Need advise about the lift I'm looking at.

Wow, I would have thought the opposite. Now I'm torn between the ome kit and the toytec.

 

3-leaf progressive AAL gives a better ride than the single leaf AAL

 

What's the difference between 885, 885x and 2885?

 

885 are the old ones that sagged
885x are the new ones that don't sag
2885 I assume means 2x 885

 

My advice to you, OP, is to get the OME up front setup since you are looking for that ride quality. The LR UCAs are a nice option if they aren't breaking the bank, but are expensive considering how much a lift costs without them. I lifted 2.5 inches and did NOT use LR UCAs and had no problems at all when I got it aligned. They are recommended for alignment but I have heard a lot of people say they didn't need them.

If you were to go offroad, I would tell you to get them but I don't think you'll be jumping anything and I may get some flame for telling you you don't need them.

As for the rear, if you aren't hauling weight, I don't think you need the Dakars. I would recommend the wheelers 3 leaf progressive pack. I am surprised Geekhouse23 didn't mention it, seeing as he posts that in nearly every thread and that's why I know of them. If you will be hauling alot, go Dakars, sure, but I think that 3 leaf will suit your needs quite well. Someone please correct me if I misadvised OP

 

UCAs are needs if you plan on running a full 3" in the front.

Progressive AALs are a better alternative than AAL if your stock leaf are not sagging or flat. If they are, full pack replacement is your best option.

Sorry Chopper, it's just one of those days at work

 

^^^ sound advice. There is no magic number for when UCAs are required, at 2.5" I couldn't hit the bottom range of the stock alignment caster spec with stock UCAs. Just be prepared to buy UCAs if your alignment comes back piss-poor and you hate how your truck drives.

 

Thanks Jonny, ^ And that is why I say I can't tell you 100% you won't need them. Everyone has different setups for some reason. My truck drove fine even BEFORE alignment, and after alignment they told me it was pretty out of whack. So that may just go to show I don't know what I'm talking about. Like he said, prepare to buy them just in case. Will you be installing yourself or paying a shop if I may ask?

 

Based on all the great info I think Im going to stay with my original choice of OME for the front and to avoid having to take it apart twice I'll spring for the UCA's.

As for my rears, I don't see any signs of sagging. I've only put weight back there 3 or 4 times in 20k miles. I have 4 leaf springs back there now and it came that way from the dealer. I believe I read that the 4th was part of a TSB, if it was then it was done before I bought it. Would the Dakars still be the way to go as they come with the kit or would I be better off asking for the 3 leaf progressive pack instead?

Also, I was reading up about the driveline vibration on here and now I'm wondering if I should buy the shim kit with this as well. I'm having this installed by a local shop so I want to try and get it done in one shot.

Thanks again for all the advice. This site has been a wealth of knowledge.

 

The Dakars will still run you whatever their full price is, I think 400-500. I just don't like spending that much on the lift seeing as it won't be offroad (Not condescending, my lift was pretty cheap and less quality than what you're looking at). The Dakars are mainly for those hauling a lot I think. I personally think the 3 leaf is better only for monetary reasons. HOWEVER if someone chimes in and says a 3 leaf is NOT the most comfortable option, stick with your Dakars choice but I think they are stiffer.

Yes the shims wouldn't be bad idea. As for having a local shop do it I am really against letting shops install my parts. This is not out of distrust but I just prefer to do it at mod meets. If the case is that you don't know enough, it is really really easy once you read up on it and realize it is all unbolt and replace.

If vibrations worry you, get the shims. And as for me I don't like to drive a long time because of my back, look at getting a heating cushion or cough pillow. The lift can only help the ride so much.

 

WheelersOffRoad.com doesn't offer an option for their OME kit, Dakars and what they include in the price. Dont worry about sounding condescending (id didnt), I live in Florida, there are really no trails out here that I can go on. This will mostly be what we refer to down here as a mall crawler. The only practical purpose for this besides looks is when we get a lot of rain and there is flooding.

As for the shop part... I agree completely. The first car I bought came with a free oil change and I guess the tech didn't know how to drive stick well because he drove it into the lift. I've grown up working on cars but always been weary of suspension work. This shop came highly recommended by some family friends who own a body shop. It's where they go to get their lifted trucks aligned.

I do get back problems periodically too so I'm hoping these changes don't hurt the ride quality.

 

My buddy has a 2010 DCSB with Icon COs in front and Dakars in the back. Without a load, it is rides noticeably rougher than my truck with the 3-leaf.

 

Hurt it? I thought they would improve it? I would find out what the most comfortable lift is. And well it sounds like you know what you're getting into by paying a shop vs DIY, so that one is your call. And can't you just buy the OME without Dakars and then buy the 3 leaf? I would buy the OME front and then get the 3 leaf, I am not quite sure I understand what you mean about it not being sold together.

Icons are rough? what is a comfy lift? I know one has to exist, before anybody chimes in with a "It's a lift, it won't be comfy" comment, I believe there never has to be compromise.

 

The few lifted vehicles I've been in had a rougher ride, could have been what they ran though. I'm sure I can order the OME without the dekars, they just list the ome's with the dekars as a package. I'll check about the 3 leaf.

 

Not trying to coerce you, I just don't think it being sold together is any extra bonus unless they bundle the price. I just don't want you to overpay on the rear and end up not needing it and just getting a harsh ride. And I am a 2WD so don't worry about justifying the lift lol. Happiness is the best mod you can make and yes it helps in the rain!!

 

I understand what your saying. As long as the three leaf pack can handle the occasional load id go that route especially if the ride is better. I just don't want to make a bad choice in the long run to save a few dollars today.

 

If you're worried about ride quality and don't plan on adding armor/hauling that often, I'd recommend staying away from Dakars. I have them and they are stiff unloaded. That being said, I'd take them any day over the stock leafs. Load some gear and people in and it rides great though.

As far as the Icons and Dakars being a rough ride, it's definitely harsher in the front than the stock suspension, but that's mainly slow speeds. The Dakars probably made the ride rough. The front of my truck completely outdrives the rear if I'm unloaded especially at speed. The valving of the Icons make them softer at speed. Hitting bumps at 35+, the front hardly notices it, but the rear bucks. But I'm not worried at all about shock fade on the washboard roads I drive, where it was sketchy with the stock OR shocks.

 

I would get some verification (Geekhouse23, where are you?) As to those two criteria. If the 3 leaf is more comfortable and can handle load without sagging I think you should get it, and I agree, this is an investment, you don't want to trim a few bucks now to hurt later.

My guess would be yes to both but I'm unsure.

 

OP, how are your rear leafs now? Pic or two would help. Since it's a 2012, the leafs might be sagging if not flat

 

Sorry for the confusion. I agree with DCOP08. 99% sure that the dakars are to blame for the rough ride.

Just FYI, wheelers off-road sells a heavy duty 3-leaf now. Heard good things about it.