Personal Experience with ARB Dakar leaf packs (Check yours )

I recently purchased a almost completely loaded C4 fab overland swingout bumper for my 2016 dcsb trd OR 4x4 .Due to extra weight I purchased a old man emu heavy load lift kit as well . There was a serious need for the extra Weight capacity in the rear due to significant weight increase behind the axle . I ordered my lift from low range off road who has been very helpful during this ordeal . I opted for the assembled struts for an extra 50 ( a real deal) even though I have a wall mount spring compressor.
The leaf pack shipped directly from ARB . After install the rear still sagged a good bit . The leaf pack was visually overloaded with a good amount of the dreaded bro lean. Also a decent amount of sag after loading the truck for trips camping etc( wait a minute this is what there designed for). I contacted low range and the looked into it and found that I was shipped a medium duty leaf pack .
ARB then sent the Dakar leaf but no leafspring pads. I contacted low range and they wiped ARBs ass again and shipped out the pads . I'm a dealership collision technician so I drove in early to finish up the leaf pack for ARB and I'm in the middle of the install and there is a rectangular plate at center that the alignment pin runs through that I'm missing so the leafs don't ride on top of themselves .. Wow I really expected more for arb.


Double check your Dakar leafpacks

 

Hard to notice the lean but it's there.

 

I had the same thing. I got the heavy pack with the option AAL. No shims or anti-squeak pads were included with the AAL.

I pulled apart my OEM leaf pack to scavenge the shims and isolators since I didn't feel like trying to buy more or dealing with ARB. They should absolutely include them I say

 

Here it is after. Guess who is calling ARB today.

 

Most bros would call that level...because fender well gap is "even", but I see a lean too.

 

Ok, so you have the old man emu Dakar heavy load lift kit, how many inches more did you get at the back from stock? also what you have in the front? I'm looking for a lift kit and I really like your set up!

 

Which coils do you go with in the front?

 

Not sure on the lift it says 2" but it seems like more . I did not measure before lift. I did opt for the small spacer in front (Trim packer)but instead of one in the driver side I put in the front on both sides because the spare tire carrier carries the tire to the right . No more taco lean toward the driver side .

It's a complete setup. Old man emu heavy load . It would be the stoutest spring they make for a 2016 up taco. I haven't got my winch bumper on yet

 

I did I quick test drive after the re-install and the hood isn't as tall . Makes me want to get the front bumper on. To bring the front down a little more .. I like to see where I'm going off road . I grew up in socal but could never understand the lean . The lean is not to be understood.

 

If you're running Heavy coils w/a trim packer and no front bumper, the front is going to be higher. When you add the weight back on
the bumper the truck is going to get rid of the "Carolina squat"(as it's called around here). A trim packer on the left front only will also effect
the left rear.

 

I know . I intend to get the front on soon. But with a Dakar leaf pack you get 2.75" and now that it's installed not only is the rear slightly higher (minimal difference between front and rear ) but since the Dakar can handle more actual weight (running approximately 250 behind the axle) it lifted the rear at least 1" maybe more .. In other words I finally got what I payed for and needed. I do appreciate the advise . That's what I was saying though about the heavy duty setup because I'm going with full armor front to back with winch and dual battery as well .. I bought my lift accordingly. Sweet truck btw. Gotta wash my shorts.

 

Hey Dorton, what was the reason to change the ARB front bumper? better attack angle? weight? I'm curious!