Check Myself B4 I Wreck Myself?

Hey! I'm tired of squatting when camping. When I posted this pic previously some folks recommended an OME leaf pack.

It's a '21 OR DCSB by the way. Everyday driver and I am pretty happy with the way it handles, I'm just tired of the sag. It always has the cap, roof rack (about to add weight up there with t-slot rack), solar system (100AH battery), and Decked drawers filled with fun.

When I camp, I add the luggage rack and bikes. I scrape the bike rack when leaving some parking lots.

So, I decided to get a 2" spacer for the rear to lift it up. Then found out about the AAL kits. Looks legit, researched for a week and decided to get a 2" AAL kit. Called my mechanic shop, the suspension guy said "yeah, get the parts and we'll put it in for you."

Ten minutes later the owner of the shop calls and tells me I'm wasting my money with AAL and just get a full leaf kit so I only have to pay him once. "You'll be paying me to swap it out in a year..."

Ok. I research all over TW and the web and I've decided on the Deaver U402 stage 2. I gather I gotta buy a set of u-bolts to go with it too?

Do I need anything else? Am I making the right choice? I really just want a slight rake to the truck.

But ya know...it is kinda squishy in the back when I hit big bumps.

Am I missing anything? I don't need to swap my shocks/struts/break lines or add bump stops or 47" tires right? I can just get that leaf kit and be happy for a while?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

First off, I've had U402 stage 1's for quite a while. They are phenomenal. They ride (unloaded) great. They're compliant, but stable. They're also quiet for me, which is a huge plus. When loaded up for camping, theres barely any sag, and they ride even better.

Now... You need to really pay attention to their load ratings. Deaver accidentally sent me stage 2's at first. I rode on them for a while, and they were horrible. Not only did it give me 3" of lift, but even with 300 lbs of sand placed behind the rear axle, it rode like a dump truck.

With the stage 1's, I got about 2" of lift and they ride like a dream. Take home message, follow Deaver's load ratings and order based on your every day use, not your once or twice a year camping trip load.

As for shocks, it will depend on your shocks fully extended length. How much travel does that leave you with. Factor in a 2" lift, and you can estimate your uptravel. Using your shock as a limit strap isn't as bad as bottoming a shock out, but long term, it won't be ideal.

Last bit of advice, check your local FB marketplace. I've been seeing Deavers pop up a lot lately.

Edit: mine shipped with U-bolts and bushings. But I've heard that they no longer come with either. Plan on getting both separately.

 

Thanks, read your other post explaining your dilemma with the mis-shipped packs which started getting me worried about the stage 2s.

I guess I should really get accurate with my daily load weight and see if I need the stage 1 or 2.

 

+1 on deavers, I’ve got stage 1s but I’m currently unloaded and they ride great. I’m planning on a shell and a light drawer system, the shop I worked with said the same thing to me about AAL, told me a full pack would be best long term.

I agree on the ratings from deaver, they should point you in the right direction for your daily use, most common usage.

 

I forgot to mention... I had the OEM's with an Icon 3-leaf add-a-leaf... and they flattened out in short order.

 

Thanks, that's really what I needed to hear. I'm lucky to have a straight talking mechanic too.

 

OK, I added up my weights. With a low estimate of 450lbs in my truck bed and 500lbs with a fresh run to the beer store and some stuff actually in the back, I think I should go with the stage 2 which is the 400-600lb range. When I camp, I add prolly about 200 lbs on the hitch receiver.

Here's my weight breakdown in pounds. I really didn't think it was going to be that high. These are #s from the MFRs websites/Amazon
Total 493

Cap 170
Decked 220
Solar panel 14
Roof Rack 15
100AH Battery 64
unistrut 10
misc 50

 

Update!
I finally got my Deaver U402 Stage 2 leaf packs installed. No regrets. Mechanic said my struts are topped out now though because the lift was too much, perhaps they'll settle. I also have to reinstall my 100AH battery so that might help a bit.

It rides so much nicer now and is much more stable at +55 MPH.

Thanks for all your input!

Now for struts and tires... I'll likely get a 1" lift in the front and base my tire size off the clearance there.