 lb load) Sumo Springs - ?? Won't really add any height in the back but should take care of droop and load issues. And no change to rear shocks is needed.

 

I’m researching a similar situation- trying to stay stock on the front and beef up the back a bit to reduce sag from topper and gear in back. I think I may try a single 1.5 aal from wheelers or similar. Most people on here recommend the 3 leaf progressive aal, but more than 2x price of the single.

 

I’m on all stock suspension. Do u think it be necessary to get a carrier bearing drop after doing the AAL ?

 

I'll have a 3-leaf Icon progressive AAL for sale in a few months when I get a new leaf pack. Not sure where y'all are at.

 

Also, if I do just one single AAL , do I need extended u bolts or can I just use what I got

 

OP, for whats its worth, i’ve got about the same weight with my shell and gear, the rear was squatting so I installed the Dakar Medium duties and I got about 1 inch of lift after they settled and I didnt add new shocks.

 

Kept front stock?

 

Similar needs as OP.

I went with a Deaver single AAL and 500# Sumo Springs. Your going to get 1.5" lift unloaded from the Deaver AAL. Your 300-350# loaded might get the 1" your after, though. As mentioned, there is no lift from the Sumo Springs. I don't see the need for extended shocks. Both installs are easy, and the overall system is dead simple. Set it and forget it.

 

If I’m just doing the single AAL should I go with longer u bolts

 

No need. The Deavers are a simple install. All stock parts, except to replace a bolt in the middle of the stack, which comes with the AAL. Once done, you won't even be able to tell it isn't stock.

 

If u kept your front stock, do u have a pic of the truck?

 

Yeah I just threw the leaf packs in. Still saving up for coilovers

 

Pic?

 

That’s a different question. I went with a mild 1.5” lift front and rear to handle moderate AZ wheeling, some hauling, and towing a 2,000# trailer.

As mentioned, Deaver AAL and 500# Sumo Springs in the rear. Simple, relatively cheap, and easy install. It got a bit spendy with a set of ADS shocks and 650# coils in the front. For what I do, this has suited quite well, with no weird issues.

 

This was right after the install, before the springs settled. Its sitting a bit more level now but i dont have a pic on my phone

 

I went with a 3 leaf aal and did not need a carrier bearing drop. I only yielded about 1" of rise instead of advertised 1.5" (less overload leaf). Keep in mind when you install one of these, you also change the angle on the other side of the carrier bearing

You should always replace the u-bolts when replacing / adding leafs. They stretch when torqued. New ones will need to be trimmed down after installation. You may want to consider a ubolt flip kit and upgrade bump stops