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Worn suspension advice: daily driver with weekend hauling

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Elkhart, Apr 25, 2024.

  1. Apr 25, 2024 at 8:46 AM
    #1
    Elkhart

    Elkhart [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2023
    Member:
    #431834
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    First Name:
    Anthony
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2013 TRD Sport DblCab Long Bed, Mica Silver
    Stock
    Digging through suspension threads for months and wonder if you all could help me find my way here.

    The leaf springs on my stock trd Sport 2013 DCLB (151k) are worn out and abused (sag/flat/invert with 300lbs in bed) Stock wheels/tires (might upgrade to better than OEM later on), The struts appears original to the vehicle, so probably needs replacing too, but front still feels decent enough for a 2013. Cosmetic lift is not important to me, road manners, utility, and longevity are.

    Driving—
    I drive about 40-50 miles a day, mostly 2 lane country roads 45-50 with a light foot. Decent amount of rain and winter weather, occasional dirt/carriage roads, plenty of potholes and rutted dirt driveways/lots. No real off-road use, but basic capability on dirt roads is nice to have. Occasional longer road trip/camp/travel driving on interstate.

    Loads—
    30lb soft topper
    270-400lb passengers 1-2 adults & 1-2 kids
    50-100lbs of random cargo in the cab depending on the trip
    Occasionally:
    100-300lbs bikes/tent-camping/skis
    100-800+ of mulch/soil/lumber/rock/firewood/garbage

    I'm on a budget, but also would rather pay for good quality parts than be frustrated with the outcome and longevity. This is my first truck, and I'm a little confused about the best approach, load numbers (springs/max load), and order of operations (what needs to be done together, what is nice to do while you're at it?), familiar with rake and lift but don't have a pov on them, realize that ride quality unloaded can suffer if the spring is too stiff.

    Approach:
    I'm thinking of either Bilstein 4600s or take offs from a 3rd Gen (losing hope of finding a good set locally) paired decent spring packs (3rd gen Offroad/OME/Icon? Upgrade to Deaver?), and possibly some bump stops (sumo? cheaper alt?) for the heaviest loads.

    In terms of leaf springs, that need is immediate, I'm not sure what I can do over time with other suspension components without the truck driving unsafely/oddly.

    That's too long, I'm not reading it:
    I need leaf springs, money an object, no idea what I'm doing, carry heavy sh*t sometimes on the weekends. What's the recommendation, and order of operations?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Apr 26, 2024 at 6:44 AM
    #2
    Elkhart

    Elkhart [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2023
    Member:
    #431834
    Messages:
    109
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Anthony
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2013 TRD Sport DblCab Long Bed, Mica Silver
    Stock
    Well, I took a look under the truck this morning and passenger rear strut is covered in oil.

    I’ll need to move on this quickly.

    Struts—
    Option 1 *lucky*: 3rd gen OR takeoffs $
    Option 2: Bilstein 4600 $$
    Option 3: Bilstein 5100 $$$

    Leaf pack—
    Option 1: icon rtx $$
    Option2: ome $$
    Option 3: (Deaver stage 2?) $$$

    Need to order parts in the next couple of days and get going.

    what do you think?
     
  3. Apr 27, 2024 at 10:32 AM
    #3
    HoulaHauler

    HoulaHauler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Andy
    Gwinnett Co., Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2013 1G3 DCSB
    I'm interested in the 2 cents that will get added as I have a 2013 DCSB with a topper with about 100lbs of tools and the occasional trailer with a lawn tractor. No steel bumpers, roof accessories, deck systems, etc.. Just wanting to remove my leveling kit and blocks and replace with new loaded struts up front, new shocks in the back and the proper AAL to accommodate but provide a cushier ride as I don't do any offroading
     
  4. Apr 29, 2024 at 11:37 AM
    #4
    VagabondRanger95

    VagabondRanger95 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2020
    Member:
    #332197
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    10
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    Female
    First Name:
    Jen
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2005 AC TRD Off Road V6 SR5 Manual Trans
    Currently in a similar situation w/ similar drive activity, needing to replace/upgrade my rear suspension. following for tips! '05 TRD OR access cab 6' bed
     
  5. Apr 29, 2024 at 5:20 PM
    #5
    Elkhart

    Elkhart [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2023
    Member:
    #431834
    Messages:
    109
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Anthony
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2013 TRD Sport DblCab Long Bed, Mica Silver
    Stock
    I spoke with the guy at Deaver, and I’m leaning towards their oem replacement leaf spring with a set of 4600s

    nothing fancy.

    might add a leaf or get sumo springs later.
     
  6. May 15, 2024 at 12:29 PM
    #6
    Elkhart

    Elkhart [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2023
    Member:
    #431834
    Messages:
    109
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Anthony
    New England
    Vehicle:
    2013 TRD Sport DblCab Long Bed, Mica Silver
    Stock
    Went with Bilstein 4600s and General Springs HD (Made by Dayton) +500lbs weight capacity, and 1.5" over stock height

    Had my springs/shocks installed yesterday and the truck is feeling great. Hauled 500lbs of soil home this morning, and everything was looking/feeling good loaded.

    Here are some measurements taken on driver side with a full tank of gas (lean of .25")

    Fender to hub center:
    Front 19.75”
    Back driver old: 21.25” (1.5” rake)
    Back driver new: 23.5” (3.75” rake)

    Will need to do the front struts/springs soon enough, get that rake back into stock 2" range, maybe add a spacer to sort the lean, but that can wait for another day.
     

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