Someone Push Me Off the Fence

Like everyone here, I’m looking to improve my truck. However, variables such as cost, use, and quality all factor in to the decision making process.

I have a 2011 SR Access Cab. The rear leafs are W’s and I’m sure the shocks aren’t any more spritely. The ride is utilitarian to say the very least. While I don’t rock crawl, I do live in PA where potholes could swallow a Prius. Whole. Aside from 15-20% dirt and gravel forest roads, most of my wheel time is on hardtop. I’ve been talking with a few reps at Headstrong, as well as a few individuals in the forum, but I figured I might as well open it up.

I don’t want a bogus lift, 1.5-2” max, but I would like to improve the quality of ride while also increasing my clearance. Currently my hubs are sitting at:
Driver front: 19.75”
Passenger front: 19.75”
Driver rear: 20.5”
Passenger rear: 20.5”
I like the slight rake, but could stand a little more when fully loaded. I currently have a bed cap as well as a mid-weight sleeping platform in the bed. I don’t tow and don’t plan to.

The 5100/884/medium Dakars: They're cost effective and are an improvement over my current set up. Adjustable, but it’s not like i have the knowledge to optimize the setup on my own. They are conventionally digressive though.

TRD Pro kit/Dakars:
A bit pricier, but not unreasonable. Offers lift and from what I can interpret, a “better” ride.

Fox Stage 2/Dakars:
Linear. As if I know how this feels comparatively. They are a bit more, but within my budget. However a number of sites seem to have discrepancies based on the item’s name, description, and characteristics compared to the Fox 2.5”. Are they both stage 2? Is Stage 2 = 2.0”? Things I’m struggling to decipher.

I’m going with the medium duty Dakar leaf packs in an effort to stay within my budget. I know Deaver has an offering, but it would eat up a lot of my funds.

So I open it up to y’all; the informed, educated, and opinionated.

 

If you only need mild performance why not save $$$ and go with 5100’s and an AAL? It will look about the same and you can opt for different springs if you want while saving money and getting the look you want.

 

The 5100/884/medium Dakars: They're cost effective and are an improvement over my current set up. Adjustable, but it’s not like i have the knowledge to optimize the setup on my own. They are conventionally digressive though.

I think this would be the most bang for you buck given what you wrote. Those PA potholes are no joke. Africa competes with your turnpike.

TRD Pro kit/Dakars:
A bit pricier, but not unreasonable. Offers lift and from what I can interpret, a “better” ride.

I think you would be a little happier with this. I have been lead to believe that the TRD kit is more in line with the 6112 / 5160 combo.

Another thing: read up on the dreaded Dakar squeak, and how to fix it. I read it, acknowledged it, and had no idea how bad it would be. Sounds like my college dormroom bed on a Friday night.

 

For the AAL, simply because I would rather not put a bandage on what will ultimately need surgery. And that’s what lingers in my mind. The 5100’s would be an improvement over what I currently have, but if I’m spending that money, why not out for more as long as it’s a better value.

I was thinking the same thing. The Dakar squeak would be infuriating. I’ve had trucks in the past that had squeaky leaf packs. The one rep at HS said that OME have since restructured their design to combat that.

 

My packs are about 9 months old, and are HORRENDOUS. Not sure when they did the redesign though.

 

*Push*

 

Is this combo still having horrendous lead time problems?

 

Didn't I recommend you the Icon adjustable leaf pack? Well worth it man.

http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop...ta-tacoma-multi-rate-rxt-leaf-spring-kit.html

 

No, you haven’t! However after the read up and some further googling that might be the solution. While it’s quite a price for leaf packs, I’m stoked on the versatility of it, as well as the included U bolts. Do/have you run these?

 

im running the rxt pack, zero squeak, rides way better than stock, oh and flex for days. but yeah they are expensive as shit.

 

Would you buy ‘em again?

That’s probably the single best question I’ve resorted to when asking for assistance before making a purchase. That, or if you had the item in one hand and the equal quantity in cash in the other, which would you go with.

 

I'm waiting on the rest of my Fox level 2 kit to arrive from Headstrong but I ordered witb their 3 leaf AAL.

The level 2 is Fox 2.5 coilovers up front and 2.0 remote reservoir rears. I choose them because I was looking for an improved ride and moderate lift.

I got the rears Friday and installed over the weekend. So far so good.

 

Yup. Run them on my Tacoma now and Raptor. I have never heard a single bad review yet. I sell a dozen of them a month.

 

What shocks are you running with the RXT? I just got the leaf pack and I don't wanna blow out my current shocks. They're from Eibach but I don't know how far they'll go before giving out on me

 

I have icon 2.0s and they are way too short.

 

How short is way too short? You need 3 more inches of travel or 8? Do you bottom out on them?

 

Lies. They still squeek


I do like the pack overall though

 

like 2-3 probably so my shock isn't being used as a limit strap, but then the other issue is stock rear brake lines, which I also need to take care of. icon customer service is shiet and they really didn't give me a great answer other than to buy their rxt shocks. I still don't really understand how to measure for a proper shock.

 

Neither do I! I have some Eibach Sport shocks in the rear and all Icon said was they wouldnt work. I'm not doubting it but now I need to find shocks that will work and not limit the leaf springs I got specifically for adjustability and travel