What leaf pack and shock combo with airbags???

I need your help and experience with rear suspension setups for my CM! I apologize in advance for the the long winded intro but figured the resident experts would need the details.

Like many folks on here started, I began my suspension upgrade with the infamous 6112/5160 combo and single shims. I also added the CB +2 shackle w/poly bushings. After only two years, one of my front 6112s failed. Since I couldn't get warranty support--didn't purchase from an "authorized" dealer, I replaced the fronts with Toytec Aluma's. I am happy with them but still find the ride a bit rough with the 2.5" lift. But, it's not awful. Besides, I have an aftermarket front bumper coming and have an RCI steel skid to add. The stiffer ride will be needed for the added weight. I am open for adjustable front recommendations though. The rear is an altogether different story. I feel like I am a bucking bronco at times.

My current rear, as listed above, is 5160, CB +2 shackles w/poly bushings, stock leaf springs, TRD sway bar and most recently, I added Firestone airbags w/cradles (5 lb psi unloaded). The only regular weight I carry is a Diamondback HD ATV carrier (~ 100lbs) and a full size 34 inch-ish spare on a 17 inch Icon Rebound (~95 total lbs). I purchased the airbags to reduce sag while carrying my 800lb quad on top and for the 2x annually I tow a 26 ft boat. Outside of the above towing scenarios, she sees very little towing, off road travel and is mostly a road queen.

Here's where I need some help. From what I have read on here, leaf packs can cause issues with ride quality whereas others swear it's the shock. Some say both. The good news is, I am not worried about that debate. I just need to know what aftermarket leaf pack and adjustable shock will work with my airbags/cradles AND provide an amazing (as much as possible on the Tundra) DD experience. I recognize "the ride" can be subjective. However, I am open to all input. I am hoping to have my airbags float just off of the cradle when unloaded.

I have read about RXTs and Deavers among others. It seems the RXTs have a long bolt right where the airbag/craddle would rest. Also, I have read about ADS triples, Elkas, Falcons, etc. In addition to the above bolded "hope", I want to be able to retain the leveled setup but have a much, much softer ride in the rear. When offering input, will I need new shackles?

Though a LT setup is a bit more than I would like to spend, cost is not much of a factor. What i have come to realize, buy once, cry once.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

 

Deavers with Fox shocks with DSC on the rear. Or just use the stock springs with the Fox shocks. Most of your driving is on road anyways. For front, Fox shocks with DSC. This is probably the cheapest set up with good adjustability.

 

Deavers are great at the beginning, but start to sag very quickly. On my last truck they lost virtually all of their lift in the first 2 years.

 

I run a custom alcan spring pack that was designed for +750lbs (ARE shell, decked system, misc gear) and 1” of lift. Stock pro shocks and the ride is great. The biggest change was when I put new ridgegrapples on, they ride a lot rougher than the stock Michelin’s, but they’re a really solid tire.

 

I have the same rear setup but toytech shackles @ 1 1/2" on rear. Your crappy rear ride is because the cradles preload the bags (due too their 3/4" (ish) thickness). I only run about 1 or 2 psi when not towing (5thwheel hitch, crossbed deep toolbox full and OE bed mat is minimum load 4 me). A vacuam pump would be ideal, remove all air, 5psi negative pressure for a great ride when not towing or hauling

 

Thanks. It seems some have reported the Fox setups take a beating in salt areas like mine. I see you run kings. Have you run with Fox previously?

 

Did you replace them or did you have them rearched? When you say "great", what was noticeably different? What shock did you run?

 

In all honesty, my ride was less than favorable before the bags were installed. However, I do "think" it may be a tad rougher now. Since I have an auto inflation setup, it won't let me go below 5 psi. Perhaps I can disconnect when not in use.

 

Anyone running RXTs, with shocks other than 5160 and airbags?

 

I run the rxt leaf pack on option two. Coachbuilder plus 2 and icon shocks with resis. A few times a week I load up with over 1000 lbs of material and it works awesome. That being said if you want it level when unloaded and level when loaded. You neee airbags.

 

This is what I'm looking for. What shocks and are they adjustable? When unloaded, how's the ride as compared to stock springs? Is option 1 too soft? I have airbags and cradles. The center pin where bags replace bump stops seems long. Am I wrong? Many thanks.

 

I ran the u748s, I eventually replaced them with a factory leaf pack, Coachbuilder +3 shackles, and a 1/2 inch flat axle shim. The u748s gave me the lift I wanted at first and were incredibly smooth riding, but I lost all but 3/4 inch of lift in the first 2 years due to sag.

 

I’ll take a pic when I get home at the bolt. I don’t remember it being much different then stock. Compared to stock springs is amazing. Especially when I have the recommended weight in it it’s so smooth at any speed I feel comfortable driving. Unloaded it’s a little rough not anything bad. I have icon rxt shocks with remote resis and adjustable

 

Fox and King use steel bodies. Fox is zinc coated while King is cadmium plated. Their corrosion resistance is about the same for the bodies. Fox utilizes stainless shafts with a higher surface hardness vs King with the chrome plated steel shafts.

 

Sdhq might still have Black Friday sales. That’s who I went through. An Very helpful Sorry took a quick pic it was cold and dark. If money isn’t a issue check out the icon rxt pack and the icon rxt shock designed specifically for the leaf pack. I’m sure they work well with other shocks but I went with all icon

 

No worries and much appreciated! I'll hit them up tomorrow.

 

This is exactly what I have, besides the 1/2 axle shim. How did that affect the ride?