Leaf Springs

Looking into getting new leafs shortly and was curious if Deaver J59’s are worth the extra cost over the OME dakars. Definitely looking for performance over hauling capacity

 

I haven’t had personal experience, but there seems to be an overall negative view of the dakars due to premature sagging of the leafs.

 

I haven't run the Deavers but have read through a thread or two on them. Dakars I do have, been on the truck for 14-15 years. I don't know how they compare performance wise, or what type of use you have in mind. I don't do any pre runner type, fast offroad driving. My use has been street and slow speed trail running. The Dakars have been good IMO and offer quite a bit if travel, and flex well offroad. Pair nicely with a 10" travel shock. From what I've read, so do the Deavers.

As for Dakars having premature sagging, I know nothing about that, 14+ years and my ass end is still higher than the front with OME 882's. There have been quite a few people disappointed in how much they "sag" under load, expecting them to be able to carry a higher weight. That wouldn't be an issue for you, since hauling capacity isn't your priority. Those Deavers also have a limited capacity and will obviously "sag" or lose ride height when loaded.

Even though I haven't been in a truck with the J59's I would suspect they may have a somewhat better ride quality. To what extent, someone who has run both will have to post up.
The Dakars are made offshore. Deavers in the good ole USA by a company who's been in the spring making business for a long time.

 

I have the deavers, but I also have a GoFast Camper that weighs about 300#. Fully stocked for trips I probably have about 500# (including camper). I really like the deavers, much less harsh than stock. I think the rear with the load is a bit higher than stock suspension was without load. I also have Eibach pro truck shocks, but might switch to 5100’s in the future.

 

No experience with Deavers here but I have the rear OME leafsprings and shocks with 880s in front. I will say with this setup the ass end sits up higher than most would like to see for the "look" but its perfect when loaded down with gear. Rides good with this setup, a little stiff when the bed is empty but way better performance than stock. Rides better with weight in the bed. I've had them for 6+ years and have not noticed sag over time.
Im happy with my OME suspension but I would probably get 882 coils next time to level the truck a bit. Hope this helps.

 

That’s seems to be the consensus. Unless you guys would recommend otherwise I think I’ll probably end up buying an icon stage 2 kit. Throw that add a leaf on and see if I like it. If not I’ll probably go down the deaver route as my type of driving is high speed fireroad

 

Just to offer another option for you: I've been running Alcans leafs (very similar to Deavers) for about a year and a half and absolutely love them. They're pricey, but the owner of the company himself spoke with me on the phone about what I wanted and then they custom build a set of leafs to fit your specific needs. They ask about aftermarket bumpers, swing outs, toolboxes, average load in the bed, desired ride height, etc. And the final product was literally perfect. Rides pretty solid unloaded, handles heavy loads well, and ride great on real bad roads.

Here's a pic with the truck unloaded (except the plywood box):



And one with ~900# of camping/hunting gear loaded up in it:

 

Not what you asked, but do keep in mind leaf size changed with the '98 model. Most offerings are for the 98+ models.

Again, not what you asked, but I made the Chevy 63" swap and it seems to be all pros, no cons.

 

I have Dakars with the extra leaf + Icon 2.5s up front and 2.0s in the rear. They have held up well with no sagging for several years, and for most of those years I was hauling a cap, 3/4" wood bed platform and gear. Removed all of that stuff recently, only thing left in the rear is a plate bumper, and the ass end of my truck is super high. They definitely ride better with some weight. Huge improvement over stock suspension though.

 

how do they handle washboard roads? Here in Oregon I feel like my rear is always floating and getting beside me on every popular fireroad

 

On stock suspension I always felt like the rear was “swaying” even on highway and that problem went away with Dakars.

Most of my off road time with this truck was washed out fire roads and really mild crawling (bouldery creek beds and what not in AZ, NV, UT). I think the key with Dakars is weight especially if you are gonna use the extra leaf. With all the weight removed from my bed now the truck sometimes hops over bumps and I’ve had to learn to ease off the throttle or it jerks me around when the wheels hook up again.

I’m keeping the extra leaf in because the weight will come back (just in a different form, armor and bed rack). But I’d say, don’t run the extra leaf if you’re not planning on consistently loading the bed. Even a cap or a toolbox is probably enough to make a difference, they recommend the leaf for consistent loads of 300ish lbs.

Only other feedback I have about Dakars if you choose them, pound out the shitty front bushing that comes with them and replace with urethane bushings. The front bushing fails in a unique way that isn’t harmful but it squeaks and creaks like no tomorrow. Drove me nuts and sure wished I had done it before installing the leaf packs.