Single AAL vs Deaver Stage II

Hey Guys,

I have been playing with the idea of upgrading the rear leaf suspension but am not sure what I should do.

I currently have Bilstein 5100s all around with OME 885 coils up front and a single AAL to stock leaf pack in the rear on a 2012 Tacoma DCLB. The AAL is from SD Springs and at the time it was one of the few/ most inexpensive leafs I had found to offer a 2” lift and have a 1,000 lbs+ weight capacity (1,200 lbs to be exact). However, at the time I didn’t have sliders, skids, a camper shell or roof rack the length of the truck. While the lift is fine and I still have a slight rake (what I wanted), I noticed when I load it down with camping gear or tow my boat it sags to level or slightly front high. The most noticeable time was on a family camping trip a couple years ago where I had the bed completely filled with everyone’s coolers, drinks and gear and I could feel the steering/ handling was off.

With all that being said, I’m considering getting Deaver Stage IIs since I’ve read you can’t run Stage III or Heavy Dakar’s with Bilstein 5100s. But I’m wondering if Deaver Stage IIs will even make that big of a difference. Does anyone have any experience changing from a single AAL to Deaver Stage II? Do they tow/ handle 1,000 lbs of weight well enough to not have a negative rake and at least sit flush when fully loaded down?

Any info would be great. Thanks!

 

I think Deever stage II would be a good choice and would make a difference. I have had that exact leaf pack on my truck for a few years now. It handles the weight really good. I have a go fast camper which weighs about 300 lb and will often put at least 500 lb or more in the bed. Handles towing really good as well. I had Bilstein 5100 and put a lot of miles on them but eventually switched it out for Dobinson mra. One thing to add is when I put the Deaver leafs on I also put Timbren active off-road bump stops on. If I really load the truck down then these help handle the extra weight. Here's a pic of when I first installed with a bunch of weight in the bed.

 

Thanks for the reply! The bump stops act like those Sumo Springs ie it just helps support the bed when it’s loaded down?

 

Yes they do.

 

Thanks for confirming…do you think it would be wise to get the Timbrens first and install them on the stock leafs with the AAL to see how it does? Are you able to do that or does the AAL make it difficult? I only ask cuz the Sumo Springs guys said I couldn’t put those on with an AAL

 

I'm not sure but I believe you could install those bump stops on top of your aal. You just need to make sure the u-bolt is long enough.
When I first put extra weight of camper on my truck the aal was okay with just the camper but as soon as I put more stuff in it it was bad. From what you describe in terms of camper and extra weight I think you could really benefit from a new Leaf pack. Personally I think that is more important than a better bump stop.

 

Thanks for the response and honest review and opinion. I’m probably just going to save up some cash to get the Deaver stage IIs before next summers trips…sounds like that would be the best option…thanks!