Rear suspension lift OME Dakar + AAL?

I've done a quick search but with many things I've found mixed answers.. I have a 2003 Xtracab v6 4x4 that I use primarily for motorcycle transport.. Usually 2-3 bikes plus gear,tools,generator.

The truck is currently stock and I'm planning on going with the Eibach/Bilstein combo in the front for a 3" lift and was unsure what to do with the rear. I'd like to have the truck sit very slightly higher in the rear with no load and to sag as little as possible loaded down.

Any input/experience as far as lifting with payload in mind is welcome. I'm planning on bumping up to 33s as well.

 

Ome Dakars with a aal added. Or some all pro alcans.

 

I have the Bilstein/Eibach combo and that combo rides very stiff since the 3" Eibach coil has a 620lb Spring rate. Unless you have extra weight up front be ready for a pretty stiff ride. I have an aftermarket bumper & I also purchased Camburg UCA's. The ride isn't so bad now. Not that the UCA's had anything to do with it. I just got those since I was going with a 3" lift. I recently switched to Icon ext travel coil overs up front now instead of the Bilstein/Eibach combo I was running.

 

I had the Dakars and Nitrocharger Sport shocks in the back for close to a year. Rode great and preformed flawlessly (other than some bushing squeak). Gave a solid 2+- inches lift, and that's with a rear bumper, Snugtop canopy, rock sliders and a roof rack.

However, I do load up the back of the truck and tow trailers frequently for work. About 6 months ago I ordered the extra load leaf (D43XL). OME suggests a constant load of 220+ to recommend it, and I figured with all the accessories, plus the load hauling/towing I do, it would help keep the back end from sagging too much. Install was straight forward, but still kinda a pain and tricky to do by yourself, unless you remove the springs from the truck entirely.

Ride is a bit firmer, but not overly harsh. Still flex good and handle loads like a champ. Lift height increased noticeably. I didn't measure, but I'd say the back is now around 3+" lift. Still waiting to see if they settle a bit more before I crank up the from C/O's.

Can't help on the Bilstein/Eibach combo; I run SAW 2.5" C/O's up front, which I believe are a 650 LB coil (with bumper, winch and rock sliders). Couldn't be happier with them.

 

I'm not too worried about the stiff ride. One of the setups I had on my old e36 autoX/street car was nearly 1000lb springs in the front.
I am planning on going with aftermarket UCAs..probably not right away though.

 

I'm thinking of ordering the Dakar springs and the AAL at once so I can just get it done in one go. I think I saw on wheelers or somewhere that they'll install the AAL into the pack for you prior to shipping. It also saves a little on shipping cost.

Down the line I'm thinking about going with tube bumpers front and rear and rock sliders as well..primarily for aesthetics. I do a little bit of 4 wheel wheeling, but the majority is on 2 wheels.

 

Yeah I have all that stuff. I didn't mean to make it sound the ride would be super stiff but it's noticeable.

 

I'm planning to set up my truck very similarly to yours. Is all your armor the trail gear stuff? I was planning the trail gear front and sliders but I'm not so sure about the rear yet. I'd need something with at least a 400lb tongue rating.

Also what size wheel/tires are you running? I'm going down to 15s and have a set of 33x12.5s laying around so I was going to play with them and see if I can make them work.

 

Yes it's all TG armor and the TG bumper attaches to the frame just like my stock rear bumper & Reese tow hitch did. It says the rear TG bumper has a 10,000 lb GVWR. I have 265/75/16's. I bought the bolt on TG sliders since they had the gussets welded on them from the factory and I didn't want to have 32 holes drilled into my frame. Then if you buy the weld on sliders you just get the sliders and have to purchase the gussets seperate.

 

I'm running the OME w/the expedition AAL they have. Shocks- personal choice- I went with Bilstein 5125s. Got it all from Wheelers, along with OME greasable shackles a good deal.
Have to do some wheeling the winter to see if the shocks are a good fit. I generally carry 300#+ onboard. So far so good.