Sagging in the rear - want to make sure I understand options

TLDR: I have some sagging in the rear and I'm thinking about either doing a simple AAL to bring me back to full height, or a full suspension lift to both bring me back to full height + improve off road ability. Want to make sure I understand my options before I spend $4k on a lift.

I've got a 2019 5' DCSB with a Leer100xr, a 160 pound RTT (Roofnest Falcon XL), and a 50 pound bike rack that regularly carries at least one 33 pound bike. By my estimates, this means I have about 410 pounds over the rear axle when I'm doing daily driving. My sag isn't insane, but it's there, and ride quality has decreased. I'm planning replacing current bike rack with a more capable 85 pound steel rack, and a 40 pound swing-away which will add to the weight. I've also been thinking about building/buying drawers.

If I'm loaded down with a cooler, climbing gear, food, bike tools, etc for a 7-14 day trip, it's like I might as well be driving a lowered taco with 21" rims.

I've found a good shop in Denver to do the work, but the sales team is a little busy and doesn't seem stoked on fielding a bunch of questions, so I thought I would reach out to a bunch of enthusiasts to see what you think of my options (as I understand them).

1) I can do an AAL. This won't require new springs or shocks in my rear, and should just get me back to standard ride height for everyday driving. I know some people say AAL is total shit, but this would probably be the most economical option.

2) I could put put airbags under there, but are these meant to be run full time? My understanding is that airbags are best used supplementally, when carrying a heavy load. I don't want to rely on airbags to keep me level 100% of the time. I'm also weary of putting non-mechanical items on my truck, especially if I'm going to be doing proper off roading while loaded down.

3) I could perform a full suspension lift. Given my desire to avoid airbags and the potential of carrying up to 600 pounds on the regular, offroad shop has recommended a heavy duty leaf pack that will provide ~ 2" of lift. We'll put on Bilstein 6100's (front) and 5160's rear, UCA's, diff drop, top hats. This would come in right around $4k.

I don't do insane wheeling, but I do more than 99.9% of taco drivers (Hell's Revenge is about the limit of what I want to do in a truck I daily drive). Most of my driving and wheeling is done to shuttle bikes, or to get the f*ck away from Subaru drivers on gnarly mining and high clearance roads. The added height and functionality from a lift would be nice, but if I'm honest, I already have 265/75 tires and have only dragged my bottom a handful of times so it isn't 100% necessary.

What would you all recommend?

 

With that kind of weight, sounds like the HD leaf pack is your best option

I also have a fiberglass Leer. The regular Dakars I've been using were good for a while.. but it doesn't achieve the rake I'm looking for. I'll be going with an HD pack soon

 

Just spend $1k on a Deaver U402 leaf pack. Figure out roughly how much full-time weight you will carry, call Deaver Spring (714) 542-3703 and get their recommendation for which stage (2 or 3) you will need, then order from an authorized vendor you like.
Icon leaf packs also have adjustable weight bearing options, and probably Dobinson's too.
You might need longer rear shocks. Depends on which stage you get and how much the leaves are compressed at ride height with your weight. All the other stuff doesn't address your issue, and can be added later if you want.

 

I have a similar tent (roofnest falcon on a topper) and it was really worth it to go Deaver u402s for the weight if you are going to lift the truck but if you aren't going to offroad like crazy I'd go Icon RXT. I've installed them on a bunch of friends trucks and come with additional leafs that can raise/lower it based off if you are lifted or add more weight. I had standard OME dakar leaf spings and they are hands down the worst leaf springs on the market. I replaced mine after 10k miles and they were trashed at that point... plus they non stop squeak.

I am in Denver as well if you want to try and tackle it in your driveway, I've installed lifts on several vehicles and have all the tools if you will supply the beer lol

 

This. Moved from HD Dakars to stage III U402's

 

I did the same, best upgrade yet. Deaver u402s stage II

 

Thanks, man! Ended up going with Icons due to availability and new rear shocks. Figured I might as well toss some 6112's on the front while I'm at it.

 

That's exactly what I'm doing. Icon RXT + 5160's in the rear and 6112's in the front.

Super appreciate the offer to help. I'm on a tight schedule (baby coming beginning of July) and need to get 'er done ASAP, so I don't want to have to ask you to drop everything and help a stranger out. I'm also doing work on all four corners including UCA's, top hats, diff drop, and new coils, so it might be more than you bargained for!

Do you by chance drive a Cement with a standard size Falcon? I've seen you around if so!

 

Rig looks sick! What size lift and tires you running there?

 

3" and 285 75 16's

 

I am happy to give you a hand if you want to do it during the week, I pretty much camp every weekend but if you want to tackle it after work hours I am more than happy to help. I did a full lift (UCAs, leafs, front and rear suspension) on my buddies 2021 in 6 hours on a sunday so we could easily tackle it over a couple days... I love working on trucks so really no sweat if you want to give it a go.

I don't have a cement so that wasn't me, here is my rig.

 

Look into Hellwig EZ990 helper springs. Might be just what you need for a good price. Easy installation with wheels on the ground and your ride will be level under load. I’ve got 200# in the box for camping and 400# tongue weight, normal compression, no rear sag. The helper springs don’t interfere with the ride when unloaded and actually assist control with less body roll.

 

I’m curious what would be the recommended rear shock length for something like the deavers. Would you have to use shocks that are recommended for something like a 2 or 3” lift?

 

These deavers are recommended for 3 inch lift, most folks that run them have either a lift or shock relocation, its one of the few progressive leaf springs on the market, also I did a shock relocation so I can use the full 12 inches of travel and I actually didn't need to strap my rear smoothies due to the deavers acting as limiting straps. Probably wouldn't hurt to strap it but more than likely overkill.

 

Hey everyone, new to Tacoma World. I recently picked up a 2013 PreRunner 4cyl double cab. I also have a leer fiberglass top on it. I use it for my pest control Company. I dont keep a ton of stuff in back but I have a little sag. I was looking for a decent AAL but didnt find any for my truck? I keep finding ones for 6 lug. Im sure there is something out there. Any suggestions? And this truck wont be taken off road, not on purpose anyway. Thanks!

 

How many miles? AAL might only be a temp fix. It could be okay. Every truck/application is different.

 

gvfty


It has 90k miles. I plan on keeping it a long time so if there is a better solution im game.

 

Your budget is also a factor.

 

$500 and under would be ideal, if possible.

 

Check out this option. Helper springs for TRD and non TRD Tacomas. Under $200

https://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/search-by-vehicle/?Year1=2013&Make=Toyota&Model=Tacoma