Choosing rear shocks for Dakar leafs

So it looks like I'm going to go with a Dakar leaf pack for my 2014 Tacoma DCSB. I have a cap, roof top tent, awning, sleeping platform, and camping gear that is just too much weight for the AAL I'm using. But with this upgrade, I want to replace the Bilstein 5100's I have in the rear. I'm looking at the following and wondering what others are using and how they like their setup.

Bilstein 5100 extended length
Bilstein 5160
Fox 2.0
Icon 2.0

I realize I'll need extended rear brake lines and I'll have to do something with the bump stops as well.

On the front I also have Bilstein 5100's with OME 885 springs. I'd like to at least be level with the truck and be able to soak up the rough forest roads that I mostly travel on. I've already been working with Marie at Headstrong, hence the above options.

 

I'm a happy customer of the 5100 extended lengths pairing with the Dakars given their quality and price point. But based on the options you've listed, I would go with one of the resi's. As for up front, you'll need to go with the 887 springs if you're looking to be at or close to level. The 885s won't get you there assuming the 5100s are set @ 0.

 

Yep, the front is set at 0. I was really hoping to not have to re-do basically my entire suspension.

 

Yeah it's not easy to buy twice. The silver lining is you'll have your truck the way you want it and possibly getting some money back for the used parts

 

Yeah, but it still annoys me because I like to do things right the first time. Once and done. Oh well, lesson learned.

 

I would have loved to install remote resi's in the front and rear but that's a lot of coin that I just don't have right now. So I probably will buy twice, just not for a while..

 

12" 5125's with BAMF shock relocation FTW

 

Badass setup. What did the BAMF shock relocation run you?

 

Christmas sale so it was a percentage off 20% maybe) and free shipping I think (?)

 

Awesome. I love how it's tack welded to the frame and axle...built for the long haul.

 

With the cap and the RTT, the extra droop is welcomed. Especially in off camber situations

 

are you good and building things? i would say make up some custom shock mounts and get some 12" shocks. if you get something thats rebuildable you can always have it revalved as your truck changes.
i build these for mine.

 

I wish I had those skills. Unfortunately, I need to find something that will work well with the Dakar leaf pack and the weight I'm carrying 95% of the time. The Bilstein 5100 extended sounds like a decent choice. Just wondering what would possibly make me go for something with remote reservoirs. What would be the benefit?

 

i am in the same boat as you, running dakars and i wanted a setup that i could adjust between my normal driving (somewhat heavy) to camping, (stupid heavy) so i am using the fox dsc shocks so i can adjust them depending on how much shit i have in the back.
Do you know how to cut and weld? or are you looking for only stock mount stuff?

 

No cutting and welding. Just replacement shocks.

 

Just got back from Overland Expo West. I measured the height from the ground to the inner rear fender with my truck fully loaded. It measured to 36" with Cooper 265/75 R16 tires. Now I removed everything except the cap (I'm selling the Leer MGM cap this weekend and picking up an A.R.E. Z-series). It measures 37 1/2" from ground to inner rear fender unloaded. So the rear of my truck drops 1 1/2" loaded with the Wheeler's AAL and 5100's. I need to fix that.