Shock Recommendation? Dakar 2.5" Leaves

So basically, like almost every 1st gen Taco owner, my leaf springs are completely shot blah blah blah. Here is the question no one can give me a straight answer on. I'd like some feedback from the experienced people here seeing as to why I joined in the first place. This is my first post so be nice. I've looked and looked and looked...but no avail. I've even looked on other forums. So here is the question:

If I got these

http://trdparts4u.toyotaofdallas.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-7252

what length shocks should I purchase? The lady from Autozone told me to buy them, install them, then let the truck sit at full droop, THEN measure the shock mounts. DUMBA** I know there has to be some sort of trade off between full extension and under a payload. So any and all input is welcome. Maybe even a different set or springs. I am on a college budget with a little help from the SO, she's a life saver sometimes. I'm just worried that running them completely flat/negative arch is bad for my truck. Oh, I've got a 2004 DC with the 3.4 V6...Impluse Red. Probably the sexiest color for the DC trucks. Thanks for any input guys, I know you'll come through.

~~Josh~~

 

FYI, Wheelers has those for $350, and Amazon has each leaf pack sold separately ($173.89
and $176.10) by Trends-Auto with free shipping ($349.99/pair shipped).

Dakar springs are meant to run relatively flat. Also, the Autozone lady wasn't that far off - that is half of how to determine the ideal shock length. You want to know your full droop and full compression measurements and buy shocks accordingly (i.e. remove shocks and then jack one wheel up to maximum compression then measure both sides - I've seen it recommended to do this with only the primary leaf in the pack installed).

There's a 1st gen OME thread here: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/141055-old-man-emu-setups-1st-gen.html, and this is an excellent post.

 

Ok, so from what I gathered and what you said, the springs I want actually run flat and are designed that way? Are there any springs that are meant to be used for carrying things? I'm so confused...I thought trucks were meant to haul stuff not have an easy comfortable ride.

 

If you won't be replacing your saggy coils too, then just the Dakars will be plenty. If you are also replacing your front coils, plus want some good arch + the ability to haul without squatting, add the OME D6XL (aal) to the Dakars. Wheelers is where I got my stuff.

 

You could also get a custom Alcan leaf pack - they're way more expensive, but I loved mine in my old truck.

 

Could you get the part numbers for the leaf springs and the AAL from wheelers? What shocks did you use for the rear? Length?

 

I have dakars and the work great and will hold a load. I ran a 10" 5125 Bilstien shock with a Ubolt flip kit and relocated my shocks.

 

^^^
Strike that, the site wasn't working for me but it worked itself out. Found the spring set and the aal I want to get. Now just to decide on shock and shock length. Recommendations there?

 

What is the purpose of flipping the U-bolt?

 

What springs did you decide on?

 

Clearance for off road...

 

OME CS046R Leaf Spring with the D6XL pre-installed. I'll be ordering these sometime next week or so.

 

Clearance off road? What would flipping the u-bolt "clear" up?

 

The stock U-bolts face down and the shock mounts hang well below the rear end. By flipping the U bolt with a U bolt flip kit you gain some clearance from rocks or other things you might see off road.

 

I just went out to my truck and checked it out. I see what you mean. So if I flipped the u-bolts, where would I mount my shocks? Custom/welded placement?

 

Yep you have to buy a U bolt flip kit and then weld shock tabs like in the picture I posted earlier. It is much better than stock for sure.

 

That stuff.

Edit: hah, you beat me.

 

Ok, well for now, with the springs I'm gonna be purchasing with stock shackles...what shock would you recommend? I was eyeballing some OME Nitros. Would a pair of those do the job? I'm not into serious off-roading so flexing and hitting the bump stops aren't an issue. I just haul stuff.

 

Is that an older Taco? The e-brake line seems to be in a different place on my rig.

 

I have a '99 that I bought with 268k on it - I have no idea what previous owners may have done to it.