New Suspension

Hello,

I recently acquired a 2001 QuadCab Tacoma from my Pops. It only has 66k on it, but it does need new suspension.

I would like to lift minimally, I'm thinking about an inch.
I live in Colorado and just got a quote from Alcan for a 1" Spring with a 1150lbs rating for each spring. He quoted me $1013. Which seems like a lot, but if it is high quality and gets me to the height I want, I'm good with that.

My question is, let's say I go with the Alcan 1" spring. What should I pair it with.
I assume Bilstein 5100 is the way to go for shocks based on what I've read, but I am open to suggestions.
For coils, the OME 880 lists a 1.5" lift. I would like to be as close to level as possible and do not want the front higher at all.

Let me know what y'all think and any other ideas for 1" lift combinations are welcome. I have read about general spring and I think I'd like to go a different route for the leafs.

I won't tow much. Probably just moderate camping gear and a dirtbike occasionally

Thanks!

 

If you're putting on Alcan's, consider nicer suspension components like ADS coilovers (front) and shocks (rear).

With quality 2.5 coilovers of mostly any brand, you can adjust preload to raise or lower your desired height.

Keeping it at only 1" lift will net you a nice supple ride as too much preload (for more lift) will hurt ride quality.

 

ripoff

 

For 1.5" of lift- Deavers are also an incredibly good option. Not sure if that $1000 price tag includes installation, but the Deavers are currently around $870 (not installed)

 

That $1k would be just the leaf pack alone if they were custom; pretty much the going rate.

Custom leaf pack makes a difference, but definitely a bit spendy.

 

Yep, my Alcans were in the $1200 range, including new u-bolts. Custom desigining based on one's specific truck is amazing! Mine were built based on goals and the exact front/rear weight measurements.

 

I've thought about the Deavers as well. I definitely don't want to go more than 1.5"
I should be able to install myself. Just need to pick good complimentary shock and coils.
Those ADS coilovers look sweet. But that might be putting me over my budget.

Someone is currently suggesting General SD springs with OME coil and 5100 shocks. And it doesn't seem like a terrible idea. I just wanna make sure I do it right the first time.
I know there is lots of info out there...I'm terrible with decisions.

 

Now I'm really considering the Deaver J59s. I talked to them today and they said they know a lot of folks who use these and go camping all the time and load the back up. Nothing too crazy, but that it should be fine for this application. He said they are probably similar to the stock spring as far as load goes. He quoted me about $1160 for springs, bushings, unbolts, and shipping.

I called a local shop and they really like the J59s also. But they are pretty much "ride springs" and 300/350 lbs will really sag it. And this shop then suggested Bilstein 6612s and 5160s. He quoted me about $2750 for all of that. And then said I should get air bags

This is getting steep! But I'd do it (maybe don't wanna mess with airbags), if convinced it was going to be great.

Any first hand accounts of carrying gear (not everyday) with these springs? Some of the threads have a bit of conflicting info

 

No real conflicting info, just get a custom set made.

If you read my post, you'll see I used the word 'custom'...that means tailored to your truck.

Alcan or Deaver both have that option. No "off the shelf" setup will get you exactly where you want to be considering everyone uses their truck differently.

Figure out, truly, what you want from your truck, how you will load it (and do it) and go get it weighed even...won't cost you more than $10-20 at a weigh station.

Then get that custom leaf pack.

I skipped Bilsteins altogether so can't comment on those, though a lot of people like them. I prefer serviceable (rebuildable) shocks myself.

 

You mentioned you recently received the truck from your father (very cool!)... 66k miles to boot! That's awesome!

Have you considered just having fun with it for a bit and see where you are on the whole 'dive in TW style with upgrades'?

It can be very tempting to start planning out mods and such after looking over other builds, threads and products. Have no idea what your experience is here but I'd see to basic maintenance and then unleash that 66k mile taco and have fun. Once you get some real time with it, you'll know what needs to be replaced/ugraded.

Just a thought. Congrats on the new ride and welcome, have fun!

 

Cmuffo1
What you end up doing .?

 

I use mine to go camping and hall a dirt bike on the back. I went with OME Dakars with the extra leaf. I use Firestone Ride Rite airbags with Daystar cradles. With the cradles they are not connected and the pickup can flex and I don't have to worry about ripping the airbags. I use the bags because the bike weights about 400 lbs. In addition to a 200lb. Topper and another 200 of gear in the back. Very pleased. I spent about $1500 for all my rear suspension components.

 

Nice, place pictures only if you have time
I got this truck in 2016 with 55K changed for KYB all around shocks around the 63K miles , I can't complaint, smooth ride, nevertheless the leaf pack springs looks super flat, like negative arc.
I was undecided between Deaver J59 and Alcans .
pulled the trigger and ordered my ALCANS, pricy oh yeah
but like someone says , pay once ...cry once ...
so it will be base on my needs and weight i use the truck,
mechanic says keep using KYB for now ,
I will install them in May when i get a chance.

Cheers !!!!

 

Build a set on https://www.shocksurplus.com/search and pay a local folk for installation.

 

Go with Alcan. Alcan are better than Deaver (especially with what you are trying to do) and especially if you are near Alcan (Colorado)... shipping is a deal killer with leaf springs. (Deaver is in SoCal) After shipping, you'd be paying the same amount for the Deavers, even if the Deavers are under 900 bucks.

Do not go with General Spring... it's just not worth the savings. You'll just be replacing them again when the Generals are clapped out in a couple years.

For the front, if you don't want much lift, I'd suggest Bilstein 5100s with stock coils on the lowest setting. That will give you a little lift (not much) and an improved ride (over the stock shocks). If you end up needing to lift in the front, then all you would have to do is change out to a different coil... but get that lift from different coils, not the adjustment settings on the shocks.

 

That is correct, J59 is basically going to be rated at the same load as a stock spring. It will ride nicer etc, and flex more, and you wont have the stupid rock catcher overload springs. But they are going to sag with a load in the bed.

You don't need air bags. You're better off talking to Alcan and telling them what you need. They can build you a set where you don't need air bags... the leaf springs will take care of what you need.

If you want someone with experience carrying gear... LMAO... I'm your guy. I have Alcan leaf springs. They were a game changer.

 

Hey, I have not decided. I have very much still been lingering back and forth. I see there are some new replies here now. I'm liking the info.
I was almost going to go with General Springs HD and some Bilstein all around.
But with the new replies today, I may be back to figuring out my exact/typical load and getting alcan to customize.
Then a decision for shocks and coils will be in order

 

Should I go with Bilstein 6612s and 5160s. Or are 5100s fine

 

I’m on 5100’s all around with old man emu 885X springs and a custom pack in the rear without overload leaf. Im a 2nd gen dude

 

This guy wheels hard and carry gear, el taco Diablo is the guy you want to listen to.