Wheelers 5-pack + AAL?

lol.. its there..

 

ok thats good to hear. I have a 1" shackle too so idk... but I'l find out soon enough!

 

Though I'd chime in here:

I've had my 5 packs for awhile and been pleased. However I have a topper, a 100+ pound toolbox, and other recovery gear in my bed basiclly all the time. The leafs aren't looking too bad, but I just placed an order for the AAL. Will post back when I get them installed.

Right now I am just slightly lower in the back, and hoping this will give me the 1"-1.5" rake I would like. Front is 5100's with 881s.

Was also contemplating shackles, but decided against ordering them till I see the truck with the AAL.

 

AAL is better for load capcity gains and lift. Shackles for travel gains and lift.

5 packs with the AAL should be around 3-3.5" so 5100s are supposed to be fine..but really a 9" travel 5125 would probably be better.

Also 5150 as discontinued.

You will also need new center pins as well as ubolts.

 

5pack & 1" shackle (unloaded, well... 60# toolbox, 30# highlift, and cap)
rear measurements: DS 38 1/8" PS 38 1/4"


5pack & 1" shackle (loaded w/ 400#... plus toolbox, jack, and cap)
rear measurements: DS 36 3/4" PS 37 1/8"


Da Goods!


5pack w/ AAL & 1" shackle (unloaded, jack etc..)
rear measurements: DS 39 3/4" PS 40 1/4"


5pack w/ AAL & 1" shackle (loaded w/ 400#, plus etc)
rear measurements: DS 38 3/4" PS 39 3/8"



I am really pleased w/ the outcome. Rides very nicely even w/ an empty bed and the slight rake looks just how I wanted it to. Handles the weight as expected. Seems to have added to my Taco lean though (should I fix this w/ a small block on just the DS?)

The install was a little more than I hoped for. Had to pull the packs b/c we couldn't get the axle down far enough to release them. Not a big deal. I had been spraying down all the bolts for this past week so things broke free just fine. Did have a big O SHIT moment when we went to tighten up one of the centering pins, the thread seized and it sheared clear off. Luckily there was just enough thread left to make it work. Maybe there was a stress fracture of something cause it broke off clean as hell.

We installed the extended brake line too which is def needed. I also spray painted each leaf again as some rust was developing. Havn't tested for shock length yet but at first glance the 5100s might be ok.

oh, also flipped my shocks so the boot is down. They were collecting alot of water and causing the bodies to rust a bit

 

Well, I always forget to take measurments, but I got my AALs, extended brake line, and new Ubolts installed last night.

I do have my rake back though!


And got a nice arch in the springs:



I'm a little woried what it will look like the few times I run without the topper and all my gear....

 

that looks good Squeak! any little pointers on the install? do you have a before pic?

 

Took this one probably about a month ago:



It gives a good idea of how much I gained.

As far as the install, it was pretty straight-forward. Only thing that might of helped me was taller jack stands. I jacked up the rear axle and set it on jack stands right in front of the leaf hangers. By the time I had the shocks and everything off, the rear drums were only like 4" off my garage floor. When I pulled the u bolts and loosened the centering pin, I couldn't get it out being the axle was in the way and wouldn't drop further. Ended up just setting both sides of the axle on the floor, and pushing it forward a couple inches, worked perfect.

 

bump for my install! see above

 

so heres a little follow-up:

On-road/hauling
Two days after the install I loaded the bed full of a weekends worth of camping supplies:
a huge tent, 2 coolers, 5 30packs, table n chairs, grill/propane, tarps, few duffel bags, probably 6-800 lbs total plus a full tank of gas in addition to myself, my wife, and her B E autiful friend

Drove nearly 5 hours into upstate NY (through massive rains) and the truck handled it just awesome!! the load dropped the ass end to about level, acually, still maintained a little rake, and never felt saggy or bogged down at all. No vibrations or concerns whatsoever even a hwy speeds.

Off-road
Flexes like a beast! I went out on Friday after work and just did a quick local rocky trail run, some medium sized ledges, logs, and a little mud. The extra droop allowed me to keep the locker off in spots where I usually use it which was nice. Not a huge noticeable difference but still I think there were def improvements in traction and suspension travel.

Very pleased. should have done this from the beginning..

next time I'l get some poser shots

oh and how could I forget my favorite thing about the new set-up... NO MORE AXLE WRAP!!! that was seriously driving me nuts, soo glad that's a thing of the past..