Suspension opinions,,,

Hopefully in the next couple weeks, I will be able to upgrade my suspension. I have a '09 dcsb tacoma and I am looking for more function over fashion, which means >2". From what I have read tacoma's have the possibility to suffer drive line vibrations with anything over 3", and there is a 50/50 chance starting with 3". My driving consists of light off roading, no rock crawling. Usually if i'm off road (whether its just a fire road or something that requires you pay attention to wheel placement) I will be towing a 1500 lb. teardrop (with about 150-200 lb. tongue weight), cap, soon to have drawer system and couple hundred pounds of gear, and sometimes a bed full of fire wood. This means that when loaded, the back end sags, and when 4wl is needed, I can usually feel the frame tap the bump stops. This is after I got the TSB AAL. With all that being said, I would love to hear what you guys suggest. I am a low maintenance, 'one and done' type of guy. The truck will be paid off shortly and I plan on keeping it for another 4-15 years! Firestone airbags have been suggested. I have a slight understanding on how they work. They go between the frame and leafs and acts a additional support, but do you have to inflate/deflate when in use? I have heard of them getting ripped, is that common?


I was thinking on Billie 5100's all around, fronts would get placed at the .85 setting. I know the back is not adjustable. For the back, like I said, Air bags were recommended. But I was thinking of new leaf pack all together or can I do another AAL? Is that overkill? I dont mind if the truck is not level for everyday driving. With the allproofroad.com, I was thinking expedition leaf springs. However, the fact that you get 3" lift raises a caution flag because of possible drive line issues. So, I am really leaning towards the OME Dakars, they claim a 2.5 lift, but with the cap and misc stuff always in the back I am hoping they would sag at least 1/2" or so. I know I could get custom leafs made but I dont know the specifics of how much weight I carry. I would like to keep this around $1000-1200 installed (NOT any higher than $1500), so $$$ is a factor. Let me know if you guys think i'm nuts for thinking it can be done for under $1200.

Also, would there be any misc items I would need to purchase? longer Ubolts, bushings, etc?

Cant wait to hear what you guy suggest, thanks!

 

Ive been doing alot of reading and asking questions on this site because i want a lift and have the same concerns and intended use as you do. So for rear leaf packs, the dakars have two overload springs and i hear they are great for loads. It is also suposed to be easy to remove the third leaf down in the pack and you will lose a 1/2 inch of lift. Another option for leaf packs is ironman. I think only a few people have this but it will give you 2 inches of lift and i believe i also has two overload leafs

 

Here a thread i created about a OME setup and i alot of people gave me some good info http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/235536-whos-got-2nd-gen-ome-dakars-how-much-rake.html
And heres a thread on the ironman lift
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/219608-ironman-lift.html

 

OME 885's , no top plate spacer and Dakars

This is the set up I have OP , lifted my DCLB 4x4 2 1/2" up front and 2 3/4" out back .

The rear has since settled to 2" of lift with my commercial Leer cap on for about a year and assorted tools .

I am going to add the OME AAL , the

$81 d29xl leaf spring

d29xl to my pack to regain the lost height in the back .

I also added LR UCA's and have a hood alignment of 3* caster , 0 camber , and 0 toe .

I also haul full firewood loads with no issue .

 

OME all the way

 

thanks for the input.

OZ, are you suggesting 885's instead of billies?

Evan, thanks for the links. I have read a little about the ironmans.

 

885's are coils , billies are shocks

 

No problem, let us know what you decide to go with. And oz is probably suggesting full a OME setup-coils, shocks and leaf springs. Alot of people go with this setup and have nothing but good things to say, this is probably what ill be ordering in the next week or two

 

Im too slow

 

Oz, I am aware that 885 are coils, while billies are shocks. I was just wondering if you suggesting coils over shocks or buying both?

Reading comprehension isnt a good friend of mine.

 

If you get 885's , buy new shocks too , either OME or 5100's

 

Well, just pulled the trigger. After much reading on here, talking to some local folks (one guy was in traffic as I biked to work) and talking to Toytec, I just ordered OME kit ( ).

Got 885 springs (09 DCSB),
No top spacer,
full replacement rear leafs,
diff drop kit
and paid extra $100 to get springs assembled.

I was told without the top spacer, I should get a 2 1/4" lift in front, and 2 1/2' lift in rear. Will the front settle? I am pretty sure the rear will settle a little (with cap and misc. crap I carry in the bed). I was hoping for 2" maximum but I will be ok if its a little over. Will I need the diff drop kit?

I was quoted locally $400-500 install but that was with them rebuilding the front shocks/springs. So I am hoping its a little less without them having to rebuild the front.

This will be a couple hundred over budget but EVERYONE I talked to has nothing but good things to say about the OME kit.

OZ, I noticed you got the UCA's, how did it drive before you got them? It will be next summer until I can afford UCA's if I need them.

Thanks for everyones input.

 

nice! I ordered the same setup, except i got UCAs also, mine should be here in a few days. I didnt get my coilovers assembled and now i wish i did because all the shops around here suck and are overpriced.

 

My 885X coils haven't sagged at all in over a year and a half

I installed the LR UCA's at the same time as my lift

 

Just curious, when do you know if you need UCA's?

I thought it was over 3"?

 

IMO , 2 1/2" is the point where your alignment will be most likely compromised without the added caster you can get with aftermarket UCA's

Some are OK above that , but I didn't want to do everything twice

 

crap.