AAL options/advise help...

Hello everyone!

I've read hundreds out of the thousands of posts regarding suspension lifts. I am planning on the budget friendly Bilstein 5100's with OME 887 Coils. I do plan on adding a US off road bumper and winch and some skids...eventually.

I'm stuck on what to do for an AAL...I have no idea (other than a set of Dakars) what I should be considering. I see headstrong has several options, but I don't know what the differences are.

Can people please chime in and explain.

Thanks!!!!

 

Do you tow or haul any weight?

 

Paul, I have a 1st Gen with King fronts, Billy rears and ICON Progressive AALs. Rides like a dream on road and very capable off-road. I also researched until my eyes bled and this worked well for me, I know what you mean.

I don't tow and don't haul much. Also I removed my factory overload leaf as I read this can be a harsh ride.

@geekhouse23 is right: it will matter if you tow or haul any significant weight before anyone can weigh in with meaningful opinions.

 

No, I don't tow or haul anything on a regular basis.

 

Thanks! Why are you running a mix of so many different brands? I would love kings or Icon all the way around, but way out of my budget .

I don't haul or tow on a regular basis, but would if I had to. Why does this matter?

 

Single AALs are junk. Even progressive AAL packs that are added to the stock leafs are questionable. The problem is that the stock leafs are garbage.

I had a single AAL when I first installed my lift kit and it lasted about 3k and one tow of a 23' toon. As soon as it was loaded with any kind of weight, it sagged and road like shit. Replaced them with a full Dakar leaf pack,

$44 D29XL Old Man Emu Dakar Extra Leaf Spring

D29XL AAL and it handles weight MUCH better without rattling bones.

Oh well. Live and learn. Buy once cry once.

 

I spoke to a couple guys on here that ran the same setup and swore by it. Icons and Kings are valves differently and icon aals are essentially a rebranded progressive AAL. The rear Kings were not worth the extra coin foe my application so I researched the hell out of this setup and pulled the trigger. Like night and day the ride is awesome and the control is much better off road.

Do a ton of research and talk to people offline about their setups. Clip and save comments on setups amd follow up with them. Try to ride in similar trucks if you can then buy quality parts from Headstrong. Get guidance from them and set it up for what you want.

Good luck and post some after pics

 

Thanks, I don't plan on towing/hauling but maybe it's a better to have it and not need it example. Hmmmm....Dakars might have to be on the list.

 

I have seen a lot of those who could afford kings and Icons love them. Unfortunately I haven't met any Tacoma owners up in my area of RI. All my friends who trail ride are Jeep owners. That's why I'm relying on those folks on this site for their input and experiences, what works and especially what doesn't. I found this thread helpful https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ome-887-with-bilstein-5100.370072/page-18. This seems to be the most common and budget friendly suspension lift.

I'll have to price out this mixed system you're running. What did you gain in lift? I'm looking to hit or stay just under 3 inches.

Thanks again!

 

2.5" but of course you have the option of going lower or higher with the coilovers, just depends on what you want. Good luck!