recommendations on suspension upgrade

Hi folks,

Looking for recommendations on upgrading my suspension. I'm mostly looking to be able to transport my Quad to and from hunting camp without looking like I'm doing a wheelie...
Some were recommending air bags and others were suggesting Dakar leaf spring upgrade along with the Bilstein 5100.
Thanks for any input I appreciate it.

R/S
Mike

2012 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Double Cab Short bed

 

The Dakar leaf springs will hold the weight and ride much better. I have no experience with air bags. The Dakars will raise the ride height in the back. If you want the front to match, there are numerous options, including the 5100s you mention.

 

Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road

 

Dakars or AP Expo springs are designed to hold more weight so they might be worth looking into. Also to consider is that without the extra weight in the back, your rear will sit really high. If you only take the quad out a few times a month, it'd be important to consider that you will be ass-high most of the time without the extra weight.
Airbags are a great option if you don't plan on changing the ride height or ride characteristics of your current setup. Firestone RideRite is highly recommended by people that haul or tow regularly. You can air up when you need it and keep them deflated for everyday driving. The additional thing to consider there is that now you'll need a way to inflate the bags (honestly a good bicycle pump would work because they don't require a high PSI), but factor that in. If you have quads I'd imagine you have some sort of compressor already though.
Both options would cost relatively the same amount of money. One changes the entire ride dynamic of your truck all the time and the other is only there when you need it.

 

Personal $0.02... if you're looking to haul, I would skip the Dakar 095s and go to the 096s. I just added the Dakar extra leaf to convert my 095s to the same as 096s because of my camper shell. It's a little taller, but probably needed to keep your back level. Again, just my experience...

 

Gents-Thanks very much for your suggestions.

 

Are you looking to lift the truck as well or stay at stock height?

 

Sub’d... I too take a quad to hunting camp(s) and wth my 5100’s up in the front the back sags like a mofo.

 

@geekhouse23-I think I would be happy to just level it out and if I got a little lift that’s a plus for sure. However, I’m just primarily interested in not having the appearance of dragging the back end. If I do go with the upgraded leaf springs and 5100’s do I need the do anything for the driveline? On the wheeler website they recommended bushings and shims if I remember correctly-Not sure.

 

@TheDude94 thats what I don’t want to happen. Did you upgrade your leaf springs and if you did what did you use.

 

Alcan or Deaver can make you a custom leaf pack. Stock height and rated to tow whatever you would like so as to not sag. That's what I would do for your application.

Carrier bearing drop kit and axle shims. I did the CB drop kit from the start and have had zero issue.

 

No, just the 5100’s up front. I mean it’s not terrible when I have a quad or a load of firewood in the back but I do hit the bump stops on every bump.

 

Air bags if you don't want to change your front suspension...dakars will make your rear high and many report they're a firm ride when unloaded

 

did you get near 3" of lift from the dakars?
if so did you go regular or extended 5100 in back? any bump stop mod?

 

Probably right around 3" now with the extra leaf added...running the standard length 5100s and factory bump stops.

 

good to know. thanks