Body Roll, Sloppy Suspension

I think that you would greatly increase the life of them with a set of airbags though. You will be supplementing them with the airbags so there won't be as much stress on the the springs.

FYI my rear springs look like that also but I haven't lost any lift. I installed my 2" AAL back in December.

 

From what I've read the Dakars handle loads well and don't crap out like the factory leafs do. This is a big shocker to me, I've never had leaf packs crap out on any truck I've owned (and I've owned some old POS trucks).

When I was searching for a solution, I ended up on Alcan's website. You can put in custom specs, describe your use and they will quote you to make a custom set of leaf springs. I got quoted $250/side for a custom set. I entered stock height and everyday hauling 250-300 lbs with the occassional heavy haul at abount 7-800 lbs.

Honestly, I'd put good money on any of the aftermarket leaf packs holding up much much better than the stockers. Like I said, I've never had a leaf pack flatten out on me before, I think they were just way too weak from the factory. I'd keep a leaf pack with an overload for the hauling you do though. I ended up buying another fairly new TSB pack from another member and a 1.5" 3-leaf AAL (going to keep the overload installed). I'm sure this will crap out on me again because the base leaf pack is junk but it should get me another 3 - 4 years and by then I'll probably trade it in or it'll be my weekend beater.

 

I haven't lost my lift either. Had I know this was going to be such an issue, I would have just replaced the leaf pack back when I did my 2" AAL. It really is starting to become a PITA b/c i really dont have the $$$ to by a whole new leaf pack. But then again I feel like I really have to as I do tow/haul a lot.

I'm going to try and contact one of the these places 2day or 2maro. I really dont have the $$$ but my trip is coming up and its going to be a pretty heavy load (my boat, 4 people, coolers, food, and luggage) from Cincinnati to Charlotte NC so it needs to be resolved by then.

 

I say look at airbags or timbrens.. Could help you out till you get your new springs, plus, would help you out with you new springs. Both of them would be height adjustable for the now and in the future...

 

I would go ahead and throw some airbags on there, you can always swap them to the new leaf springs when you buy them. That way you will have some peace of mind until you can buy new leaf packs.

 

I when ahead and pulledthe trigger today on the OME Dakar 8 leaf pack. Should be here next week. I cannot wait to not bottom out anymore

 

Good luck with the set-up, OME makes some good stuff! Make sure you post the results, I went a different route and want to know if I should be kicking myself...

 

I will be sure to take pictures and post up the results. I too hope that I made the right descion and hope this works out for me b/c I spent a ton of money on these things and dont want to have to deal with any more problems.

How has your setup worked out?

 

I get my set-up installed tomorrow!!
All in all, I saved some money over buying a new leaf pack but not as much as you'd think. I bought a used TSB leaf pack and the Icon AAL, it's all assembled and waiting to be put on the truck. I've also had a set of Eibach coils on 5100's sitting in my living room for months waiting to be installed so I'm excited for the results! I'll get a review and measurements up Monday after the full install is complete and properly aligned.

 

Let me know how it turns out. I think this should solve your problem and depending on the strength of the leafs that you bought, they should last a while. I know my new leafs are going to take a beating so I'm really hoping they are up for it. On May 3rd I'm hooking up my boat, plus 3 other people, luggage, coolers, and drinks for a week long boating trip 10 hours away. This will be the true test of how strong the new leafs are. If this doesn't solve my problem I will be getting rid of the truck and getting something bigger, probably a Tundra.

 

Update: I just got the Dakar leaf pack last night and installed it. I also replaced the shocks. The passanger side shock was completely blown. I think the combination of one shock being completely blown and the leafs being weak really made the suspension in the back messed up. The ride/handling doesn't even compare to the way it was before. There is no more sloppy body roll or bounching after bumps. I really happy with the way it turned out and probably should have done this a long time ago instead of messing with the AAL. I haven't had any weight in it or towed but I'm towing my boat 8 hours south 2maro so the real test will be then. Thanks everyone for yur insight I will try and get some pictures up as soon as it stops raining.

 

awesome man!

 

Damn those things are beefy! Good luck man, let us know how they work out. Bring your socket set and re-torque the U-bolts after a little bit.

 

When I went to pick them up I told them they ordered the wrong ones b/c those were to big. I made them check the number of the leafs and the website just to make sure. After getting the factory leaf pack off and lifting the 2, the Daraks are atleast twice as heavy. I always bring my tools anytime I take the boat anywhere just in case, so as soon as I get there I'm going to check everything.

 

Pics before and after.


With the AAL a couple of weeks ago.

Here is some picture I took today.

 

Dakars FTMFW

 

I'll fix it for you,
DBL CB LB w/ Dakars FTMFW!

 

S'truth yo