Suspension Questions Updated. Rear first?

Its not Friday but here is another suspension question!

I thought I knew exactly what I wanted and then called my local shop (Rogue) to get a price quote and they kind of steered me in a different direction. Maybe you guys can help give me some opinions and help educate me. My build is going to be a family overland build. I already have an RLD canopy with a Front Runner Rack. I did a 5 day trip this past week and noticed the back was sagging a bit and I don't even have any cool stuff on there yet. My goal is front bumper, dual battery, electric freezer in the rear, slide out storage, sliders, and armor. Oh as for tires I really like the way 265/75r16's look and will probably end up with KO2's or FWP.

When we went this past week I was carrying 10 gallons of drinking water, 5 gallons in the road shower, 5 gallons of fuel, camping gear, wife and two kids plus my two large dogs.

So what I thought I wanted was OME BP-51's with HD Dakars. The shop is recommending Icon Stage 8. Personally I don't think these are too different but the price. Personally I don't pre-run my truck because 90% of the time I have my family with me. So I am thinking maybe Stage 8 is overkill? Maybe the Icon experts can chime in but what is the difference between stage 5 + RXT leafs and the stage 8.

They are big on Icon so I get it but he mentioned that the BP-51's are not true 2.5" shocks. Lastly he mentioned that tuning them is a PIA. I have seen that you do have to remove the shock to adjust the preload which would suck because initially I don't have a bumper and would have to pull them off once I start adding stuff up front.

Now I have stumbled upon AccuTune and see that maybe Fox would be a good options. But I am not sure I am into the whole flip U-Bolt thing. Also are Bumpstops really necessary right away? I don't mind spending the money but I want to get what I actually need. Thoughts?

Pic from this last weeks trip. 1st pic the truck is pointing uphill so the squat looks worst than it is. Second is the cool rock slab we drove up and down to check out Pa's Pocket
-M

 

With the amount of accessories you plan on adding, you will really need something tailored specifically for you. An off the shelf kit probably wont address all the needs you have. Heavy springs will be needed, yes. Custom valved shocks will really help the on and off-road comfort. Since you plan to add even more weight for weekend trips, you would also benefit from getting Fox DSC Adjusters. The u-bolt flip and bump stops we use are great for more clearance, plus the necessary bump stop length to be paired with the shocks. Bump stops are always necessary for trucks like this. Our kits come complete with the essentials.

If you have any specific questions about the kits we have, shoot us a message, happy to help.

 

This. The guys at Accutune will discuss your needs and not try to sell you anything not needed.Great guys over there.....VERY knowledgeable

 

Thank you! I will be DMing you in a moment. I like to write things out and look them over.
-M

 

This. +1

 

Bumping this up because I had another question.

After discussing cost with my wife she asked if I would be willing to do it in in stages; front or rear first, then the other side. As I don't know enough about lifts I thought I would pose the question to you guys.

If I was to do it in stages I think I would want to do the rear first since the front of my truck is still stock. The rear sags when I have it ready to go. Some preliminary numbers for me on weight are: 165 LBS RLD cap, 20 LBS clothing, 160 LBS for dogs, 120 LBS h2o, 60 LBS fuel, 100+ LBS camping gear, ~75 LBS food, and then probably another 30+ LBS of recovery gear sooo I am guessing pretty close to 720LBS in the rear when we leave the drive way.

I am thinking RXT leaf with the either the Fox or the Icon 2" with RR plus U-bolt flip and new bump stops. Would it be bad to drive around with the rear lifted for 6-9 months before I could do the front?

Another thought is to purchase the rear and then just let it sit in the garage until I can purchase the front, pinning for the day my truck rides higher

-M

 

I would get it in stages but put it all together once you have everything down the road.
It’s going to look and ride goofy if you lift only one side.
I def recommend the RXT leaf pack. It rides so plush! The lowest setting is about 2”, so it wouldn’t look way out of place, but the back would be about 2.5” higher than the front.