Deaver U402's Stage 1 leaf springs

I ordered stage 1 deavers a month ago for use with a constant 200-300 lbs over stock weight. Once I install them I will report back with how they perform under 500 lbs of weight. I am afraid of sag, so might have to order stage 2's depending on further information from this thread.

 

I am probably right on the edge of stage 1 and 2s for Deaver 402s. I haven’t weighed the back end but it’s a long bed with a 200lb cap, roof and cap rack, probably constant 75lbs or tools/gear in a tote total is probably 350. I hoping not to gain extra lift from stage two, but instead have some remaining capacity and not sag. I am guessing slightly stiffer would ride softer on a long bed due to the longer wheelbase / longer lever (also adds some weight with frame, bed, etc).

 

I'm going to get my truck weighed when I go out this week. That way I'll know about where I am for my camping load out.

 

Any update ???
I'm drafting my suspension shopping list and would like to hear your comments.

Thanks

 

I’m on stage 2s with about 300lbs added weight and they feel really good. If you plan on hauling heavier loads occasionally, I’d recommend stage 2s. You can also call Deaver, they are pretty helpful.

 

What are you running on front suspension? Tire Size? Looks super nice!

 

I just ordered the Stage I, I'm currently running RSI Smart Cap (180lbs), and a Frontrunner rack (55 lbs), with all my gear I'll probably be ~300 lbs. I thought about the Stage II's, but I don't plan on a swing out or any other permanent gear. I consulted with Deaver and and AccuTune, and they mentioned with nothing in the bed and with my setup, that the lift will be around 3". I'll post some pics once I get everything installed.

 

At that time, I had ADS 2.5's with 650 lb coils. The tires are 285/70/17.

Thanks for the kind words!

 

I’m on stage 2 with about 350lbs ride is nice and got about 2”l not sure where they were getting 3”. They are pretty accurate with their claimed 2” around the intended load. I.e. with a stage 2 you might get 2 1/4” at 300lbs but they will still ride really nice.

 

I have stage 1's with minimal weight in the rear and I have 2". When I had stage 2's, those gave me 3".

 

Would love to hear/see how the stage 1 worked out!

 

what made you go back to stage 1? I’m rocking stage 2 right now with the following weight and it’s still a little stiff without more stuff (coolers, lots of gear) in the bed or cargo racks.


Weight (360 lbs)

Cbi full skids (180 lbs)

& gas tank skid (30 lbs)

C4 Rock sliders (150 lbs)


Rear weight (185 lbs)

CBI rear bumper (185 lbs)

Archive garage Hammer hangers with shackles and hiClr cross bar ??


Over rear axle (405 lbs)

Leitner acs forged bed rack (85 lbs)

x2 XL Cargo boxes (x2 50 lbs)

Decked drawer system (205 lbs)

maxtraxs and mount (15 lbs) in drawers


Front (152.5 lbs)

saints off road alpha bumper (80 lbs)

warn evo 10-s (72.5 lbs)

when I add 100-200 lbs of gear it gets nice and compliant, so the adventure/road trip ride is perfect

 

Here's a detailed explanation that I copied and pasted from the last time someone asked...

The Deavers are "designed" to provide 2" of lift when ran with the proper amount of weight. If you run them light, such as running a stock truck with stage 2's, in order to gain 3" of lift, you'll run into issues. These will include, a rough ride, drive live vibrations, and bottoming out your shocks aggressively. If you want 3" of lift, you should order a leaf pack designed to give you 3".


Long story:

I ordered my stage 1 leaf pack from Wheelers Offroad. When it arrived, it was labeled "stage 2". I emailed Wheelers, and they assured me, it was a stage 1. They suggested that Deavers probably modified a stage 2, by removing a leaf, to make it a stage 1. I took their word and installed the pack.

I was shocked and disappointed to get a 3" lift, but figured it would settle. The ride was very harsh, compared to what I expected. Not unbearable, but harsh. When I hit a speed bump minorly fast, the rear end would hop, and you could hear the leafs slam the shock downward. I also had a terrible driveline vibration.

I adjusted my front coilovers, and took it in for an alignment. Drove it for a week, and then added 300 lbs of sand bags in the back, in a hope to speed up the break in. I also added a carrier bearing drop. The drop helped the vibration a little, but it was definitely still there. I tried 1/2, then 3/4, then 1/4 carrier bearing spacers, all with minor improvements.

After the third week of driving on them, with little improvement in ride quality, I finally emailed Deaver directly. I explained the harsh ride, vibrations and asked if they were stage 1 or 2. I got slightly brushed off, with a "if you ordered a stage 1, then it's a stage 1". I replied "ok, I'm just concerned it's a stage 2, because its labeled 'stage 2'". He replied quickly, saying that it was definitely a stage 2, they made an error in shipping the wrong set and a new stage 1 would be shipped immediately. He also said that yes, they used to convert packs, but it became too common, and they no longer do that.

The stage 1's arrived quickly (3 days later) and I installed them that weekend. Man! What a difference. The stage 1's were silky smooth, the vibrations were gone, and I could blast over speed bumps with no issue.

The end result, I believe you should only run the leafs at their designed load. If you run them light, expect issues. I'd rather run them as designed, and have an occasional heavy load. The overload springs should account for this.

Also, if you want 3", I'd recommend working with Deaver to design a custom pack. They'll base it off the U402, but can add or change leafs to achieve the desired lift and load. If you want, I can send the Deaver contact that I worked with. He was very helpful, once he realized I wasn't wasting his time.

Let me know if you have other questions, or if I missed anything.

BTW, it sounds like our trucks are very similarly loaded.

 

Thanks for the details!

 

Any pics or update on how it the stage 1 turned out. I'm in the same boat. Leer 180 + full size spare. Long bed 2nd gen. Sliders soon

@grex

 

Replaced Headstrong 3AAL w/3 degree 1/4 driveline angle shim with Deaver U402 stage 1.

Before and after pics made easier b/c I just pulled off the stock RED bedside sticker and put on a vinyl blue one.

The images with red bedside sticker are with 6112 600# in front and HS 3AAL.

The blue bedside sticker images have 6112 650# and Deaver U402 stage 1.

Bed weight is the same in both images and I tried to put the truck in the same spot
- DB cover with tool bars, tools and 2 lights mounted (55#)
- Lithium battery box w/inverter and power management (46#)
- ARB single (19#)
- Safe jack and steel mounting plates for 2 bottle jacks (17#)
- Front molle (estimated 20#)
- bed mat (???)
- Lil bees bed stiffeners (11#)
- Tools and misc. recovery gear including maxtrax and homemade steel mounting brackets to mount to DB cover (estimated 25#)
- DRT hitch skid (9#)

Total bed weight ~ 202#.

I also have sliders, full aluminum skids (an SSO bumper and SB winch on the way) and I have full size spare with aftermarket wheel which is heavier than stock.

Hope this helps someone on the fence about Stage I and II. So far I am very happy with this decision but time and some trips with additional packed weight will tell.

 

Deavers Stage II with RLD Cap and FSRGo Odyssey RTT. Roughly 315lbs constant weight. 37 1/4 inches from floor to fender. No issues. Took them off and no weight. 40 inches and bouncing around. Trying to figure out which leaf to remove to make it more compliant. May trade for stage I.

 

@Vertaco what size tires are those . Can't make em out. So I get better idea on ground to fender height

 

Not trying to be rude, but the only lift measurements helpful to anyone else on the internet is center of hub to fender

 

even better is the axle tube to frame. Takes the guess work out of the center hub area. 2nd and 3rd gen’s are usually right around 8.25” stock.