Drawer system in bed - curious about suspension

Hello everyone!

I have a 2016 DCSB SR5 with a Leer100XL bed cap . Have had it for almost a year and loving it! Long term plan is to make it my adventure vehicle, but for now, it is my daily driver.

Early this year, I built a drawer system in the bed. Nothing fancy, just some 3/4" plywood that runs the length of the bed and the height of the wheel wells. Glued some indoor/outdoor carpeting on top to make it easier on the eyes and called it a day. Given all the gear that I store in the drawers, there is a bit of sag in the rear. Now, it isn't Carolina Squat level sag, but it is enough that it catches my eye.

My question is for those out there that always have gear in the bed, what suspension system are you running and how does it handle on road as well as off? On the weekends I go down some washboard gravel roads and would like to eventually take the Taco out on some fire roads to get away from the crowds.


Ideally, I would like a suspension system that handles well on the road, so not too wobbly or "floaty" yet also can handle the weight of the gear in the bed and not feel like its bottoming out when I take a dip. If it is possible to maintain stock, or close to stock tire size, that would be icing on the cake.

Any information or guidance is greatly appreciated!

Oh, and if you are willing to share photos, that would be a massive help. Visuals are my learning style.

Thanks again!

 

I've got a bedrack/rtt setup, drawer system, and fridge in the back, plus 5-15 gal of water+fuel. I'm running the heavy dakar springs and it handles the load well, but would nudge you towards a Deaver option (Dakars squeak really bad). That's what I would do if I could do it again.

Running 265/75R16 so one size up from stock, and they look just fine to me with a +2.5" lift.

 

I also have a Leer cap, Decked drawer system (full of tools & 'stuff') along with a steel rear bumper. Stock leafs really didn't like that much permanent weight.
Went to Deaver U402 Stage 2 springs. Truck now sits pretty level (slightly higher) and the ride is firm but not harsh & controlled on road, but also compliant when off-road.
They're a little pricey, but perfect for an application like this and well worth it in my opinion.

 

That is one heck of a rig! Thanks for sharing the loadout and the recommendation. I really appreciate it.

 

Deaver seems to be the way to go. Thanks for pointing me in that direction. I have got some homework to do!

 

I'm towing a 3500# travel trailer full time and have a Leitner Rack + Gear Pods as well as a Decked drawer system heavy with recovery gear, ammo, etc. Couldn't be happier with my ARB/OME Dakar (Heavy) Springs(OME-005 kit). Since the bed is always loaded it feels perfect on and off road both towing or roaming with only the Taco. The front 2886 springs are stiff because I don't have a winch or a front bumper yet but I removed the sway bar so I don't mind it.

Note: I am also running 275/70/17 KO2s at 48-50 lbs (E load rating) which also contributes to ride quality.

 

Rig looks great!

I like the way the KO2s look and reading how they add to ride quality brings them up a couple rungs on my 'purchase soon' list.

Thank you for the build breakdown. Greatly appreciated.