Leaf pack recommendations

post #12 by archive has a really good comparison

 

Checking in to Alcan, 850 for a set of Deavers is a bit much for me

 

If I knew the Dakars would not have held up to the weight, I would have likely went Deaver U402 stage 3 from the start.

See my post at the bottom. If you’re going to carry any significant weight, I’d look at other non Dakar options.

As above.

Glad to hear this as the stage 3 will likely do the trick.

Especially for us in Canada with the exchange rate and shipping.


I’m going to be likely switching to Deaver Expo stage 3 since my Dakar pack isn’t cutting it. These are the old

ARB CS047R Old Man Emu/Dakar Leaf Spring

CS047R leaf packs (equal to the current heavy) with the OME

$81 ARB D29XL Old Man Emu Dakar Extra Leaf Spring

D29XL aal. They sagged a bit and then are negative arch or “W”as seen in the pictures after only 2 years. In the pictures the truck has about 95% of the camping weight. I have CBI steel rear bumper with dual swing outs (33” tire and 40L of fuel), steel sliders, full aluminum skids and an aluminum front bumper with 9500lb winch. Prinsu rack and aluminum ARE DCU cap. The truck sits level with all that weight but I do feel the bumpstops when hitting dips on the highway. I’d like to gain a little rake back with the Deavers.

New before install.

Truck fully unloaded. My guess is it squats at least 2”+ when fully loaded.

 

My Dakars looked like that..

Ditto

 

I have a set of Alcan's on the way. Placed the order today with a 5 week lead time. Called in my order and they are very helpful.

 

It may be different for your truck but my vibration went away when I switched from a ALL to a full leaf pack.

 

You think Deaver U402 stage 3 will be enough? I've contacted Deaver and am waiting for a reply.
Front 2910lbs, rear 3505lbs.

 

Hoping so. I carry a constant load of 500 off the rear. Fully loaded for a trip shouldn't be too much more. Probably have a couple hundred pounds to spare.

 

I had a custom spring packs made for me by a local shop, Superior Spring, here in Wichita. They used the original springs but added additional leaves and re-arched the whole thing. I told them I wanted a 2.5 inch lift and that I towed a 19 foot, 3,500 boat and trailer. They also compensated for the Tacoma lean. It has been nearly two years now and no sag despite towing my boat many times. I did add extended bump stops. The original packs had been replaced by Toyota and then had the TSB on the second set and still they sagged making my truck sit low in the back even unladen. I hate that front end high, tail dragger look. Now it sits up high and proud. Oh, and unlike some aftermarket stuff, they do not squeak.

 

Up to an inch the stock shocks should be fine, especially on a TRD/Pre-Runner truck. Over two inches, like 2.5 to 3, you will need longer shocks and bump stops.

 

I have a set of Dakars and they now have a distinct W shape to them. The reviews are right, Dakars are noisy as hell. I have a set of Icon RXTs waiting for install, I found them on FB Marketplace for a great price. I have never seen a bad review of Deavers.

 

I went with Alcan. I couldn't be happier with the quality and the service. If you have specific needs, a leaf pack made to order is the way to go. Alcans(and Deavers also) are certainly a buy once, cry once situation. Even more painful than the cost of the springs is the cost to get them to your door. If I had it to do over again, I would talk to some local spring shops and see what they have to offer, simply to see if I can get around paying $275 for transportation alone. Just my 2 cents.

 

I have had OME Dakar CS047R Leaf Packs on my 15 TRDOR for 5 years now with a 200 .lb snogtop shell and put 300 .lbs of dogs in the back and/or gear also all the time.
I have no complaints what so ever with sagging or squeeking and I wheel my truck almost every weekend.