Rear Suspension AAL, Shackle, Bags, Leaf Pack?

I am looking to slightly lift the rear and get a better payload capacity and would like to hear some feedback on opinions between the add a leaf, shackle lift, and air bags. I just put on a fab fours rear bumper, will put on a roof top tent, and a heavy bed rack. I also haul construction materials that have often bottomed out the suspension. It seems like most go with the AAL but I have heard mixed reviews on the ride quality. It seems like air bags could be a good option for when increasing the payload but I don't know the durability off road. Also see mixed reviews on the leaf packs being too stiff giving a harsh ride.

Any feedback from people who have tried the different options would be great.

 

i just did deaver aal and toytec shock on mine it rides fine but haven't had to haul anything in it yet but truck doesn't squat with my weight in the back like it did with just lift block

 

The AAL I had in my '08 I found did make it a little stiffer in the back, but in a good way I found. I went with dakars on my '13 and they're much nicer than I remember the aal in my '08 being. Stiffer but smoother riding... if that makes any sense at all.

I had a couple guys riding in the back when we were out in the back 40, deep in the bush trying to get to our hunting location and they said they thought they were in a Cadillac sitting back there compared to their trucks.

I've read a couple guys on here doing some serious off-roading with bags... no experience personally though, so I dunno.

 

For that much weight a purpose built leaf pack would be the right answer. All Pro's expo leaf pack or give deaver a call and describe your use and ask for a recommendation.

 

If I could but in here, this sounds like a conversation I'd like to be in. I just upgraded my camper and have another discussion actively going on about this same thing. The hitch weight of this new camper is approaching max at around 450lbs. and I need some advice on the add a leaf question. Will adding this leaf help beef the rear end up enough to do it or should I go in another direction.

 

I started with an AAL and found it to not do much for payload. I now have a Dakar pack with the extra

$81 d29xl leaf spring

d29xl leaf. The ride isn't too harsh but I can haul a ton without worrying. Just for context I have a topper, prinsu toprac with about 50lbs of supplies on the back at all times.

 

You can't legally increase payload unless you get the truck re-rated by the manufacturer. Those upgrades will only help to reduce squat.

 

In response to both replies, without knowing what you're adding the 50lbs to I'm not sure how that compares to my weight. And reducing squat is exactly what I'm after. I hear you about increasing payload and don't intend to do that, just want to haul my load safer. Please expand on the AAL thing if you can.

 

If you vary the weight by a large amount regularly then you can't beat airbags. Airbags done correctly will also not have any issues offroad, done incorrectly you can rip them apart, get them caught in suspension components or they can limit your suspension travel.
If you are going to carry that rack and RTT all the time, then AAL or new leaf pack will be a better option. Bags are best used to help the springs when you have a heavy load, not stiffen springs under "normal" load / driving conditions.

As others have said, you won't actually increase payload capacity with springs alone, just make it nicer to drive with large payloads.

 

PICS? I have a 2017 TRD OR DCSB and am getting my leer 100xr and drawers in this weekend, then a prinsu rack awning are to come. I am just trying to gather as much info as possible.

 

As mutely stated, it depends if you are occasionally hauling the trailer and then not much weight when not. If so, I would recommend air bags. Just my 2 pennies though.

 

I'll try and get some pics later.

 

Sweet, what is the specs on the whole setup you are running?

 

I installed a single 2" AAL and loaded up my family's toon once and it squatted and rode like garbage before I finally swapped in a full Dakar leaf pack with

$81 D29XL Leaf Spring

D29XL AAL and it hauls loads MUCH better without bottoming out.

I now have the shackle flip and it added some height to the rear too. The droop is handy in offroad situations. Love the look and the ride now:

 

Sorry it was dark when I got home from work. I am running OME 885 coils and 1/2" plate spacer in the front with Lightracing UCAs. Dakar leaf pack with

$81 D29xl Leaf Spring

D29xl AAL in the rear with ubolt flip.

Actually very close to geekhouse's! He has the shackle flip which I would love to do just need to find the time.