Custom Leaf Springs Input-Alcan & Dakar only?

Welp, that sucks. I understand that’s what they told you but i’m just not buying that story. Tons of people are using the Dakar leaf pack for expedition or “overland” builds which exceed “factory truck weight.” Sadly it doesn’t look/sound like the add a leaf will help your situation. Really disappointing bc I’m running the Dakars as well and planned on them easily supporting 500 lbs in the bed. My leafs are 3 months old and also look flat like yours. I need to take measurements and compare with the measurement I got after installing new leafs. If I could do it again I would have went with Deaver's U748 and Coachbuilder shackles.

 

Fwiw, might want to consider a Roadmaster active suspension kit with your next leaf packs to preserve the arch. Working really well for me with some really heavy loads at times.

 

That reminds me that I need to ask them if it would work with the Alcans and TT shackles. Not sure why the site wouldn't say to door do not use them with aftermarket packs and a lift.

 

I think extending your bumpstops was the best move...

 

UNSUB1...I am looking to order Alcan springs shortly. I emailed Lew about doing a spring carrying 500 lbs over (cap and bumper w/spare) factory with 2'' lift. I currently have the Coachbuilder +3 shackles, but am sagging on factory leafs due to the weight. I am connsidering going Coachbuilder +1 with Alcan 1.5" lift with 500 lb capacity.
I know you said you have the +1...did you order 1" or 2" spring lift from Alcan?
Thanks

 

Just curious but does the Toytech add a leaf give you any extra weight capacity? I also have the same problem and they seemed like an inexpensive option at 300 a pair.
This is my springs after adding RCI roof rack and RTT. I have Toytech shackles in back and coilovers in front

 

It would help some yes, but those springs are tired and anything you add to them will be a band-aid. For a bit more money, $540 (price has gone up some like everything else), you can get a full set of new leaf springs from Dobinson's provide around 2" of lift and can handle a bit more weight. https://www.dobinsonsdirect.com/pro...pair-for-toyota-tundra-2007-to-2019-l59-120-r

I've had mine on since about April and I've been extremely happy with them. I also have a Toytech shackle set to 1" of lift, so I have about 3" of total lift. They are a bit stiffer, but are sooooo much better and handle weight in the bed significantly better than the OEM springs. I still have never spaced up my Timbren bump stops, but honestly I don't even really need them anymore lol. They helped a lot with the OEM springs though. They also have a HD version with an extra leaf if you really need it, but I don't think you would with just a rack and RTT.

 

Why are the Dobsons so much cheaper? I just got a price from Alcan at $1000…and I believe Deavers are about the same.

 

Alcans are an 8 leaf. I think Dobinsons are a 4 leaf.

 

Dobs don't come with bushings so that's another $100. They're also not side specific so it reduces cost to mass produce just 1 version.

 

The bumpstops keep the springs from being overstressed. If they are too low, one hard hit could bend your springs permanently.

 

So this is what their site says about using it with a lift. I called and left a message so that I can ask about this. I want to see what they say since i don't have blocks. I will have 1/2 inch from the Alcan springs and the other 1.5 will come from the Toytec shackles. If the RAS will lift it about an inch, what do you think about installing it with the Toytecs set at 1 inch (and grind the bed bolt if it hits)? If the springs are 1/2 inch, the RAS is about an inch, and the shackles set at 1 inch, most likely finally settling would be around 2 to 2 1/4?

 

I'd look into the Hellwig options also... they lift both sides of the spring and not just one as RAS does. They have two different kinds; this is the fancier one on a Raptor.

 

Yes, I'm well aware of how bumpstops work, thank you. These however are significantly taller, and stiffer, than the tiny OEM bump stops. Not that I have pushed the limits with these but I'm sure I'll be fine.

Timbrens are designed to sit 1 -1.5 inches away from the bumpstop pad in order to function as intended and help support additional weight just like the RAS system or the Hellwig helper springs. So me not spacing it up yet not as big of a deal as just a typical bumpstop.

 

The Timbrens only come in 1 size correct? I need to order some since my Alcan springs should be close to shipping.

 

Yes they all come in one size. The Sumo springs also come in only once size, but they also come in different stiffness levels, and are designed to pretty much always be in contact with the bumpstop pad I believe.

Honestly I don't need these anymore and will likely switch back to a more basic bumpstop. I only used these to support the weak OEM springs.

 

Definitely bigger but I doubt stiffer. Timbrens are designed to assist the springs, so they are likely much less stiff than the bumpstops.

I'm just wondering about the guy who had his Alcans flatten in unloaded street use. He had Timbrens as well.

 

Okay maybe not stiffer, because you're right the OEM ones hardly compress, but I'm still not worried about how they sit right now. I have yet to heavily load the truck up yet anyway.

And Alcans seem to have a history of either being great, or flattening to complete shit without warning. Frankly that was one of the reasons I didn't want to bother to pay for custom built springs. I didn't to pay $1k for springs when I had the option to get good springs sub $500 (at the time).

 

I'm wondering if there are some unknowns in that situation. We all mentioned contacting Alcan but he never posted anything.

 

Thanks. I just wanted to make sure before I ordered a set.

 

Alcans are built differently. Alcan have more leaves and The lifted height for remains the same loaded or unloaded. The height listed for the Dob’s is when loaded to its specs. Unloaded will be higher.

 

FWIW I ordered the Alcan springs but am waiting for them to be built. Lew has been helpful and had me weigh my truck. He is building them for 1750 lbs over stock weight with 8 leafs.

Not to hijack this thread but I want to get everything ready before I install the leaf springs. So far I have:
-Alcan leaf springs (being built)
-Sumo spring bump stops
-Coachbuilder 3+ shackels

Things I need to order:
Bushings:
https://shop-coachbuilder.myshopify...af-spring-eyelets?_pos=2&_sid=5eec0cf70&_ss=r

and U-bolt:
I was gonna go with Alcan unless someone recommends something else.

Am I missing anything else? I would prefer not to use any old parts.

 

When did you order yours? I ordered mine Nov 23. They will contact me for ubolt measurements when the springs are done. I already have Toytec shackles installed and getting ready to order Timbrens.

 

I ordered mine Dec 3rd

 

Nice. I'll let you know when mine are on the way and what shipping to FL is.

 

Sounds good! I am expecting shipping to be crazy, as per usual

 

I’m really interested on both of your opinions of the Alcan….I’m truly 50/50 between those and Deavers

 

Deavers are good as well but when I looked at their website yesterday I believe their lead time was up to 24 weeks. Alcan’s lead time is 6 weeks. Personally, I don’t feel like Deavers are good enough to wait that much time over the Alcan time.

 

Yeah it was a back and fourth for me too. @texasrho83 and @unsub1 have had their Alcans installed for a few weeks now. Maybe they will chime in soon.

 

I think he told me roughly between $200-225 ish if I recall.