CoachBuilder +3 or Icon RXT Option 2

Recently I installed a Leitner Forged bed rack with a CVT Mt. Hood 60" double channel.
Adding to about 300lbs of weight, I noticed about 1/2" of squat.
I love how plush and comfy the rear end rides now with option 1 (rated for 0-250 lbs) of the rxt leafs from Icon.

Ideally I would want some rake in the rear unloaded.
My options are:

1) installed the second option from icon (rated 250-500lbs)

2) buy an install coachbuilders +3 lift shackles

there are obviously pros and cons to either options

the first one is free
second one is going to cost me the parts from Coachbuilders

Just want to get more opinions.



The photo shows how the truck sits with option 1 rxt on a NOT level ground

 

Roadmaster is another option I really like because you can dial it in for different loads and it acts as a sway bar too. More expensive though.

 

How do you use your truck?

If you off-road it, what type? High speed, lots of articulation?

@MadMaxCanon mentions the Roadmaster - it's getting super popular and it's an excellent option for many situations and quite ideal for on-road.

Just note that if you are regularly full flexing your rear suspension (picture stuffing one side and the other is hanging down in the air) the Roadmaster isn't a perfect option. Although rare, the design can cause the front eyelet to come off during major articulation and it's more of a possibility with aftermarket springs that articulate more. It's not a catastrophic failure but it would require it to be reinstalled or fully removed before continuing to travel.

 

Also to add, the roadmasters will also give you around 1 to 1.5 inches of lift, depending on how tight you make them.

 

Yes i offroad! This truck is not my daily, although with the amount of mods im putting on, its making me want to drive it more often haha.

A bit of both, ideally i would like to be comfortable on those long and rough wash board roads, and still be able to clear obstacles to get to remote camp spots.

 

You could also get airbags and adjust psi based on weight. I can raise or lower my rear by 2”-3” just adding or removing air.

Is you rear tire not centered in the wheel well? It looks really far back. Is it the angle of the pic or effect of rtx leafs?

 

Icon

 

I would go with the Icon.

 

Not super pumped on the idea of air bags because it will limit my articulation.

The picture does make the tire look offcentered, but just to be sure, i just stepped out to take a look.
I do see a little bit of the tire towards the rear. Not sure what its causing but the truck seems fine and it drives fine as well. Hopefully whatever I do (swap leaf or bigger shackles) will help with it.

 

I might just do so, its free and if i end up not liking it, i can always swap back and try the coachbuilders.

 

You can also go with +1 Coachbuilders and gain the benefits of the shackles.

Like many others, I run airbags with Daystar cradles. Allows full articulation as the bags are not mounted at the bottom.

Airbags are great for adjustability when towing, but when 20 psi or higher tend to pogo a bit over washboard. If you aren't towing I would go springs only if I could.

 

Like mountainpete said, I have the daystar cradles. I went with airbags because I go from a few hundred pounds with my decked and tools to a 1/2 ton or so if I’m carrying pellets.

 

trucks friggin nice man

 

I'm in the same predicament. I've decided to make the jump to option 2. I think the increase in spring rate by swapping a leaf is my preferred option, rather than adding a longer shackle. Of course both will work but I'm guessing that the pack is more prone to being flattened with a longer shackle. However, I think the best of both worlds would be to add a Coachbuilder +1 or similar (Total Chaos shackles for example), at the same time to gain additional strength. The stock shackles are okay, but leaves room for improvement. Let us know what you decide.

 

Go with option 2.


I run this setup full time and the leafs handle the weight very well

 

yeah option two seems like the best way at the moment (already have the leaf spring)
adding that +1 for the beefed up shackle i think will also be next too.

Thanks everyone for the input

 

fifteen52 gang, are you running 37s?

 

Yes I am

 

I’m on option two and Coachbuilder +2 and rides good. I’ve only had them on like this so I don’t know the difference between option 1 and 2. And stock vs Coachbuilder shackles so no help there.

 

Hey everyone, after very long and painful hours, I went with option 2. what i noticed was that there was a substantial amount of bed bounce GONE! amazing
another thing i noticed was that just like how there was a very very little bit of sag before going opt 2, there is now a very very bit of rake! So far so good, will keep updated

 

Post some pics.

 

So yesterday i realized that there was a front and rear for the leaf packs after taking a look at the leafs I took out. Today I flipped both packs!

Ill post pics soon

 

I did this same thing! I swear it doesn’t say anything on the packs themselves but they are different front and back and I put them in backwards the first time! Still liking the option 2 ride and rake? Stock shackles?

 

When im unloaded, its perfect, when loaded with a firewood for 3 nights, camping gear for 2, it sags. Coachbuilders shackles are next!

 

here is the new side profile

 

Which CB shackles are you planning for?

Unloaded, about how much lift do you have? Looks like 2.5 - 3”???

Apologies if I missed this in an earlier post, but are you on 37’s?

I’m asking b/c I’m on 35’s with 3” CB shackles and airbags with cradles. I’ve got an ARE cap on the back. I’ve been considering changing up some parts, specifically with the springs and the RAS in particular seeing its rise and reviews.

 

I am not sure, havent done any measuring yet. I am sitting on 35s"

dont plan on running 37s until i regear with 3x lock

 

Looks great! Man I've been wanting these fifteen52 wheels I'm so torn. lol

 

i love fifteen52. they make very unique wheels and have had ZERO problems with them

 

I had RXT springs on setting 1 with CB +1 shackles and loved the ride but it sagged easily under weight and made a loud “clacking” noise off-road as the leafs were separating and then slapping on up or down travel. I switched to OME springs and it handles weight a bit better but the ride leaves a lot to be desired. Thinking of switching back to RXT with setting 2 or 3?