OME/Dakar CS047R leaf springs/ Changed to Dobinson Leaf Springs

Sometime ago I read a thread about the OME CS047R springs hitting the spring shackles and there were some remedies for that. One of the remedies was new shackles that were wider where they connect to the spring pack, but I have forgotten the name of the manufacture. Can someone give me that name, or other manufactures, that make the shackles that are better suited for OME?
Thanks,
Ron W.

 

Just ditch the OME all together. Easier and less hassle down the road. I ran a set for 50k miles and was extremely disappointed with them.
After 30k miles they squeaked like a frat house mattress.

 

You have a great build on your truck. I have actually been pretty happy with my suspension, it has performed well over the years for me. The only issue I have is that it is starting to cut into my stock spring shackles. Plus, I really don't have the money for a new setup, that is why I am looking to replace the shackles with the ones I had seen on here. If only I could remember the name.
What suspension are you running now?
Ron W.

 

Iron man foam cell on the shocks and also iron man HD leafs. Very happy with them so far. The truck has waaaay less dive and shimmy then it did on the OME setup.

yeah if you’re in a budget shackles might be the way to go, but I do know from browsing that they can get pricey fast on the aftermarket, which is what you’re looking at. Maybe look for used take offs? I wish I could help ya more with shackle width, I just never looked into it.

 

Thanks. In a couple of years I might be ready to change out my suspension. I will look into iron man at that time.

 

The remedy is to throw the dakars in the garbage and buy literally anything else lol.

In all seriousness though, you need to cut the ends of the 2nd leafs off. Or at least taper them more, which requires cutting/grinding. I have not heard of any shackles that are wider, because how would that even work? The shackle needs to squeeze the metal sleeve in the leaf bushing. It can't be any wider or narrower than that or it won't work. And the shackle can't get much wider or else it won't fit in the hanger or beside the frame.

 

Okay, so you guys have convinced me to get rid of the OME. One off road shop was talking to me about Dobinson heavy duty springs. I guess there is one pack rated for over 800lbs and another with a 1000lbs. But it gives a 2.1" lift. The OME gave a 2.75" lift. How true that is I don't know. Question, anyone have experience with the Dobinson springs and how are they?
Thanks,
Ron W.

 

If you want to know about Dobinsons here is the guy to talk to @Crikeymike

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dobinsons-2nd-gen-tacoma-suspension-options.458013/

 

Thanks. Some really good info on that.

 

Yeah there’s two different aspects to the leafs you’re looking at here. Ride height and payload. I would slightly upgrade the payload if you ever plan on doing a bed rack, shell, spare tire, etc. 800lbs is overkill though because then you’re definitely upgrading the rest of the suspension and also brakes if you’re running that much weight.

Really it sounds like you just want some slight ride height. So go for the leafs with the best reviews that give you a couple hundred extra pounds over stock, and the lift that you want.
Ride height and payload are two separate things although a lot of the time they will go hand in hand.

 

Honestly Dobinson's are marginally better than OME. They also have the 2nd leaf too long and it makes contact with the shackles. They don't have full military wrap on the ends. Still a 3 or 4 leaf pack (+ overloads) so not very progressive meaning stiff with little or no weight in the box. They are a budget option, plain and simple. You get what you pay for.

Look into Archive medium duty leafs. They are very progressive pack, meaning smooth riding even with little weight, but also with plenty of lift. I think these might be the best leafs on the market right now. But they are designed for hauling constant weight and giving max lift and droop. Best paired with extended brake lines and shocks that allow for the droop (usually requires other mods like shock towers and bump stops). If you want a little less lift or haul less than ~200lbs constant, look into Deaver U402.

If you don't think you can swing the price of either of those options, look into Icon RXT.

Edit: Apparently Dobinsons added a taper to the end of the 2nd leaf to prevent contact with the shackle. Sounds like this isn't an issue anymore.

 

You should edit your post and remove the 5+ year old mis-information in it? The 2nd leaf was modified earlier than 2019.

 

Not trying to spread to misinformation here. Last I looked into this that was the case, granted that was a couple years ago (but not 6 years ago). Maybe that was just old stock but the 2nd leaf was definitely too long. I was specifically looking for this since I had the same problem with my Dakars.

Do you have any proof this was changed? Pic of an installation perhaps? The pics of the leafs on your website (and any other website I can find right now) show the 2nd leaf just as long as the Dakars, ending right under the eyelet. Perhaps that's an old picture of them?

 

There are 3 different leaf packs, rated to different levels. If you use a set that are stronger than you need, you'll get more lift.

What bed length do you have, and how much constant rear end weight do you have on the truck? Then it will narrow down which pack to get.

 

I'm looking at getting the iron man hds. How much weight are you carrying? I'm guessing I have a total of about 450 constant weight in the rear. I didn't want to risk getting the leafs that go up to 440 and be disappointed

 

Sorry, help me out here. What was changed? That still looks just as long. Was it just the extra taper on the ends? Does that not still make contact with the shackle when the leafs shift laterally?

 

Those leaf springs have been on that truck for 3-4 years. No, they don't make contact, as you can see in that photo. The taper is what clears the shackle. The 2nd leaf needs to support the main leaf so it doesn't bend under super heavy loads.

 

450 constant, 600 with all camping gear attached/loaded up. Even then the HD is borderline too much lift. I have to throw a couple sand bags in the back to stop from getting driveline vibes.

I’m at a weird in between with weight where I could probably take a leaf out and be fine, but as soon as I load all the gear I would need it. So for now the sandbags are the solution.

All in all though I think for the price point you can’t beat it. Definitely punches above its weight class

 

That's awesome to hear. So it seems I should buy the HDS and plan to take a leaf out.