Deaver stage 1 vs 2 plus sumo springs?

Deaver stage 1 vs 2. I wasn’t sure which one to get. I have rock bars, canopy and camping gear. My thought was to get stage 3 and to play it safe with weight. However, I don’t plan on having my canopy on all the time. What are the disadvantages of having stage 3 with a light tuck bed? I have a 2020 extended cab long bed. thanks!

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Now deciding between stage 1 and 2. Why not do stage 1 and then add some sumo springs for a better ride and for towing a fishing boat every now and then? Thoughts?

 

It will ride quite stiff in the back and can cause oversteer at the worst time.

 

Ok thanks! So do you recommend going with the stage 2 then?

 

Deavers are super stout and can handle way more weight than their rated for. If you aren’t going to run the canopy full time, I would honestly look into Stage 1. Stage 2/3 with a empty bed will yield way too much lift and a pretty stiff ride.

 

Ok thank you!

 

100% this.

Do not overestimate your truck weight. Deavers are fantastic springs, but you'll get way too much lift and it will ride like a dump truck.

 

Thanks! What about towing? Sumo springs help with this?

 

a) Deavers hold up to the extra load just fine. They don't flatten like factory.

b) How often do you tow? Why set your truck up to be comfortable for 0.1% of use cases, but be miserable for the other 99.9% of the time. If you tow more than that, buy a full size.

 

Yes very true, comfort is more important. I was thinking about getting a fishing boat at some point, was thinking about trying to make it work with the Tacoma.

 

I have the stage 2 and run a camper shell and tons of gear all the time. Listen to what others have said, consider stage 1 or 2 max, don’t do stage 3 based on your setup. Deavers hold up and don’t flatten out even above their ratings. Ride is good if you size them for what you do 99% of the time.

If all you are towing is a boat occasionally, depends on size of boat but you’ll probably be fine. Worst case you can add something like Sumo springs or air bags later if it’s a big one.

 

Thanks for the reply!. I definitely won’t go with stage 3. Now I just need to decide between stage 1 and 2.

 

I have Deaver stage 2s and blue sumo springs that I installed prior to the leaf upgrade. I have a LB with ARE cap, extra 150-200lbs of tools etc. They are perfect. Ride nice unloaded and can haul heavy stuff. Gained about 2" after they settled in (they look insane when first installed probably 3" of lift for the first few days to a week). Great choice IMO although there are others that are likely as good, Alcan etc...

 

Thank you! I am leaning towards Deaver stage 1 with the blue sumo springs. I was thinking stage 1 since I’ll only have rock sliders and a canopy and camping stuff etc.

 

I can attest to this. Pretty sure I've got like 6 inches of lift and it feels like I have no rear suspension when i'm running empty with my Stage 3s, lol.

Stage 1 is probably all the OP needs

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

I have stage 3s (had a gfc previously) I have an appointment with them next week to lower the rear a smidge

 

How can they lower them? Remove a leaf or something?

 

Given what you've said so far I'd go with Stage 1. I've got the Stage 2 on my truck with Leer cap, tool box, sliders, skids, and wrap-around HC steel bumper with tire swingout and I've got about 1/2"-1" more lift than I want. The ride is pretty good but the rear end is a bit high.

edit: for context I've had the Stage 2 leafs on for two years and ride height has not changed. Deavers are stout

 

Ya I think I’m going to go with stage 1. Thanks! If I do bilstein 6100/5160 two inch lift in the front would I go with the Deaver stage 1 2” inch to maintain the rake on the truck?

 

Yes, that should be fine. They're rated for 2 inches of lift with 0-300 pounds in the bed, and from what I've seen on mine, it'll take a good amount over that high end weight before you lose much lift. It takes a good 500- a thousand pounds over on my Stage 3s to get them squished back down to 0 lift, lol.