Shell Owners, what rear lift do you have and what were the results?

Just as a follow up: I ended up going with a Headstrong AAL 3 Leaf pack (their newest pack design). The new pack doesn't apparently allow the use of the overload spring even though the center pin would have allowed it to fit, so I left it out. I got roughly 2 inches of initial lift and will measure again in a week or two to see how it settles. I have a SnugTop Rebel with Sportsman package, but no tow hitch. With all my tools and old suspension parts in the bed, I only have an inch of lift.

However, the bed is much more taut and the rear springs are no longer nearly flat. Pretty happy all things considered for $200.

 

The AAL seems like a bandaid for those of us with a shell + gear. $200 is a good price though instead of swapping the whole pack.
How much of a pain was the install? I ask because I have limited tools and workspace

 

Sub'd I have a 2011 DCLB that I'm putting a cap on and I need to change out my front/rear suspension from stock. Deciding if I should put in a "heavy" Dakar leaf pack and what suspension upfront?

 

What's your normal weight in the rear fully loaded? Planned mods; i.e. bumper, RTT, towing etc.

 

Well I have a shell and carry 150+ pounds of tools in the bed on the regular and am happy with the improvement. I will see how it works out long term.

 

Well, I'd say probably about 200lbs weight more weight at times and also pull a drift boat as well. I don't usually have a large amount of constant weight. I'd like to put a bumper on the back at some point but nothing in ther works right now for that. My main goal is to get a new suspension and then put a hard cap on the bed. I have a soft top right now but want to switch to a hard top for security reasons.

 

I would highly recommend getting the shell and then the suspension. It will save you time and money.

 

Thanks for the response. Why a shell first over a suspension? I'm thinking I need a suspension more at this point. I have a BestTop shell on right now but can continue to use it. I need to get 2 in more with my sagging stock suspension. I don't do heavy off-roading but would like a bit more support and clearance. I was looking at the Headstrong Off-road Bilstein + Heavy Dakar setup. I just dont' know which springs upfront to go with. Any thoughts?

 

Putting the shell on first let's you know how much it weighs and then buy the appropriate springs for the rear. Anticipating a certain weight and buying an appropriate spring before the weight is in the bed will result in an really stiff ride.

Just putting a 3 Leaf add a leaf on my truck stiffened the rear significantly and I already had my shell on.

As for front springs, I'm not really sure. It depends on if you have a winch/bumper etc on your truck. I would consult with Marie at Headstrong.

 

Thanks for the response. I'm debating on putting 3 Leaf add a leaf vs. a whole new leaf pack. I have 200K+ on my truck and I'm thinking the stock leaf springs should be replaced. I figure if I"m going to do work in the back I should just replace them.

 

They absolutely should. The AAL will do nothing.

 

Oh hell yes, had I know that I'd have said full pack sooner.

My AAL is paired with 11k mile leaves.

 

Bumping this thread more for information than the OP since it's been a while and he's likely done his suspension.
Also eta- tires are 255/85R16's for reference.
Eta- added pictures of current springs with about half of the weight that should be in the bed.


Dakar CS047R with

$82 D29XL Leaf Spring

D29XL aal was where I started and thought it was going to be okay. I think this setup equals the new OME heavy pack plus an extra aal.

Truck unloaded with some good rake. The only extra weight in the back was the SnugTop Rebel cap and CBI rear bumper with dual swing outs (2 20L gas cans, Highlift jack and 85lb wheel/tire). Loaded up the rear still had some rake and was approx. 3" from the SuperBump bump stops. I generally did not have a lot of other weight in the back over the last 2-2.5years.



Added a roof rack and ARE DCU cap. Truck was unloaded when the picture was taken but when it was all loaded for camping it was only 3/4" off the SuperBumps bump stops. A few times I was able to feel the frame on the bumpstops driving over some dips in the highway. Definitely negative arch in the leaf pack.


I am adding a Drifta dual cab drawer system and ARB Zero fridge to the truck in a few months and am looking at switching to a leaf pack that can handle the weight better. Of course, once the drawers and fridge are installed I'll be weighing the truck to see what exactly I'm dealing with. Haveing said that, I'm very much leaning towards the Deaver Expo stage 3 leaf pack as I'd like to get back to minimum 3" off the bumpstops when loaded for camping.


Not impressed with these both for load carrying and finish. You can see they’re flat or negative already.

 

I researched for months and finally went with Ironman 4x4. The Foam Cell Pro Stage 2 is phenomenal as well as one of the best values out there. I have:
Aluminum front bumper with winch and lights
Slee Sliders
Steel rear bumper
Camper shell
Roof racks
Gear storage in the shell

The Ironman leafs haven't make a single noise yet. They make a Performance and a Constant Load pack. The Constant basically has 2 extra leafs but you you get it for the same price as the performance.
I loved the shop I purchased them from so much I started working for them! I can get you a great deal on Ironman, Dobinson or really anything. Let me know if you need any help.
https://explore-overland.com/shop/ols/products/ironman-4x4-constant-load-440-gvm-rear-leaf-springs-kit-suited-for-2005-toyota-tacoma

 

Looks good just sent you a pm about the iron man suspension

 

Gotcha! Let's save ya some money.

 

Loaded or unload in the pics? I’m trying to figure out if the stage 3 U402’s will work with 3600-3800lbs on the rear.

 

Shell, bumper with swing out and a spare. Empty bed besides some tools.

 

This is my HD Dakar's with just a snug top rebel after 5k. Looking flat or worse to me already.