Another Leaf Spring Thread

I have read all the threads on the subject, but need some real world feedback on the 4 options I'm considering below. So for those that are running one of these setups please respond with your experience and suggestions.

My truck (2017 Crewmax 4x4) will have the following suspension and payload...
Suspension is Fox 2.5 RR DSC all the way around (~3" lift up front)
ARE HD Bed Cap with roof rack (~225 lbs constant load)
Decked Bed Storage Loaded (~275 lbs constant load)

Rear leaf upgrade considerations:
1) Icon RXT Leaf Pack - $850 with greaseable bolts, and u-bolts
2) Dobinsons HD Leaf Pack - $1120 with greaseable bolts, bushings, and u-bolts
3) AAL with +3 CB Shackle - $450
4) Deaver F85 Mini-Pack with +2 CB Shackle - $625

(Not looking at custom due to cost, lead time, and mixed reviews.)

 

Our constant loads are very similar in weight. Can’t say what your suggested options will do, but I am loving my Deaver U748 packs. Buy once, cry once.

 

I agree with Chad above. I have a Deaver U748HD pack with an added leaf for about 400 constant pounds and love it. You would do great without the extra leaf in that pack. I highly recommend have run Deaver on my tundra and my last Tacoma

 

Just did the Icon RXT set on Option 2, with the RXT 2.5 rear shocks. Snugtop shell around 225 and RTT 155. Like them so far. Only been 300 miles since install. I had Icon 2.0 shocks with an add a leaf. RXT set up is nicer.

 

I admit that I haven't really researched that Deaver option. What additional hardware did y'all order with yours? What was your OTD cost? Did you source directly from Deaver?

 

Thanks for the info and nice truck. It looks like you are sitting perfectly level?

 

Thanks, its sitting pretty level with the weight now.

 

You’ll need:

Springs
Bushings and sleeves
Shackles (Deaver sells Total Chaos, I believe.)
U-bolts to fit the thicker spring pack.


I don’t remember exactly what the total cost was. You have two options to put this package together…. Call Deaver and get it quoted, or call Matt at MCM. He can get it all for you.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

do you know how many panda it can handle without the added leaf?

 

Plenty…. Like a canopy, Bedslide, 50L Dometic fridge full of beers, and a plastic tote with a few tools and gear. The U-748 is a heavy hitter. Mine have been in for well over 10,000 miles of a mixture of driving (no jumps) and are still taller than the listed 2” lift. By at least an inch…. Been a while since I’ve measured, but they’re taller than I thought I was getting!

 

@MSU Tundra did you pull the trigger on anything yet? I have the same cap and decked system plus an RTT as a constant load. And typically add much more when heading out for the weekend. I run Firestone RideRites now and love the adjustability but I feel like my whole load is sitting on those bags without any help from the stock leaf pack. Looking to put something to give the bags a break and not take the whole load all the time.

 

Yep, I grabbed the Dobinsons leaf pack with overload spring from 1st Gen Offroad. I plan to install this weekend, but I don't think I'm going to put the overload spring in since the leaf pack itself is rated up to 700lbs.

 

FWIW I run the dobinson leaf springs (non HD) and I've yet to encounter a situation where my truck has squatted, towing my camper, machinery, or otherwise. (I did use a WDH with my camper, but without using it, it didn't squat, hitting potholes may be a different story, I didn't drive without the WDH)

The leaf springs are pretty damn stiff at first but I love them now. They provided around 2in lift in the rear (I have 3.25in the front, minus whatever the bumper, winch, armor, etc removed) and my truck has a rake to it.

IMO, the overload leafs are overkill, but if your springs settle too much, install the overloads at a later time. It takes awhile to break in these leaf springs, mine took months to break in, hauling around stuff close to my towing capacity, and being over payload plenty of times. Being in MS, you shouldn't be hitting up any crazy terrain ( I grew up in MS) so let us know how it goes!

 

Great to hear my Mississippi brethren! I do travel a lot of washboard gravel roads and take several hunting trips to the Midwest and occasionally to Montana. So that's what this build is geared toward... Comfortable highway performance yet capable in a variety of situations off pavement.

With that said, I got everything installed and did not put in the additional leaf. Result with Decked System, HD camper shell, and 2.5 Dobinsons up front is a 1/4-1/2” higher in the rear. So I got exactly what I was hoping for.

 

Hell yeah man! Glad it worked out for you, got any pics of your truck?

 

I plan to do a build thread once I get a couple more glamour shots, but this is it right after I finished.

 

Thats a sweet looking rig!

 

Thanks! Lots of research, waiting, and work but I achieved the desired end result. Wanted the platinum accoutrements but plain jane stealth.

 

With all you guys talking spring packs I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask. I have the Icon AAL and I don’t really tow or haul that much. My truck rides high in the back so my question is could I eliminate my over load leaf and if so would I need new U-bolts.??
I have read mixed reviews on the U-bolts being a one time use and others have said you can re-use them?
thanks

MSU that’s a sweet looking ride

 

I’d definitely buy new u-bolts. Cheap insurance

 

They are designed as a one time use. The threads roll when torqued.

 

Both were mentioned in other threads. Looks like I’ll be purchasing a new set. Thanks

 

How are those U-748's/Dobinsons holding up after a couple years? Still have around 2" lift?
I also have around 500 lb consistently in the bed and would like to keep 1-2" of lift with the weight.

 

Still awesome after almost 80,000 miles on these springs.