Leaf Spring Advice

Hello TW folks. Im looking for some advice regarding replacement leaf springs and which brand and load type to purchase. I have OME HD leafs with airbags in my truck now, and it rides awful, and squeaks horribly even after multiple bouts of cleaning and white lithium grease.
I would like to run either Deaver, Alcan, or Archive Garage. No RXT. The deaver customer service guy I talked to was an absolute jerk, but im not completely turned off. I've calculated the weight of the constant load materials in my bed to be 272 lbs including a full 18 gallon transfer tank, bed rack and an 23zero walkabout 62 with no bedding. So we will round to 300 for bedding and random sh*t's sake. This would put me close to the upper load limit of Deavers stage one. I want to keep good soft ride since I will removing tent and such unless in use. Would like good performance at mid speed offroad. I'll be running king 2.5x12's and archive bumpstops, + hammer hangers with this setup. The front is King 2.5 ext travels giving me a front fender/hub measurement of 24" with my current preload. I would like close to level, but a tiny bit of squat is fine too. Just want to keep it performance oriented. I just am kind of at an awkward spot between most brands "stage one" or whatever and the next up but I do not want to be too stiff. Thanks in advance

 

I have the Deaver U402 stage 2 with a camper shell and custom drawer system in it all the time, probably 3-400lbs constant. Similar to yours but maybe a few extra lbs. Don’t even consider stage 1 just go to stage 2. After the springs break in they’ll ride smooth. Love the way mine rides and it’ll handle carrying quite heavy loads without much squat on the rear.

 

+1, agree. In my case I run Deaver U402 stage IIIs with about a 650-lb constant load and they are great.

 

I’ve been very happy with my Alcans.
Can’t beat a custom pack !

 

I went with deaver stage 3. Found them used at a $450 savings. I went that route because you’ll find more stage 3 and heavy setups than light and mid. I run a topper, drawer system a made, bumper with swing out and tire carrier. Never worry about anything.