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Leaf Spring Upgrade?

Discussion in '4 Cylinder' started by Early B., Oct 3, 2019.

  1. Oct 3, 2019 at 3:40 PM
    #1
    Early B.

    Early B. [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Brad
    metro Atlanta
    Vehicle:
    2014 2.7L, 5 lug Tacoma
    18" tires and rims, 2.75" Procomp lift, Fox shocks in rear.
    Looking at installing the ARB Old Man Emu Dakar Leaf Spring Pack (Medium Duty - EL095R).

    The primary purpose of the upgrade would be to get a smoother ride, not necessarily for towing or hauling. I understand the stock leaf springs are a bit on the weak side. I already have the rear lifted two inches, so this upgrade won't affect the truck's stance.

    Is there any significant benefit to upgrading the leaf springs for the primary purpose of a smoother ride? For those who own them, do they squeal?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Oct 4, 2019 at 8:18 AM
    #2
    TenderTacoNipples

    TenderTacoNipples Well-Known Member

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    I actually have the same question lol looking to get better leaf springs for all the benefits but mainly less sag when hauling and better ride with an empty
     
  3. Oct 4, 2019 at 7:29 PM
    #3
    super_white

    super_white Well-Known Member

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    Harry
    Connecticut
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    I have them (installed them when I lifted the truck). No squeaks and haven't noticed a change in ride quality.
     
    TenderTacoNipples likes this.
  4. Oct 6, 2019 at 3:26 PM
    #4
    TYetti

    TYetti 4cylinders of awesomeness

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    Mat
    Abbotsford, BC, Canada
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    Dakars are a great spring. I've been running the OG version(they used to only come in heavy duty) for 4 years, after many years of abuse they're finally showing some signs of age. The smoothness of your ride will also greatly depend on your from shocks, as well as your rear dampening
     
  5. Oct 6, 2019 at 3:36 PM
    #5
    Gruber1922

    Gruber1922 Well-Known Member

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    Tacoma, WA
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    Springs will lift. I have the HD Dakars due to rtt, weight and eventually a rear bumper. Doesn’t sag at all really but a bit more harsh
     
  6. Oct 6, 2019 at 3:37 PM
    #6
    NYCTaco52

    NYCTaco52 Half man, half goat

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    It's only smoother if you have weight in the back. Like 400 pounds. Unloaded. And its bouncy as shit
     
  7. Oct 6, 2019 at 4:49 PM
    #7
    Early B.

    Early B. [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Brad
    metro Atlanta
    Vehicle:
    2014 2.7L, 5 lug Tacoma
    18" tires and rims, 2.75" Procomp lift, Fox shocks in rear.
    OK, thanks! This is exactly what I needed to hear.
     
    NYCTaco52[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Oct 6, 2019 at 4:53 PM
    #8
    NYCTaco52

    NYCTaco52 Half man, half goat

    Joined:
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    Somehow known as Stewart, but named Ben
    Ft Lauderdale, FL
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    2022 Subaru Ascent
    And in terms of squeak. I know the other ones had serious problems with it. I installed the newer version March of this year and greased them SLIGHTLY. No squeak as of yet. And I live in the salt belt North East.
     
  9. Oct 8, 2019 at 2:30 PM
    #9
    andrew61987

    andrew61987 Well-Known Member

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    2008 Access Cab 4WD, 2.7L 5 speed
    I installed the Dakar HDs about a year and a half ago. The newer models. They're smooth but I do have about 400-600 lbs back there at all times. The HDs gave me at least 4 inches of lift over my stock frowning granny-saggies. They squeak sometimes but it goes away and comes back randomly. They're great and I would definitely recommend IF the application is right.
     

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