Ride quality and gas mileage OME

So unlike most members I want to reduce my lift. I use my truck as a DD and light camping trips a couple times a year. I bought it 4 years ago and have kept the suspension setup the same. OME 885 with n140s and Dakar full leaf pack with OME nitrocharger sport shocks in rear. Its a prerunner and although I haven't measured I know ARB website says 50mm front lift and 55 mm rear( likely indicates 4wd). .and I'm running 275/65/18 on bbs machined alloys. What I want is a ride that's biased towards ride comfort/gas mileage, then towing stability and last off-road performance. I know I want to go down to a 17" wheel (more options in tire choices and less expensive) also increase my sidewall for more cushion. I still want a lift just minimal enough to negate the factory look Long beds have, maybe 1" both front rear or similar to maintain factory rake. Without getting into thousands of dollars what are some possible options? Adjustable bilstein in front keeping Dakar leafs in rear with 3rd leaf removed ??? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

If your bed isn't loaded regularly, I'd start with just the wheels/tires and removing the leaf in the rear. I've got more weight up front than you (4wd + slimline winch bumper), but my newer generation nitrochargers and 885's provided around 2.25" of lift, slightly firmer ride up front, but the rear, while firmer than stock, isn't harsh. Overall I've heard that the nitrocharger ride is as good if not better than the Bilstein options, especially when set above 0-lift. I haven't taken a ride in a truck outfitted with Kings or Icons or the other high-end coilover / shock packages, so I can't provide a direct comparison, but sounds like less lift or more money is the direction to go if the up-front harshness is what's really the issue.

 

Rarely is my bed loaded. I believe removing the third leaf from the OME pack is the easiest and cheapest start too. I certainly will go to 17" wheels/tires. Thanks for your feedback!