2nd Gen Rear Suspension

I keep going back and forth on my lift (OME or Bilstein, 885 or 887, etc). I've done enough research to know each has it's pros and cons, but I seem to have a question about the rear lift that will affect my choice (and I haven't been able to find much). My 2011 DCSB TRD Sport has the OEM 3-leaf pack. I never got the TSB to get the 4 leaf. So.... my question is:

Should I go with the progressive AAL or a Dakar pack?

I know one is obviously better than the other. however, i don't tow much, but i do have a camper shell on the back. I just don't want to get the Dakar pack and have a massive rake with 885s. I've read enough to see that most can get by with 885s and not get UCAs. Just curious what everyone's thoughts were on the AAL with 3 leaf. I do light off roading and want to get 255/80/17s in the future without a CMC.

 

887s, Dakar heavy pack, and UCAs

 

I think you'll be happier in the long run with a full pack replacement. I did not want the lift of the dakar so I went with the General Springs HD. They still have not settled, but they already ride better than stock, and they should carry more weight than the OEM pack with a crutch.

 

Dakars, All Pro Expos or Deavers would be my suggestion. AAL's are extremely limited as they only add onto the shitty stock leaf pack.

 

I started out with Headstrong 3 leaf progressive add-a-leafs. They are fine, but as stated above, they are added onto the crappy stock leafs and, hence not as good as a full leaf pack and that combo on my truck eventually started sagging. Especially once I started carrying more weight. I recently upgraded to ARB Dakar

$325 EL096R LEAF SPRING HD

EL096R leafs and I'm much happier with it.

That is what I have and I'm pretty happy with the ride and the stance.

Front - JBA UCAs, 887s, Bilstein 5100s
Rear - EL096R leafs, Bilstein 5125s

 

i wanted about 1.5" of lift to go with #3 6112 setting up front so bought a set of general spring 90-297 HD's:

https://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/90-297hd.htm

threw them on, gave the advertised lift, pretty happy with them so far

i opted not to go with dakars because of some of the harshness feedback i read about (which is very subjective of course)

but definitely get a full pack replacement if you can afford it. The stock leafs are garbage

 

I went the same route but I'm on the lowest 6112 setting. My 90-297HD leafs have only been on a day and they're sitting about 2.5" over stock. I'm currently getting some vibration around 10-15mph which I'm hoping will go away once they settle. Do you have any vibration? I may need to bump the front end up more, but was hoping to keep about 1.5-2" rake for towing/loading.

 

rears should settle, but i think you'll still be a bit high if you're on #1 (2nd gen, 4x4?).

vibes could be many things. Start with balancing of your tires/wheels and go from there.

 

Thanks. Yeah 2G DCSB 4x4.

 

Go with dakars in the rear and pair them with bilstein b110 (extended 5100). You'll need +4" extended brake lines too but it's worth it for the flex you'll have in the back.

 

885's yield 2.5" of lift and UCA's are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED at 2.5" of lift or more. Either go with a lower spring (risk having lots of rake with a new pack) or save up for UCA's. They are worth it in the long run.

As everyone already stated, get the new Dakar leaf pack. Sell the TSB once it's done to make back some of the money spent on the Dakars.

 

Because it doesn't sound like you're carrying heavy loads I would stay away from springs with a big overload leaf. That overload is great for weight carrying capacity but will cause the rear end to kick around on bigger bumps.

 

I took the bigger overload leaf out of my Dakar pack. You can also take out the middle leaf to soften them up some and get even less lift which is probably the ticket if you're only carrying a camper shell

 

He has a shell too. Things add up quickly at that point.

 

If you have a consistent weight (regardless of how heavy) you should get a spring without overload that is designed for that weight.
If you drive around at one weight, then occasionally add up to 600 lb in the bed you should get a spring without overload and a shock with compression adjuster.
If you drive around at one weight, add ever add more than 600 lb and want to take that off-road then springs with overload and shocks with compression adjusters are the way to go.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses.

It sounds like i'm gonna have to take the lumps and go with the pack (i can take out the overloads if needed). If i need to go with UCAs, then i might as well go with the 887 coils.

 

@tacomavan hey man, how are you liking the 90-297 leafs and 6112? I am planning on going the same route as you did, but setting the 6112 on the 2nd notch from the bottom. I want some rake and not level out the truck.

How's the ride so far with the combo you have? I plan on ordering the leafs today.

 

@fivefoot holding up just fine and still loving the ride. Had the springs on for about 20k now and the 6112's for 15k

i also purchased a leer DCC and built a 3/4" drawer system since then (+ gear/tools), so thats probably 300ish lbs of constant weight in the back now

just did boise and back over the weekend. 800+ miles. Smooth as butter 75-80 mph the whole way. And prior to that i rebuilt a fence and had to haul 160 panels of soaked cedar panels +300-400 lbs did just fine. I've also done multiple trips to Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, etc drives great.

you might want to consider #3 since the leafs will net you about 1.5" and #3 puts you at +1.59" (4x4)according to bilstein to keep the factory rake of ~1.5. I went back and forth on 2 or 3 setting, glad i chose 3

 

Thanks for the update man! Wheeler's Offroad has built the 6112 already so i guess i'll run it at the 2nd setting and see how I like it. But thank you so much for the quick reply!

 

@tacomavan did you buy their ubolts or reuse the stock ubolts? If you ordered theirs, did you go with a 7" or 6"? i read somewhere that the 6" ubolts will work also. the 7" look like they stick out too much.