Upgraded Rear Suspension Examples

Hey everyone! Recently put a truck cap on my '21 SR5 6' bed. As probably everyone knows, my rear suspension was not happy with that. Unloaded I have a decent amount of sag, and I'm planning on building a camping setup in the back for another 100-200 pounds. I also tow a small trailer w/ about a 200-lb tongue weight, and even unloaded with the cap I slam my bump stops going over speed bumps in my apartment complex. I know this is a topic that has been extensively covered, but I'm hoping to get some examples/pictures of what people have done for their rear suspensions WITHOUT major lifting/off-roading being the primary goal. My truck is 90% pavement w/ 10% gravel roads and slightly technical off roading. I'm not really interested in lifting the truck but if it happens with the upgrade I'm fine with it. Really looking for it to ride level w/ cap, gear, and trailer. I've seen everything from airbags to AAL's to full leaf pack replacements. What have y'all found that works for you?

 

full leaf replacement. My bed is rhino lined with a Cargo glide and Leer cap. It sagged. I went with Alcan

 

As far as pack lift, I am only aware of Deaver and Alcan making a pack of only 1" lift over stock height. General Spring advertises 1.5" over stock height.

If you look at stock leafs under no rear weight at all, they are close to flat. So to make a pack with any strength, I would presume there has to be some amount of incidental lift due to # of leaves and/or maintaining arc.

 

Like mentioned above, most leaf packs that are designed to carry more weight will provide a lift as well. I'm not aware of any leaf packs that allow for more weight but offer no lift. AAL are ok for minor weight, but if you are pushing 2-300lb+ in weight, I would suggest a full leaf pack replacement that has the weight range capacity you need. Deaver makes some great springs.

Just my .02, this upgrade can easily snowball. More lift in the rear, needing longer shocks to match new height, now rear is lifted taller than front, lift front to level it etc.... Something to consider before adding a ton of weight without planning for suspension upgrades.