Deaver Leaf Pack w/ stock sport suspension

Hey all,

Running a '15 DCLB TRD Sport with a Gofastcamper on back. I'm heading off road very little- primarily highway driving and the occasional forest service road. I don't feel I need a proper aftermarket lift, but rather dump the money into a new leafpack like a Deaver stage 2. Total bed weight will be ~500 lbs constant

Do I need to be worried about driveline? I've heard about needle bearing replacements when lifting the front, but am I missing anything I'd regret not replacing at the same time?

Thanks!!

 

The Deaver Stage 2 leaf pack will give you over 2" of lift. Are you planing on lifting the front?
Crazy, not crazy, check out the Roadmaster Active Suspension better than Ride/Firestone bags on stock leaf springs for sure.
Helwig Helper leaf which are some sweet options as well.

 

I have stage 2s with about the same rear weight it lifted my rear about 2.5 inches. If you don't want liftjust get some air bags to help the rear weight

 

I'm running Deaver Stage 3 and love them, but as @Dalegribble02 mentioned, you are prolly better off just getting air bags. Cheap, easy install, and no lift.

 

I don’t mind the lift- just not going to use it to its full potential when it comes to additional clearance.

Assuming I could just use some spacers to level out the front and keep stock shocks?

 

I’m not sure why you are considering a Deaver leaf pack. Are you experiencing any issues with the stock leaf springs? What are your goals?

FYI: your thread title is confusing because you can’t have a deaver leaf pack and a stock suspension at the same time.

 

Stock leaf springs are looking a little on the flat side... Between the camper, rack/swing away, bikes and gear it seems like a leaf pack to compensate for the additional weight is the way to go.

Basically, eliminating sag.

 

The leaf springs are flat by design. You will lose a little ride height with 500 lbs of payload, but unless it is causing ride quality issues or you think it will limit your dating chances, I would not worry about it. It’s a pickup. It was designed to do work.

 

I have a 2nd gen OR with a GFC. The rear starting sagging pretty soon after the GFC was installed even with new-ish (15k) oem leafs and shocks. I added the Icon RXT leaf pack currently in option 1 and Im really happy with the improved ride and slight lift. The lift is ~1" (23" hub to fender) with the GFC before loading up for weekend trips. If you're trying to stay close to factory height with 500 lbs constant this should get you pretty close.

 

Not for the Toyota Tacoma. They are designed to have an arch. If they are flat or wavy, they are "worn out".

 

My rear leaf springs on my 2020 were flat. They had 600 miles on them.
I went to a Deaver U402 stage leaf pack.
When I removed the originals they are curved like your picture.
So yes they are designed to be flat when installed on the vehicle.

 

There really isnt any downside to upgrading from the stock leaf springs. If you have the cash for Deavers I dont think you will regret it. just remember that if you opt for a leaf pack that has a high pay load they will typically lift the truck 2.5-3in~. I have some pretty stiff leaf springs in my truck and I like the ride better than stock.

 

2-3" from stock height? Would it make sense to lift the front using some spacers, or just leave as is?

 

Yes from stock height. Ive been looking into Deaver myself and I am being told that they measure the lift height with the truck loaded with the advertised weight capacity. so if the leaf pack is rated for 500lbs than they advertise the lift including the 500lbs of payload if that makes sense. I personally would lift the front a little bit but I think trucks look good with a little bit of rake. If you dont drive off road much I think a spacer lift will be fine. I would stay away from any spacer lift over 1.5in though I heard they can ride pretty rough. You could also put some new struts in the front that allow you to adjust the height and would probably handle better.

 

I have the Deaver stage 2 springs and they do give the truck a little rake when unloaded. Fully loaded it sits nice and level, which was my goal.

Your question about driveline is worthwhile--I have a little vibration present when it is unloaded and has more angle to the driveline, only between 15 and 25mph. When loaded up it goes away, so there's something to the additional half inch of lift. Originally I had 2" blocks from the dealer and it didn't vibrate at all.

 

I also have a bit of driveline vibration when unloaded but its nothing too major mostly at low speeds like @ridefastflyfar also said. You can buy shims for your carrier bearing to try and remedy that or you can just make some yourself like I did. that way you can really dial in the height of the shim.

 

With the back pretty purpose built as a remote office/camping setup, I don't see a time where there will be any less than ~450lbs.

Looks like best bet would be Deaver Stage 2's, and then a 2" lift on the front to level it out. Seems too simple, I know I'm missing something.

 

Honestly it probably is that simple haha. There is A LOT of info and a LOTS of opinions on how to lift your truck. Just go with your gut instinct. at the end of the day modifying your suspension will affect the truck in more good ways than bad as long as you met your goals