AAL for Cap/Shell with Stock Suspension and Medium Constant Load

Getting a 3rd gen long bed Leer 180 installed this weekend and thinking ahead about AALs and trying to do research and due diligence.

I run the stock suspension with no lift, spacers, etc. and don't plan for a lift or suspension upgrades anytime soon. I do haul a couple hundred pounds or so of gear in my bed at all times, so that will be in addition to the ~200lbs of the shell. I then may have additional loads on occasion.

Considering having an AAL installed. I would like for the rear to sit level and look good with the constant ~300-400 lb total load on the bed (and not look saggy). Are there any options or styles to best steer towards in such a case? What is a good price range for AAL install? Am I correct to understand re AALs actually a full leaf pack and not actually just an additional leaf?

Thank you.

 

Bump

 

I ordered the Icon AAL 3 pack for $215 and separately 4" center pin bolts. Plan to install with factory overload staying on. Not installed yet. Considering a shop for it as my driveway is inclined. Was quoted $150 for install.

 

Let me know how the AAL handles the weight. I too am looking at a leer 180 and our weight in the bed situation is very similar.

 

Will do.

 

Finally got the Icon progressive AAL installed. $116 for install. The shop would not install with factory overload left in b/c the instructions said to remove it. They also said some other part was incompatible even though I had sourced longer center pins (possibly was the U bolts, cant recall for sure). It still raised it about 1 1/2" with the constant weight and definitely leveled it compared to how it looked prior. The knock that was occurring at some harder breaking (believe this has been assessed as axle wrap) is all but entirely gone. Ride is good. 90% satisfied overall.

 

I drive with the Icon AAL in the rear and my tent/bars on the truck all the time. Probably about 200 lbs in the bed all the time. I'm not noticing any sag yet. Maybe a little stiff in the rear, but I'm not picky and it's not bad, and I didn't do it for a softer ride.

 

Just FYI.. removing the overload is a 10% loss in payload.

 

Haven't done the research, but would think the AAL would counteract that to some degree. I don't max out payload anyway.

 

That number is quoted and vetted by many vendors on this forum.

 

Looks good - I took the same approach but when I removed the overload, I added sumo springs to pick up the load if/when needed. They don't make contact under normal driving conditions.

 

Going to be getting a canopy and storing gear in the back same as OP. After having a yard of dirt in the bed I was wondering if I should consider a AAL when doing that.

The ICON AAL kit price is right. Can it be installed with the overload? Not willing to give payload capacity as it's already so low.

Another option I have seen is the Firestone "Ride-Rite" Air Bag Helper Springs.

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/firestone-2407-ride-rite-air-bag-kit-toyota-tacoma-4wd-2005-2020

Not really sure of the pros and cons of an AAL vs air bags. Big consideration is off roading. Anyone have thoughts on that?

 

Yes, AAL can be installed with the overload. I have both AAL (with overload) and air-bags.

I installed Headstrong's AAL to lift the rear ~1.75" and the rear of the truck feels a bit stiffer when empty (or light load.)

The air bags are good for helping cure the rear end from squatting when you have a heavy load or a heavy trailer tongue on the hitch.

If I would've installed the AAL first I probably wouldn't have bought the air-bags. My travel trailer has a 250 lb tongue weight and the squat isn't really that bad when the air bags are almost empty.

Just my 2c.

 

Thanks for that reply. That makes me lean toward the AAL first and see how it goes. Cheaper anyway.