Lift: Know what I want but need advice on other parts

I'm going with the King 2.5 RR CO with compression adjustment. King RR compression adjustment shocks in the back as well.





What I don't know is what AAL or Leaf Pack and bump stop to go with. I'm between Wheelers and All Pro AAL's/leaf pack. Have no clue what bump stop works with this setup. I want to do the U-Bolt flip as well.

I use my truck to haul a lot of heavy stuff - plywood, mortar, tile, landscape stuff, etc., etc. so I want an AAL that can accommodate hauling some weight BUT I don't want the unloaded suspension to be too stiff. I thought about Firestone bags but I'm not too crazy about that idea - wanna keep things simple. So I want to couple the Kings with a proper AAL/leaf pack and bumpstop. I like some decent rake in the back too.

Any thoughts from those with experience with a similar setup?

 

Wheelers 3 leaf HD.

 

I was thinking about something a little more substantial than that. I want to increase payload capacity as well as increase lift to accommodate larger tires (255/80/17). I also like more rake in the rear.

 

Call up Deaver and tell them what you're going to use the truck for, and how much weight you think you'll be carrying. They build packs with 6-8+ thin leaves that allow for a more supple, controlled ride, but also that can take the weight.

 

Leafs dont increase payload capacity.

 

I stand corrected. I should have said I want to level out heavier loads and give the truck better hauling characteristics during those times when said loads are added to the rear of the truck.

 

You should first decide if you want a new pack or a 3 leaf aal, and go from there. How much weight are you loading in there and how often? In your OP you mentioned you want good load handling without being too firm unloaded, you arent really going to get that from a full pack (afaik).

 

I haul quite often. Historically, its typical for me to put 1000+ pounds in the back of a truck. I don't see that changing with the Tacoma. It is a tiny bed so im sure I wont get as much weight in there but no doubt I'll push its limits.
Other than better load hauling, I want more lift in the back as well. I think I'll go with an AAL for now and see how it goes.

 

Get the Dakar leaf pack. I have kings and dakar and with heavier loads they do level out. People wear out AAL's within a few years just by having a Canopy on their truck.

 

what kind of dakars do you have (item/model number)? ive seen your build before and really like the way your truck looks. Page 3 of your build when you show before/after of the Dakar install does it for me. thanks dude.

 

CS047R

Headstrong will be the cheapest.

$379/pair I believe still

 

I think Dakars also require extended rear brake lines.

 

Highly recommended, yes.

 

yeah, they are on my very long list of needed items.

 

nice! thank you.

necessary to buy the bushings too? I have a 2015 so if the bushings aren't specific to the pack itself, id reuse the factory bushings.

 

They come with them.

 

If you get the Dakars I definitely want to see how they look installed!

 

perfect. thanks for the input fellas.

 

Never seen any dakars with bushings installed but if they do then great, don't forget about getting U bolts! And yes extended rear brake lines are needed, I got these: http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Extended-Rear-Brake-Lines-for-05-UP-Tacoma_p_296.html

 

You will be very unhappy with a simple AAL. I did AALs to begin with, and they sagged over time. All I ever did was some solid offroading and incredibly minimal hauling. They got real bad once I added a high clearance rear plate bumper.

I thought about Dakars as an upgrade, and I found a member who was selling some. However, he had my exact setup, and said the Dakars seemed a bit soft. He was upgrading to All Pro Expedition leafs, so I took the advice and did the same.

While I haven't been out in the rough stuff with the new leafs, their on-road performance is fine. My current set of shocks is completely worn out, and I will be replacing with Kings soon, so if you are looking at this as a long term project, you can message me later for an evaluation.

For hauling very heavy loads and such, I would highly recommend Deaver, or contacting a spring shop such as Oregon Spring or Tacoma Spring. They will custom make you leafs specifically to what you are doing.
Another source might be Hellwig, who makes products that are more in line with people that tow.

Finally, it's important to realize what other things you should consider as you add weight, such as stopping power and transmission load. There comes a point where you may simply need a bigger truck to safely do the job at hand, and leave the Tacoma for play.