Deaver confusion

Hi all,

I know there are dozens of threads discussing suspension component decisions, but I can't quite find one that answers my dilemma.

So, 2 years ago, I installed a 2.5" bilstein/Total Chaos UCA front lift coupled with a 1.5" Icon AAL rear on my 2014 Tacoma double-cab 4x4. Worked and looked great for some time, but probably due to a few longer-range offroad trips and occasional brick-hauling events, the rear began to sag. At this point, 1 of 4 cars flashes me because they think I have my high-beams on...

Anyhow, I want to replace my rear springs to remedy this and level out my truck. First I spoke with some folks at my local Offroad warehouse. They suggested going with the Deaver 10-leaf pack (1" lift). Although these seem like great springs, I was concerned that my rear end would sit too low (since I used to have a 1.5" rear lift). So, I contacted Deaver directly with the same question. The representative there went on to recommend the U402 stage I springs. I looked these up online and it looks as if they're rated at a 3" lift... which seems as if it would be too high.

BTW, although I don't often carry much weight, I do go on occasional road trips with 2-300lbs in the bed and haul 3-400lbs once every couple of months.

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

I just recently installed alpro expo +3 leaf springs with timbren bumpstops, alpro states that the leaf springs will ride level with 500lbs in the bed, truck has a slight rake in the rear but not much, or very noticeable, I have a very similar setup as you on the front. Been very happy with my purchase.

 

Do you still possibly still have you stock overload leaf perhaps put that back in. Worth a try to save you some money.

 

Subd since I am in the same boat.

 

Thanks for the feedback folks. I don't have any stock overload springs, but upon closer inspection the entire stock springs are flattened out... almost concave, so they're basically garbage.

I spoke to the Deaver reps again and they insist that their 402 stage I option will work. He said they really don't give you a full 3" of lift, so the truck will be relatively level and will ride well. I asked him about the 10-leaf pack and their F85 options and he said these are rated for basically an empty bed. Not that I carry that much weight that often, but once in a while I'll carry a few hundred pounds (as I stated in my original post). I mean... doesn't everybody with a pickup truck carry some weight from time to time???

Anyhow, at this stage and after reading some other posts, I'm really leaning towards the Icon RXT springs. They're "adjustable" in the sense that you can add/remove components to lift/lower the suspension... and a tad cheaper than the Deavers. http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop...ta-tacoma-multi-rate-rxt-leaf-spring-kit.html

Anybody else have some feedback on these?

 

I have the u402s. They are solid springs for me because i easily carry 500lbs in rear daily. Even with that weight i have coilovers cranked a little higher, not too bad, to maintain level. You will probably have a bit of rake with your amount of weight and setup. Idk. I am somewhat limited in front being a 4x4.
Anyway i had same concern and even had them install an extra leaf at first. Even considering usual sagging i knew it was way too ass high for me. So i had them install the regular u402s which shouldn't have taken so much convincing considering cost.
They even said they could take some lift out of them by re-arching springs which was bullshit. I kinda figured considering the amount of time that would take.
They are good springs though and when they had there initial sag i kinda missed the slight rake which kinda surprised me.
Surprised no one has brought up dakars yet. Save some $. With only a couple hundred lbs you could ditch overloads or whatever I believe. Some dakar head might chime in

 

If you have a double cab they wont sit as high. Know nothing about icons leafpacks

 

Hey man, actually ended up steering away from the Deavers and installed some Icon RXT "adjustable" leaf packs.

http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop...ta-tacoma-multi-rate-rxt-leaf-spring-kit.html

I opted for these because of the ability to change their settings to light, medium and firm stiffness. But, fyi, changing them around requires removing and replacing leaves from the springs, which requires lifting the truck and the considerable work to take the tension off the springs.

So far I've had them installed since early November and they've been great. I set them to their "stiffest" level and although they do ride a bit high in the rear and are stiff, they're quiet and actually the truck looks really good (got rid of the saggy butt look). Plus, my super-bright LED headlamps aren't blinding oncoming cars (quite as much) as before

But, funny anecdotal story to my rear suspension refit. Be careful when working with air compressors... while I was doing this job in my garage, I somehow managed to tear my right pectoral muscle completely off my humerus trying to get an old air compressor hose to click into the female end on my old compressor. Had to get surgery and am still recovering. I'm only 42 years old and in good shape... you never know!! Work safe!!

Good luck

 

@feferico23 - I'm looking at the Icon leaf pack for my truck, but noticed the "but need to replace" on your side bar. Something up with the leaf springs? Just trying not to waste money. Thanks.

 

I have had great luck with a pair of General Springs and the price is reasonable

 

I'm actually going to go with a 3 leaf progressive mini spring pack, and take my overload out. I only drive my truck a few thousand miles a year, and haul firewood and do property maintenance in my woods the rest of the time. This way, I can run some longer shocks with my air bag/cradle setup and have some $ left over for other upgrades.

 

So this is you with U402 stage 1's correct?

 

I believe so. I think once i ditched the tools in the bed weight i went to oe leafs with the progressive aal. I know the dcsb’s don’t weigh a ton more but i think its the cog that gives the ac’s a lot more lift. So depending on how much you are carrying.
When i got the u402’s they put in the stage 2 first because thats what was recommended for the weight. But holy shit the rear was crazy high. I realize there was still gonna be dome sagging but..

 

@Slvr14tacoma Right on, how much lift do you have in the front? And what "cog" are you talking about I don't know. I appreciate the insights

 

I noticed you were an access cab as well so just mentioning that in not sure id go with rhe u402 unless you are actually carrying some real weight.
Ive had a bunch of different springs on the truck and i got way more weight than advertised with all of them.
I think the center of gravity is farther forward on the ac’s.
I believe i still had the camper shell on (nothing else in bed) when i switched it up and sold the deavers.
Im not a fan of a lot of lift in the rear so just depends on your weight back there

 

Oh in this photo I believe around 2 1/4” or so

 

I know this old, but it's my understanding that the overload-to-progressive 3-leaf AAL's (Deaver F85, Icon RXT, etc.) are +1.5" to the OEM leaf pack...in the condition and ride height they are at when you make the overload spring swap. If it's a brand new leaf pack and then you add the aftermarket overload replacement then you will achieve approx +1.5" over factory ride height without added load.
In fact on Icon's RXT product page it clearly states that replacing the factory overload with their 3-leaf progressive conversion "REDUCES Factory Spring Rate by 10%" effectively lowering the factory load and tow capabilities.
Deaver's F85 product page doesn't mention spring rate decrease, but does state that it is NOT recommended to keep using the overload spring in addition to their overload replacement pack. Enter the ToyTec version of this same progressive conversion style AAL. It is marketed as being specifically used WITH the factory overload spring, which would remain on the bottom, but with the ToyTec 3-leaf progressive pack sandwiched between the top 3 factory leaves and the bottom overload. Supposedly, this keeps all factory leaf qualities while now adding additional flex and ride comfort. Whether that's true or not, I haven't the slightest and my search for answers led me here.

EDIT: right...the point...forgot. overload-to-progressive AAL's add the listed height to whatever the current ride height is. Complete leaf packs regardless of design that list a height gain (or drop) is usually compared to straight off the lot factory unloaded ride height. If your pack was worn out and then you added the 3 leaf progressive and removed the factory overload (that was there to give pack structure and load support backbone) then you effectively sped up the wear rate of the rest of your springs by continuing to haul and tow...or as far as I understand, which could not be the correct understanding.