Softest rear leaf spring lift

2001 extended cab TRD 4x4 that hardly hit trails, mostly haul air with my truck. I have the 5100s up front so am looking for rear springs to compliment the front's lift ability and maybe kill two birds with one stone here, but also make the ride better. As is, its on stock rear leafs and 5125s and compared to the OE yellows, my kidneys are getting beat up and fillings are falling out. Hoping there is a 1.5-2.0 rear lift kit (spring pack is the best way to go keeping within a budget I suppose) that paired with possibly 5150s or something softer will deliver good ride quality. Any pointers? Its an overload on google between all the brands, types of lifts etc.

 

I kind'a researched this a little bit and from what I found, the 3 leaf progressive 1.5" from wheelers seem to be the choice. I currently have the stock leafs and my shocks could be going and it just feels like I'm in a rodeo at times when going over bumps and driving on uneven roads.

 

They do not specify ride quality characteristics. But then for that matter, there are makes advertising great road manners then you search these forums and people rant about how much stiffer they are. I suppose a custom set might have to be made...

 

Custom is nice but pricey from what i've seen.

 

I hear great things about Deaver springs, but haven't found anything as far as a direct comparison is concerned- its always "it isn't so harsh that I regret it" or "I can haul so much more now". If its the same or even smoother than stock, I'm ready to buy.

 

Look into Icon 3 leaf progessive as well. I think that is the way I'll be going.

 

I had the Deaver J66 on my 2nd gen.. about 1"-1.5" of lift for the DCSB, maybe a hair more on the AC. Ride was buttery smooth on and off road, but they are not built for carrying a load. After one trip through Mojave with a full load and roof tent my truck was resting on the rear bumps with an empty bed.

I'm not sure how the J59 compares, but might be cheaper than a custom pack.

Also Doug (4WD) has a spring rebuilding service that is pretty popular with TW members: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/194386-tacoma-spring-refurbishing.html

 

I have the TSB pack with a Dakar AAL for my 2nd gen and it's stiff unloaded but yet smooth with 50lbs or more. Seems to be holding up with no sagging yet.

 

I saw Doug (4WD)'s threads but they do not seem like a softer solution, but something that would be even stiffer, I hope 4WD can come in and input on this.

Alcan and Deaver sound really good in regards to that I can call them with my specific goals and it sounds like they can make a reliable set to meet those goals.

Also found some Skyjacker "softride" lift springs TCR25. The marketing is dead on for me if they are not lying. To have a softer ride, moderate lift yet retain payload is a very attractive feature pack for me.

I guess while I'm going at this, what shocks are known for being smooth? I hate my 5125s but I guess thats because the OEs were blown, so it wasn't so much that they were much stiffer than the OEs, its just what the ride would be like if I put new OEs in? If I lift, I will need new rear shocks for range, and want to find a street tuned system over a stiff system.

 

I think the OME nitro shocks are softer than the 5100's. I've read 5100's stiffen up over time.

 

Heard loads of good stuff about Chevy rears... Involves a little work to mount them, due to them being longer. But everyone loves them. Flexy and very nice ride.

 

Alcan makes custom packs for ~500 bucks

 

Paging 4WD, paging 4WD haha.

OME nitro shocks, will have to look into that. That said, if I can get a softer smoother leaf pack, the the valving of the 5100/5125/5150 shouldn't be that bad anymore. I suppose if the leaf pack is done well enough, I can go towards the more affordable option in shocks rather than target the softest valved one.

Its always felt that if the compression was a little softer on the 5125, and rebound a little tighter, it would have better street manners. But for off roading I can see why the current settings are preferred. With softer springs I think it's valving will be more streatable.

 

My 3 leaf plus OME is WAY stiffer than stock. I had Skyjacker soft ride on another vehicle and it was the stiffest suspension I ever felt.
Custom Deaver with custom valved Kings is the best ride quality. The lower the lift the better.

 

My 85 4Runner has OME's and they are way stiff. Even for the medium duty. When I bought my Tacoma it already had Chevy leafs and that setup is so much softer but can still handle the loads my OME's can. A lot cheaper to replace too.

 

Update I got the three leaf wheelers and it's stiff. A buddy got a single leaf and my old 5125s (so this variable is the same) and it's softer, just a fysa.

But it's all good, getting a reckless 108lb rear bumper to help 'ballast' things out haha

 

its probably your shocks. most likely have the 255 shim stack which is too stiff for these trucks (what wheelers will sell you). on a stock truck the 170 version is much better. the stock leafs if not sagged on the overload are quiet soft

edit. didnt read all of thread. looks like you already got rid of them