Rear Suspension Help

Alright all you experts. I need some advice on how to set up my rear suspension. I have a 2019 Crewmax 4x4 with a decked drawer system, an AT Habitat, and an Engel fridge. I just purchased some lightly used Bilstein 8112's along with SPC UCA. Now I am trying to figure out the best rear setup, leaf springs shocks, driveline spacer, etc. the truck is mostly a pavement princess but does see the occasional trip to Ouray, Canyonlands, and many weekend camping trips. Truthfully the 8112's are probably over kill but it will be nice to have a sweet ride on and off road.

I have considered using Ironman heavy leaf springs, especially since they are on sale now and they come with shackles, bushings, brake line extension bracket, u-bolts and pretty much everything for the rear except shocks.

Does anyone have experience with Ironman Springs versus any of the competition? (Icon, Deaver, OME, Dobinson's, or any others I didn't list)

Would I be comprising to much to use Bilstein 5160's in the rear? 8100's are $1,000 each, ouch!

Super confused on which direction to go, thanks in advance for any and all ideas!

 

5160's are perfect for the rear, anything more is overkill for most people. For the springs, ride quality is going to be most important and should be researched. Stiff springs suck.

 

Thanks Shifless Joe! I agree on stiff springs, awful ride and to bouncy offroad.

 

I’ve got a fairly heavy CrewMax like you. Weight is 7,200#, and close to 50/50 split with the rear running 3,400#. That’s with my ARE topper, bedslide, Dometic fridge, tote full of stuff in the bed, and maybe a few empty beer cans rolling around.

I have had Deaver U748s for close to a year now and am still totally in love with them. Ride is firm and planted, but not stiff in a rough way. The ride is absolutely better than the stock crap springs. I do have very nice shocks that would make anything pretty good, but the spring packs are delightful.

 

Thanks Chad. I am more of a set it and forget it kind of guy, so I am considering just reselling these 8112's and going with a simple Old Man Emu setup. First world problems for sure!

 

You all are convincing me more and more, keep it up! Does anyone have experience with 8100's on the rear?

 

How so? Is it overkill? Or is it a higher end model?

I’d think a top shelf rebuildable and tunable shock would be superior to a basic shiny shock with a blue sticker. Not saying a 5160 is a bad shock; just that it’s not in the same league as the other.

 

What’s overkill, when you only use 10-20% of what the products are intended for.

 

How would 5160's pair with using 8112's in the front? Would it feel unbalanced if that is even a thing?

 

In my humble opinion, you’ll be doing your ride a disservice. The rear suspension works just as hard, if not harder than your front. I wouldn’t recommend skimping on the rear after putting some nice equipment up front.


It’s a lot like putting a $99 scope on a $1,500 rifle. You now have a $99 rifle….