Difference between Med Duty and Heavy Duty Dakar Leaf Pack

I’m wondering what makes up the difference in leaf pack construction between the Old Man Emu Medium Duty (LDDKRPKG) and the Heavy Duty (HDDKRPKG) leaf packs. Is the HD just the MD with an extra leaf or two, or are the leafs themselves beefier?

Also wondering if there was a third option of something mid-way between the two, i.e. MD + AAL?

Reason why I ask: 2018 DCLB TRD OR with Snugtop shell and drawer system in bed. Estimate constant load of 300-350 lbs. Truck is lifted using 5100 + 885 coils for the front and Deaver single AAL in the rear. With the weight of the shell and drawers the AAL only netted about 1” lift, not the 2” that you normally get with the overloads left in. That’s got me thinking that with extra gear in the back (for multi-night trips) the rear may need more than just the stock leaf springs + AAL to support all that weight. Not rock crawling, just a lot of back roads (mix of pavement, gravel, dirt, etc.) to get me to the trailheads. Plus I have a 6x12 utility trailer that I use for hauling UTV, firewood, etc.

I’ve been looking at the Dakar leaf packs advertised on Headstrong Offroad’s website. I’m comfortable with doing the swap myself. Just wondering if the HD’s are the way to go or if there is another option to consider. I’m thinking that if the MDs are designed for a 2” lift with 0 weight, then with my constant load I’m going to be back where I am now. But what is it about the HDs that make them HD? Thx

 

The difference is just one leaf or AAL that adds to the carrying capacity and lift height at a higher load rating. Get the heavy pack and if it’s too much you can remove a leaf. It’s also cheaper to buy it at once, rather than buying the AAL later.

 

That’s what I needed to know, thanks!

 

If the AAL is removed from the Dakar pack, could it be added to a stock Tacoma pack?

 

Which one of the leafs do you remove to make the HD into a medium duty???