Starting with 5100's - where to go from here?

I just went back and reread the thread. If you get 885s with the 2" AAL, I am inclined to believe you will be squatting much like how it is in the picture (is that with the 200lbs removed?). You'll end up with a net lift of ~0.5" in the front with 885s and 2" AAL, and that's with nothing in the bed. I'm unsure as to how the spring rate of these AALs compare to stock, but I would bet that the angle will be similar to how it is now, if not even more. Maybe someone can chime in on how the 2" AAL does with carrying a load.

If money is not an issue, I recommend just going with the Dakar leaf pack and add/remove leaves as you see fit. This way you have more wiggle room in terms of weight in the bed to work with in case you wanted to add things in the future. And if you stick around here, that time will more than likely be sooner than later

EDIT: The Dakars get you around 2.75" of lift, so I bet taking a leaf out will get you around level with 885s. Another option is to do the 2" AAL and add blocks as you see fit. But that depends on how you feel about blocks.

 

The photo I posted shows my truck currently with the Leer cap (approximately 175lb?), sleeping platform (probably 40lb), 200lb of salt, tools and some gear (probably another 25lb). So a good estimate is about 440lb of weight in the bed of the truck. If I remove the salt, it's probably around 240lb.

With that said, if I were to remove 200lb from the back, would the Dakar leafs be overkill and give a rough ride? Or, like you said, I stick with Dakars, that way I can add my Yakima MegaWarrior to the cap, my white water kayaks, kayak gear, and/or whatever else I decide and I'll be ok.

Still trying to get around 3" of lift but I understand the stance of the truck will often depend on what load I'm carrying in the back.

 

The Dakars ride pretty smooth, and having a load in the back will make it even smoother. If you wish to net 3" of lift with 885s, you will have to add top plate spacers, and at that point, I would only recommend the Dakars.

@Jeffvt0508 has Dakar springs and a ~200lbs rear bumper and a toolbox and it definitely lowered things in the back. I can't remember if he removed a leaf... Side by side it's maybe 0.5" higher than mine with a 1.5" AAL. And lemme tell ya, the thing rides like a Cadillac lol

 

I forgot to add, he also has bolt on sliders and an aluminum front bumper. His 885 and Dakar setup is definitely taller than my 884 1.5AAL setup with zero weight added

 

Ok, you're convincing me.

Front:

Bilstein 5100's with OME 885's and 10mm spacer
JBA UCA

Rear:

Bilstein 5100's
Dakar leaf pack

 

Honestly, that's how I wish I'd have done it the first time around!!

So I didn't think about this before... you don't plan to do hardcore flexing or anything, right? Because those 5100s will bottom out before the leaf spring will if you reach maximum downtravel. One solution is to get 5125s which are longer, or the OME Nitro shocks. But if you don't flex, you'll be fine. I just wanted to make sure you knew before purchasing anything.

Another thing to note is that the 10mm OME trim packers apparently can't be used with a OME spring/5100 combo coilover. I haven't seen if anybody has tried to see if it would work, but I got the Wheeler's polyurethane spacer and it worked perfectly

 

And with the 5125s I think you have to have higher bump stops because it could collapse fully before hitting the bump stop, but don't quote me on that. I'll have to do some more research

 

No rock crawling for me, hence no flexing... at least I hope not. I'm paying too much for this truck to beat it up.

I'm guessing this is for the 5100's and OME 885's?

 

Those will give you at or more than 0.5" of lift. I believe most folks use quarter inch spacers. You will have to account for the taco lean on the front left side as well. Do you plan on getting larger tires with three inches of lift? Going to 285s will open up a whole other world of things you gotta deal with haha

 

I personally think 885s without spacers and 265/75r16 tires look really good. Tons of guys have that setup

 

Those are the tires I have - factory BFG's. No plans to up-size the tires for a while, and when I do, probably not up to 285's.

 

Got you. Some are ok with more wheel well space than others. I just wanted let you know what you was getting into!! Keep doing your research. But my personal opinion is that a full 3" lift would look too much with stock tires, and that just the 885s would suffice. And then upgrade to 265/75 size tires in the future.

 

I'm looking at 265/75 16's now. My buddy has Cooper S/T Maxx in this size and they are awesome!

 

Cooper S/T Maxx tires ordered today! Still haven't ordered my suspension parts yet though.

 

Good tire choice! Keep us posted about the lift

 

Just placed my order with Wheelers Offroad.

• (note to add 1/4 driver side spacer)

Also ordered JBA Upper Control Arms.

Bilstein rear 5100's are sitting in my basement currently. They do not have the plastic boots on them, hopefully that doesn't hurt anything.

Cooper S/T Maxx 265/75 R16 are awaiting shipment from Ohio. Now I just sit back and wait for products to arrive. Then rally the troops to help me install everything and go play!

 

In regards to extra weight, I'm looking to do close to the same upgrade to my rig. '13 TRD Sport, but i'm just looking to level mostly. I'm looking to the 5100's all around and will be putting a PelfreyBuilt front bumper and rear on soon. Since i'm going to be under there, i wanna get it all complete the first time. I've read that a stiffer front spring would be beneficial but what spring rate would I need? I'm going for the full 2" all around and dont want a soft front end to nose dive at red-lights.

All advice is appreciated.

 

Just a bumper, or bumper and winch? Is your truck a Double Cab? 4x4?

 

Just a bumper, I'm running a Double cab Short bed 4x4 in the Sport package. Mainly looking to jack the front to level for a more aggressive look and don't want it to sit back down once the extra weight is added.

 

I would go with either OME 885 coils and a 10mm Spacer kit, or some 887 coils.