Went Camping, not stoked on saggy backend

Shackles will continue to push your springs down after hitting bump stops, not good at all in my opinion because at that point you will ruin the springs. I mean your shackles will force the springs too far down due to the excessive length of the shackle.

 

I'll Second the Roadmaster Active Suspension!! The lift it can provide is adjustable as well. They say it increases the payload and towing capacity, but I don't agree with that. The payload and towing capacities are based on the frame and bed strength, not suspension lift. That being said, my truck bed can get a whole lot fuller before the rear end sags down.

 

For those of us with RAS, I think the weak links are the bed and the axle/5 lug pattern.

 

The axle is only semi floating as well, not a true HD setup.

I agree with your sumo point about the spacing between bump and frame being a big deal. On a stock tundra, the sumo is almost touching the frame at ride height

 

That's part of the reason I have a good ride, the other reason is because I have many layers of spring, each leaf can be thinner than those thick stock leafs. Many thin simply rides better than a few thick due to the spring rate difference.

 

Big plus on the RAS , added benefit towing TT memorial weekend for first time ,
No harsh ride without towing and empty bed

 

No squeaking. I've added leafs on two trucks now. No squeaking whatsoever.

 

I have the icon Add a leaf. I regret them. They squeak too much and now I’m looking at replacing the complete leaf pack. I think AALs are hit or miss. Thinking of going deaver U748 and staying away from any of Icons leaf spring products going forward.

 

My dad has icon up front on his taco. They've squeezed from day 1. Lucky for him he's practically deaf... Lol. I personally think icon is over rated.

 

I also should note I live in Colorado. Dry as hell.

 

Well when you put it like that, yea it does make sense when you are hauling that much weight. And damn that Army Green PRO looks completely sick with those toys on top. Sweet setup.

 

Thanks man!

 

I added a set of Alcan custom springs, with an added 750lb weight rating. With my decked system and ARE shell it leveled it out and rides much better.

 

I’ve been thinking about the RAS. Is it compatible with the CB shackles?

 

Im certain the HD version would be, not sure about the standard kit.

 

Got the RAS HD helps out a lot with my towing set up , works with CB +2 , not with +1 without mods ,had to grind down the brace about 1/4”that ties em together,

 

I bought a 29" travel trailer, approx 6,000lbs and it made my lifted tundra sag in the rear 2-3 inches. There was probably about 650 tongue weight. I did a lot of research on airbags, sumo springs, RAS, add a leaf, coachbuilders and ended up with the RAS. Mainly due to no change in the unloaded ride quality, and benefit of handling, way less body roll. plus with my cheap lift (6 inch blocks) in the rear, this completely eliminated all wheel hop and axle wrap. It's very noticeable on how much better it handles unloaded. The only down side is it lifted my rear about 1.5 inches so I have a small rake now but being that it's already lifted in the front it just looks a little higher. Not really a bad thing but something you should consider if going RAS. Really no other option will give you so much more benefits than a RAS.

 

Can anyone point me to a set of greasable bushings in stock anywhere for both rear leaf packs? Even greasable shackles with included bushings will work.

I have a set of Dobinsons I can’t use until I find bushings, OEM-size bushings will work.

 

@2mchfun has them look up his build

 

I used greasable shackles and bushings from Ironman 4x4 with Dobinson's HD leaf packs

 

The problem is no one had any in stock. I’ve got an ARB set on the way now from Overland Expedition Outfitters, we’ll see if they work. Per Dobinsons they use OEM sizing so I should be good to go. I’m picking up the HD RAS too, no sense going halfway at this point. Your build made my mind up on that, I was on the fence.

 

I have the same, and agree with your complaints. I spray mine with fluid film around the brackets every once in a while to keep them quiet. A couple of shots where they rub does the job.

 

Be careful, the leaf packs are a bit heavy and awkward due to the shape. Extra hands would be helpful but not necessary. Good choice on your part. BTW, don't forget a rear brake line relocate kit for when it droops. My truck is getting extension limit straps in the near future too because if it goes airborne suddenly the heavy springs will extend hard which isn't going to do the shocks a lot of good.

 

I now have a brake line relocate kit on the way, I’m probably right on the line of needing it or not. Same for limit straps, I have no plans on catching air intentionally but it’s cheap insurance. Shoot me which ones you choose if you don’t mind and I’ll piggyback on your selection.

 

This is the strap clevis, mounts need to be fabbed still, straps will be ordered after I know the length or distance between the mounts at full droop minus about 1.5" to allow for the stretch and to prevent full extension. This is all going to take time as it is not my biggest priority. Family and chores before play basically.
You can search Amazon for this or other sites. They also have weld on mounts, I will be fabricating my own mounts though.

 

Are your RAS HD and do you know what tension setting they are on? We run similar setups.

 

I took off that ras and went with bags, Ras was awesome for loading up the bed, but wasn't that great with tongue weight, it was set at max tension.

 

I went with shackles (and new shocks) and am happy so far on my 2018.

 

Ah bummer to hear - I ordered RAS today and my issue is mainly tongue weight. But I'm only using a hitch carrier to carry my dirt bike + gear in the bed so it's nothing too crazy. What were you pulling and what was the tongue weight if you don't mind? Curious if it was a lot more than I'll be using with my RAS.

 

I tow either a utility trailer with random things/vehicles up to total 8k lbs, with tongue weight around 700lbs, or travel trailer that's about 5k and has 500lb ish tongue weight.

When I had stock pro suspension, it was great for load in the bed, it also had a very small rake which was great, it had just tiny sag in the back like when stock, rode well too.

Then I switch to fox 2.5 DSC , I couldn't get rid of the feel when going over large holes (which is often as I'm out in country side) it feels like the suspension wants to kick, so the front is butter smooth and rear can be jarring, and the front even at lowest setting is about 1 to 1.5" taller. So now it's +3 shackles and bags with cradle.

In short, with stock suspension is decent, didn't work well for me when switched, it still had decent articulation as I take it on trails every now and then.