Horale

I thought I should introduce myself after lurking here the last couple of months. I recently bought a 2015 TRD Off Road AC , trading in my '96 2.7L 4x4 std. cab.

Only mods thus far have been swapping out the tires for some BFG KO2's in 265/75r16 and replacing the long-ass antenna with a shorter one. I'm thinking about lifting it a couple of inches and looking at getting an OME suspension. Hardest part has been figuring out whether to go Dakars in back, since I only occasionally haul anything heavy. Do you think one of those 3-leaf AAL's from ICON or Toytec would be ok for getting some lift without making it too stiff back there? Or would Dakars with the 3rd leaf removed be better?

Also, would OME shocks and 884's in front be much harsher than the stock Bilsteins and springs?

Thanks for all of the helpful info.

Tom

 

Welcome to TW! And congrats on the new truck.

Full leaf packs are better than AAL. That said I am happy with my Icon 3 leaf progressive AAL. I've removed my overloads with the AAL install for 1.5" lift and a better ride. Dakars with the leaf removed I believe net 2.25" lift, vs 2.75 with the leaf. Both were more than I wanted.

Stock spring rate is 550lbs, I believe the 884s are 590lbs. So they will be a little firmer but in a good (not harsh) way. Eibach that many run with the 5100s are 600lbs. Amount of lift plays into ride quality too. Going higher like 3" is not going to ride as well as staying lower at 2".

 

Thanks man.

 

Any recommended full leaf packs providing <2" lift? Only ones I've seen are the 8-leafs on Wheelers, which are very pricy ($600).

 

Iron Man makes an affordable 2" rear leaf pack, though I have no experience with them, they are relatively new in the US but supposedly been around in Australia for a while. Price seems almost too good which makes me wonder about quality compared to other brands.
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-tacoma/2005-2016/ironman-leaf-springs-2005-2014-toyota-tacoma/

Toytec BOSS also makes a 10 leaf, though not inexpensive, again no experience personally but I've seen other members on the forum with BOSS lifts.
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/BOSS-05-Tacoma-Leaf-Springs_p_1094.html

I went with the progressive AAL because I didn't want to shell out $600 for rear springs, and the progressive was supposed to ride decently, plus my 2015 leafs were the better 3 leaf pack and brand new. If I had worn springs or the TSB 2 leaf rear I would not go with an AAL, I'd replace it with a fresh pack.

 

Deaver J66 pack but they're more expensive than Wheelers

 

Welcome to TW.

I ran the Wheeler's Offroad 3 leaf AAL for a while and loved it. If you aren't carrying a load full time then it's a good option for 1.5-2" of lift.

As a friendly FYI - Icon/Wheeler's/ToyTec/etc,. etc,. use the same 3 leaf AAL made by the same manufacturer, they just put their own stickers on them. Buy whichever is cheapest, which was Wheeler's when I bought mine. Anyhoo, they're all identical packs.

 

The description for the Deaver 10 Leaf Rear Spring Set on the Wheeleer's website includes the following statement:

"Due to removal of the factory overload spring there will be a decrease in gross max weight handling capability over the stock leaf packs."

None of the other spring pack or AAL descriptions include this language, but the Icon/Wheeleer's/Toytec 3 leaf progressive AALs all require the removal of the factory overload spring. Would you lose carrying capacity with these AALs?

 

Removal of the overload with the 3 leaf is not required, it is optional. If you leave it in you will get closer to 2" rear lift. The longer U-bolts included with the kit should accommodate the overload, I reused my stock u-bolts with the 3 leaf when I took out the overload. The 3 leaf with overload removed seems to manage small/mid loads far better than stock. Loading the truck to capacity or towing it would be better to leave the overload in. No specs were given for affected carrying capacity.

 

The Icon instructions didn't indicate that leaving the overload in place was an option. Good to know.

 

Leave it in for more lift. 2" with overload compared to 1.5" without it.

Load carrying is improved as well but not sure how much.

 

From Wheeler's:

"...you can remove the overload and still have the factory gross weight of the vehicle, it should handle the gross weight of the vehicle better then factory."

 

User reports say otherwise.

 

In what way?

 

@Moose1988 ran without overload on his install. He can give his take on load carrying with that config.

 

Yeah.. ICON is full of it. I removed my overload, added the Icon pack. The ride was great.. Very smooth and comfortable.. I loved it... Then they went flat. They wont hold weight to save their life. Another local member has the same setup (no overload) and has the same issue.

If you get the Icons, keep the overload in. Or.. Get the BOSS pack. Thats what im running now.

 

Skyjacker make a 2" leaf pack as well.

$224 TCR515S 1.5-2" Softride Leaf Spring - Pair

TCR515S is the part #

 

Which OEM leaf pack did you have? 3 + overload, or the 2 + overload? Did you do haul heavy items regularly, or tow? Were your stock leafs worn when you put it in?

I've got the Icon 3 leaf AAL on my 2015 OEM 3 + overload leaf and really like it, though I can't speak for long term durability.

 

I had mine on OEM 3 leaf (2+1) and I kept my overload in after talking to @Moose1988 and it was great for the miles I had. I bought a shell that added 225 lbs of constant load and then it wasn't as great, so I sold them.

 

I was planning on the boss pack, but 2" seems like too much for a Baja without more front lift. I think the Baja front suspension is good for 1.5-2". I don't want the ass all up in the air. How much lift did the Boss pack get you. Is it really 2" or was it higher?