Deaver leaf spring stage 1 or 2?

I’m planning on installing the fox 2.5 elite on my Tacoma and would also change out the leaf springs.
I’m unsure which deaver leaf spring to go with. As of right now at the front I have a metal bumper with a winch that is about 150 lbs. in the rear I will have a bed rack and rock sliders installed. Approx weight of around 100lbs. I may add a roof top tent down the line that may or may not be on there permanently which would be another 170lbs. According to Deaver website stage 1 supports 0-300lbs. For my setup this seems enough even with the roof top tent but if I were to once in a while load that up heavier like kayak on top of the roof top tent and gear in the bed it would exceed the 300lbs limit. should I consider stage 2
Or would that be overkill?

 

Bed rack + sliders = 100 LBS? My sliders are ~150 lbs. Are they sliders or steps?

 

Keep in mind the RTT is a static load at 170lbs. Dynamic will be much more. Also, my sliders are over 60lbs each and my mid height bed rack is 40lbs. I would venture to say your rack and sliders are more than you are guessing. I would go stage 2 and if you take the tent off, you can throw a couple hundred pounds of sand bags in the bed to soften the ride.

 

well they are around 100lbs but I figured it’s not really all in the rear so I just took half of that lol. The bed rack is around 70lbs

 

Stage II

 

I have a LB with a fiberglass cap and probably an additional 100lbs constant load from tools misc. Since I was in the cusp I went stage 2 Deaver expos. The lift was a bit much initially, but they settled into about 2.5" and they ride much beter than factory leafs even when unloaded. IMO stage 2 and have some additional capacity for heavy loads. They will ride nice even if slightly oversprung when unloaded.

 

Stage 2 it is. Now for the upper control arms lol. Any suggestion on those? I’m looking at the Element Hard Parts billet uniball. I like that it can be adjusted on the vehicle. Anyone running these? Something else better that can also be adjusted on the vehicle?

 

Stage II for sure. I have them and could maybe use stage III. SPC upper control arms. You will get one million opinions and told to search for this debate here on the forum. Good Luck.

 

I have SPCs and got a good alignment from someone familiar with their adjustments. I actually bought my SPCs from Rock Auto under their "Storebrand" name. There is a thread about it somewhere here with part numbers. Anyway I spent about $350 on $600 UCAs because they came in Rock Auto packaging. That said, depeding on the amount of lift up front you might be okay without, but probably better off with adjustable UCAs. Also be sure to swap your clamshell bearing for a bushing (ECGS or similar) to prevent vibes and issues with that bearing. You might be thinking WTF as it sits with 4" of lift initially but they settle in just fine. I don't have any shims and no vibes.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4A3QGLEpTQ

 

I’m guessing that the difference between the Stage1 and Stage2 is probably just one extra leaf per pack? If it is, and the prices are close, why not buy the Stage2 and if you find it’s too stiff after a month of settling/breaking-in, you could always remove a leaf on each side to soften the ride?

 

3rd gen stage 2 Deaver
Only weight in pics in the Diamondback had

tire size 285/75r/17 k02s

rake and ride is smooth

 

Nice looking setup. How much is it lifted in front?

 

I have the sport LB, SPC’s, deaver stage 2’s and 285’s. a few observations: I will echo others and say that the back is lifted too much and did not settle as much as I wanted for day to day driving. Even with a cap, roof top tent and gear it is still high. Secondly, the leaf springs are really loud now and have more rust on them than I would have thought after a year - not sure if it’s different steel than stock but I am surprised. I do live in BC and it is wet but 3 years of driving and the factory springs still looked decent. Lastly, I am still chasing vibration and noise issues with the driveline….mostly between 95-105kph. This is not uncommon but I think most just live with it.

 

I have a cap and some ply wood for a platform that combine for around 400 pounds static, so thinking stage 2. I have heard that that the lift can be too much for the drive shaft angle or CV angle, I’m mot sure the difference. Has anyone seen problems after replacing leafs with these? I’m running TRD pro suspension.

 

If you live in BC, I have a pair of stage 2’s I am selling.

 

This is incorrect. Stage 1 and 2 have the same amount of leafs. You cannot convert a stage 2 to a stage 1. I've had both, with very similar loading to OP. I HIGHLY recommend stage 1.

Here is my truck on stage 1's... before and after a canopy.



Here is my truck with the Stage 2's

 

Good to know. Thanks..

 

In fairness, you used to be able to convert 2's to 1's.. but Deaver changed the design.