Changing from Dakar Medium Duty to Deaver Expedition Stage 2

Hey y'all,

I am seeking a bit of advice on a hair splitting decision. I have an Access cab and want to maintain stock front/rear rake with about 500 lbs added bed weight. The rear is weighted down with a canopy which weighs about 250 lbs with gas and jack and a stock rear bumper. The front end is lifted 2" - 2-1/4" and has Slimline bumper with winch and 650 lb spings. When loaded down for a trip I probably have close to 500 lbs on the rear inclusive of the aforementioned canopy. I have had Dakar Medium duty leaf springs on the rig since 2018 and I am noticing a bit less carrying capacity as the Dakar's age. So, I have ordered Deaver Expedition Stage 2 leaf packs which state a 2" lift with 400 lbs in the bed. The first question is, will I have close to a stock front/rear rake with the Deaver's with my current setup? (preferably a touch more rake than stock) The second question is has anyone used 1/2" leaf pack shims in conjunction Deaver's or the like? The shims I mention are from Toytec and can be used to correct Taco Lean or just add a touch more height in the rear. They bolt onto the bottom of the leaf pack with the leaf centering pin and are essentially a "dummy" overload spring. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Adding a 1/2" block will be fine, as long as your U-bolts are long enough.

 

I am using new U-Bolts so they are long enough for sure. The main thing is that I don't really want to do the job twice and purchase more u-bolts if I decide to initially install the springs without a 1/2" spacer then decide the ride height needs to be a touch higher. I will probably install the springs as is and go from there.

Thanks!