Need springs for a fat ass taco

In preparing for a recent wheeling trip I noticed my spring pack is shot. I'm going to replace it, but don't want to make the same mistake again.
I'm struggling to find stock dcsb rear axle weight.

I'm thinking possibly the stage 3 deavers, possibly dobinsons, or custom.

The issue is I'm fairly new to building, and really don't know what specs I need.

Pic of truck with current setup and weigh in.
TIA for any help and recommendations

 

Look into the Icon RXT pack. With your swing out and rear setup Id say option 2. If its not right you can go up or down 1 option in a few hours.

 

I'll definitely look into this, haven't thought of icon.

Any idea how much over stock I am in the rear? That's the magic number I'm trying to figure out. That is my empty DD weight, trips will be a few hundred pounds more.

 

I have no idea on weights. Where you have a high clearance with a tire carrier that puts a ton of weight way out past the rear axle. Aka it transfers more weight to the rear axle.

If you're really looking to get a good comparison, might try to find a buddy with a stock taco and offer to pay for him on the scales.

 

You have standard Dakars on there according to your description, that's a problem. You need Dakar HDs minimum, probably Dakar HD + their additional leaf.

 

Yeah the weight on the back is the big issue, even with appropriate leaf pack I would still have concerns, so this will be a tank to ride in when done. Not a bad idea, shouldn't be too hard to find a similar truck around, weigh and a beer should cover it I'd think.

I know. Probably isn't the answer I'm seeking though. This time around it's getting done right, even if it is a custom leaf pack.

 

Why do you say that? It could very well be the exact answer you're seeking. Your setup is literally exactly what those springs were made for. If anybody knows how to load up a pickup truck with 1000+ lbs and off road with it, it's the Australians.

 

It could, but the HD is designed for 600lbs. Adding another leaf let's say would add 3-600 additional lbs. Yes that gets me into the range I think I need.

I don't know that I trust a Dakar pack to hold up, even if built to my weight needs. They squeak like hell, which bothers the shit out of me. Just kind of feel like if I'm going to buy another leaf pack, might as well get one that is known to hold up to these conditions.

So far no one has chimed in with experience. Just maybes and probably, my budget isn't big enough to account for uncertainty.

 

You're kind of on the wrong site. Most people here install spacer lifts and use their trucks to get groceries. You need a more expedition vehicle focused forum.

 

I've been running HD dakars for a little over a year now. If I were to do it all over again, I would probably get deavers or a custom pack made up. That being said, the springs perform very well and hold all of the weight I've got while providing 3 inches of lift. That squeak tho amirite.
If I were in your shoes I'd just get an additional leaf or two from OME.

 

My pack is a w, adding a leaf or two won't help. It may hold with a new pack and those additions. I like the performance of my Dakars, but don't know that they will hold up long term. I'm guessing I am running about 1000 over stock without gear.

I suppose time to call about custom packs. Even deavers seem a little under my specs.

 

I've been loaded up to 800 pounds on my icons and my truck still had rake, and that was only on option two.

 

Thank you, these are the posts I need to evaluate things with real experience. I'm at over 1000 constant though, and have a huge cantilever weight on my rear axle. This my trepidation in selecting a proper pack for the purposes.

 

You can always call deaver and get a custom pack made

 

yeah ide probably call alcan or deaver, they can make you a custom pack suited to your needs.

 

Just get liners for your Dakar, mine don't squeak at all.

 

5400 is not a fat ass taco by any means. Lots of guys here are running 6500-7k.

Dakar HDs will be fine for you. If you need to justify the higher capacity ‘custom’ packs, go Deaver.

 

Load it up and go to the local truck scale place. You'll at least get a total weight. Maybe an axle weight if they have a split scale

 

You might be overthinking it a bit to be honest

Do you know for a fact you are 1000 lbs over stock on the rear? Did you find someone with a stock DCSB and put that on the scales?

This is one of the reasons I recommended the RXT pack. You can select the option you want.

Ive never weighted my truck, but I would guess Im about 200 lbs over stock (rear axle) in an unloaded config. Probably an additional ~300 lbs of gear & tools in the bed of the truck for a 3 day trip, plus some more up front in the cab. When I first got the RXTs I started at option 2 and found that was too much. So I went down to option 1 a month later. Ive been happy with that since.

As far as the squeaking goes... they're leaf springs. You can try adding a scoop of grease between each pad when you are assembling them. That seems to help the most

 

Leaf springs have squeaked since their invention.

There are multiple products on the market which work well, and some more home brew remedies that work temporarily. A good approach is to find out where they are squeaking by using some spray lube, one place at a time, until it stops. Then select the correct product to use in that place.

Sometimes it's the bolt in the hanger, not always leaf friction.