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I'm not EAF yet, but I do have things on the roof, so perhaps I'm inching my way towards EAH(eck).

 

Am i EAF??

 

Damn it! Failed again!

 

Oh my. The difference is absolutely amazing.

 

I've been told that the disturbing lack of stickers on my truck disqualifies it.

 

That's awesome

 

What's the advantage of a spring under setup? Haven't spent any time looking into them yet.

 

What made you decide to go SUA? Are you building your truck for go fast? LT perhaps?

Edit:just read up on TC's site

http://www.chaosfab.com/2005-2015-Tacoma-Mid-Travel-Rear-Suspension-Kit-86450HD

 

So a leaf spring is basically a "U" formed with multiple individual flat bars varying in length and sometimes thickness. In most cases the more of a U shape you have, the more progressive the spring rate will be. Flatter the leaf pack or when you go into negative arch you are actually at the peak or losing the progression as it goes up.

For instance - The Dakars that I was running were completely flat at ride height when the truck was loaded down for a trip, thus putting the pack at the maximum rate they can handle. Bumps were always rough and all up travel was basically putting them into negative arch which is no good for ride quality. Now with a spring under the leaf pack still retains the U shape and because of that it's still progressive. It rides nice at ride height because it's not at it's limit and as it cycles up it progressively get's stiffer and stiffer.

 

The spring under kit from Total Chaos comes with everything you need. http://chaosfab.com/2005-2015-Tacoma-Mid-Travel-Rear-Suspension-Kit-86450HD

 

With as much weight you were carrying why did you not just put back the Dakar overload you originally took out?

The Dakars are a progressive pack for that reason.

You know.. I bet you lost wheel travel by going to the Deaver springs. Did you take any wheel travel measurements before and after?

 

They're only progressive when they aren't flat. The leaf pack was basically smashed up against the overload at ride height. Putting in the additional one wouldn't have changed the arch.

I'd actually say the opposite. Not only does it have the ability to droop further then the current shock can provide, but up travel has also increased due to not being limited by the axle housing. I can grab some measurements tomorrow.

 

When it comes to spring packs, when you add or subtract a leaf, it doesn't matter which one, you alter the spring rate at some point during its deflection cycle.

In the case of Dakar they have the second overload for precisely the reason you described. I can guarantee you had you put it in it would have helped. I personally just went through this on my Dakar pack pack when adding a steel bumper with gate, I adding the second overload back in and it does make a difference.

Measurements will tell the story for sure. And I'd recommend it. That kit cost a lot of coin!

But consider this, Total Chaos states this on their website re: the spring under kit:

• Wheel travel specs: Wheel travel with stock mounting location shocks- 9.5"
• Wheel travel with custom shock mounts- Capable of 12"

What was concerning was I know from extensive measureing that with my Dakar +

$81 D29XL Leaf Spring

D29XL AAL + 3° axle shim, I can achieve 13.75" of wheel travel.

Our rear was essentially the same except for the said overload if I recall.

So I question the TC wheel travel numbers.

Food for thought.

 

^^ my guess is that TC just quoted stock wheel travel since the configuration isn't changing. If they really measured it out I bet it's more. But with SUA the use able wheel travel is more then with SOA. So @1MK has the advantage there.

 

@Gramps we'll see.

The problem as I see it is the stock shock mounts with SUA. Until that's resolved I think he lost some.

As I understand it with a longer spring you get more travel, assuming shocks don't limit. For example on the Chevy 63 swap, I think I remember Frank saying he has 18" of wheel travel.

I'm interested in the results, if only to increase my understanding of various build strategies.

 

I was told that going Spring Under is the miracle cure for any and all axle wrap problems felt on our trucks...
Is this true?

 

I am not just talking about droop. I am referring to useable wheel travel. That is the space from droop to flat line spring without going negative arch which is the problem with our SOA springs. I am in the factory locations still and have 11" travel shocks. So he can get more then what TC says. And no I am not bottoming out the shock. I am running short body 2.5's with resi.

 

Anyone have a good link to CB Radio Antenna?

 

I like Firestik brand antennas for CB. Work well, tunable, and can take a beating.