Leaf pack advice

Hi, I'm looking for some advice on what leaf packs I should go with. I have a 2018 TRD Pro with the Eibach spring update which gives me an additional 1.5" in front (2.5" over a standard tacoma). Currently I'm running a 1" block on the stock leaf springs and it's pretty level to the front.
It feels like I bottom out going over dips at normal speeds so I think it's time to upgrade. I think I've narrowed down my options to Deaver U402 or Icon RXT.

The only extra weight I've added on is sliders approximately 60lbs each. I mainly use my truck to commute to work so ultimately I would like it to ride as comfortable as possible. I off-road / camp about 4 times a year on easy to moderate trails (no crawling). I will have about 100-150 pounds of gear in my truck for these trips. I'm also hoping to not have any squeaking. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I appreciate the advice. I did not think of doing this first. Do you think this would eliminate or at least minimize the harsh feeling when going over dips at speed? It never did this before I added the 1" block.

 

I recommend removing the rear spacer and going with Icon RXT option 1 for your situation, possibly option 2. It depends on whether you like level or a bit of a rake, and also how often you’d have the extra weight. You can read up on the Icon website as far as what rear lift to expect depending on the option and weight. Lots of threads about experiences on here.

I lifted about two inches in front with 6112s, and in the back went with the RXTs and 5160’s. I rarely carry any weight and have no topper so I went option 1. Night and day difference from my 7 year old stock springs which were starting to flatten. Huge difference going over any kind of terrain with a severe edge, no feeling of bottoming out or a big thud if I’m going a little too fast for the obstacle.

So many leaf spring threads lately…

 

ICON RTX - option 2

or..

Dobinson 110R (lightest option)

 

Thanks for the advice. I was thinking option 1 would be what I would try if I go with the Icons. I also rarely carry extra weight with exception to my sliders that are always on. Do you have any squeaking?

 

Have not really done a lot of research on the Dobinsons, I will check those out. You don't think option 2 would be a bit stiff with an empty bed?

 

If you really are carrying almost zero load all the time, then go option one from ICON. You can always switch them to option 2 down the road.

I have the Dobinsons 110R installed on my vehicle (rated for 0-200lbs over stock), and really like them. Definitely stiffer than stock, but no more harsh bottom outs. Pair them with some durobumps for a big improvement. Zero squeaks after 15k miles with a good bit of offroading, dirt, mud, sand, etc.

 

Thanks for your help. Yeah, for the most part my truck bed is always empty except for the bed mat. I do add a hitch mounted bike rack (1up) and two mountain bikes on a lot of weekends but that less than 100 pounds total and only on when I ride. I just want to get rid of bottoming out on fairly minor dips and not have a harsh ride due to the new springs.

 

Little bit on one side, which is the side where I forgot to grease the bolts before installing the leaf. I’m still kicking myself. I know spray them with lubricant periodically and it helps. Other people sometimes say they have squeaking from misaligned leaves, which should be completely fixable/adjustable. Wasn’t my experience to have misalignment.

 

Squeaking is the main thing I don't want. Searching the forums there does not seem to a lot of complaining about squeaking on the Icon RXT's and even less on the Deavers. Although it seems a lot more people own the RXT's so maybe it would even out if as many people had them.

Anyone have the Deaver U402 springs with a similar setup to me? Or running them with an empty bed most of the time.

 

Whatever you end up installing, take the time to grease the bolts and through-holes in the bushings prior to install, and also lubricate the outsides of the bushings. After you’ve driven them a bit retorque the ubolts, they’ll loosen up a tad. Also check leaf alignment.

Also be sure to wait until the truck is off the jack stand and fully on its own weight before your torque down the leaf attach bolts.

 

I’m happy with my Icon RXTs at stage 2. Long bed with a fiberglass shell. I would think the icons at stage 1 would work well for you.

 

Thanks for your help. I will give Icon and Deaver a call today and see what they say. I'm just hoping to choose right so I don't have to do this again. But from my research I'm thinking I can't go wrong wither way.

 

I'd look at your rear shocks first before anything else, you shouldn't be bottoming out on the bump stops on normal roads with no weight in the bed. You say you "feel" like you're bottoming out, but honestly, it's pretty hard to miss if that's actually the case (it's rough as hell, and loud). You can look at the frame where the bump stops hit, if it's worn/shiny metal, then you are definitely bottoming out.

If the rear shocks are leaking any fluid, they are junk. If the back end feels "bouncy" or like it oscillates too much after hitting a bump, it's the shocks. I went through the same thing after having too much weight in the bed for a trip.

I also wouldn't recommend bump stops to solve the problem, I tried that myself for a similar situation (blew rear shocks, put in new shocks, added durobumps to try to avoid blowing rear shocks in the future) and all I ended up doing was hitting them more often because they were taller than the stock bump stops, and bottoming out was still incredibly harsh, despite reading that they were "like hitting clouds" on here.

If the shocks are fine, then I'd go with a leaf pack like mentioned above and get rid of that block in the back.

 

Would recommend the Deaver J66 if you want that amount of lift and don't plan to carry that much weight. It rides fantastic and fits your needs perfectly.

I would also suggest upgrading the bump stops to help reduce the harshness of the bottom outs.

 

I too have medium dobinsons leafs and they are great so far. No squeaks as well, had them for about 15k miles.

About 200 pounds of constant weight in the rear, no sag.

 

Thanks for the help. It only started happening after I installed the 1" block. Looked at my frame above the bump stops and do see that they have been hitting. Shocks seem fine to me and handle normal everywhere else. I think I just need to get new leafs and bumps stops and start fresh. Just have to figure out which direction I want to go. Maybe do the U-bolt flip kit while I'm at it.

 

How do you like this set up with extra weight in the back? I leveled the front and added a leaf, and when I load up my bed it gets a little squatty. I have a LB with a fibreglass shell and have been thinking about the stage 2

 

I only want max 2" lift in the rear if possible. Currently it is 1" above stock and sits level to the front. A little rake I don't mind.

 

That's a nice looking rig. I have added Dobinsons to the list of possibilities now.