REAR Lift 101

Just installed King 2.5 resi adjusters with JBA's up front. Would like to really start reading more about rear lifts while I wait for funds to recover to do the back end. Everyone always talks about the fronts though. Would like to dedicate a thread for this reason.
I ride mostly desert trails and the occasional moderately difficult rock crawling trail. No towing and 0 pounds added weight( no shell, tent, bed rack, nada) added in the rear. What's my best route here? AAL and 5100 currently.

Leaf pack- Arent these mostly for weight? Any benefit over an AAL for my conditions?

Bumpstops- Again mostly for weight right? and stuffing the tire?

Ubolt flip- For clearance only

Shackle and mount Relocation- Not really sure what this is. I'm assuming for more droop for hardcore crawling?

I know I'll be ok for now, and will probably just finish it off with Kings come tax time, but would like to hear from the pros while I still have time to decide.

 

Interested to see what people have to say here as down the road I'll be lifting as well as adding Tent and rack. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but in theory I could start with shocks and medium duty leaf pack(so I'm not paying for AAL and Leaf pack), then once added weight is on the rear change out the springs on the shocks?

 

Most of your questions can be answered here.
Look under the Rear Lift section.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/suspension-lift-info-includes-pics.142677/

I’m no expert on the subject. Here is my take on it.

AAL vs Leaf Pack - The both do the same thing. I would prefer the Full Pack.

U-bolts - Clearance and keep the nuts/thread from getting damaged.

Bumpstops - can help weight. They can also limit up travel (good or bad depending on the situation)

Shackles- I have no experience with them. Can’t help you here.

There are other guys that know much more about this than me.
Wait for them, take their advice over mine. I have been stock for over 17 years now.

 

Leaf pack- These are the best replacement option/recommendation as the stock Toyota leafs suck. No matter what you do or what you add, the lowest common denominator will always be the stock leaf packs. You have some good "off the shelf" options, but you can always go with a custom leaf pack too.

Bumpstops- These prevent you from bottoming out your shocks, thus, destroying them.

Ubolt flip- Correct. Clearance only.

Shackle and mount Relocation-

Shock relocation - This allows you to run a longer shock allowing more droop, yes. Uptravel is a benefit as well.

Shackle mount upgrade (BAMF or Archive) - similar to the stock leaf packs, the rear shackle mount is weak. They bend REALLY easily if you wheel. Upgrading these will be an upgrade over the stock junk.

 

Thanks. This seems to be the response I am reading everywhere regarding the packs. Im just curious as to why the stock leaf is "junk"? are the dakars just better build/lift quality? Ive been rocking an AAL forever so I have no experience with the packs

 

Eh. Stock leafs are fine.

If you just want lift aals are fine, I've ran blocks, aals, and now a full leaf pack. The full pack rides the smoothest plus grossly increased my articulation to the point where even the longest factory fox shocks are still too short. But its the most expensive option.

 

Stock is fine, I guess, but aftermarket rides better.

Dakars are a good option; rides well but they are noisy. I had the HD Dakars and they just couldn't handle the weight of my ass end so I upgraded to Deaver stage III rated at 1k. Much better ride.

 

I had AAL's and they just didn't cut it for a bunch of reasons. Then I went full OME leaf packs and the ride was so much better. The support of the rear end over rocks bumps ect also the ride is so much better.
I took @geekhouse23 's suggestions and I havent looked back. Good advice!
I suggest full leaf packs.

 

Appreciate the kind words. Looks great!!

 

Imo. Is put Dobinson or Alcan rear packs. The OME are notorious for squeaking and I heard a lot about them sagging. I’ve heard and read great things about the others. I’ll be going with Dobinson after the new year.

 

I just went from stock leafs with an AAL to a set of HD Dobinson springs. I wish I would have done it sooner. It was well worth the money. It rides like it should have from the from the factory and handles weight in the bed without sagging.

 

@geekhouse23 & @boogie3478 How much do y'all love your 2.0 smoothies?

 

Love them! I've got the 12" and can't beat them for the price.

 

They're seckual...



Reservoir stickers removed for maximum HP

 

Leaf replacement isn't just for weight, it also significantly improves ride quality. There are a slew of options available with different lift heights and weigh capacities. I had dakars and recently went to Icon RXT. The difference in ride quality was drastic.

Bumpstops aren't for weight, unless you're talking about something like sumosprings, but that's a different discussion. They're for when you hit a large bump and your suspension is close to bottoming out. Rather than the harsh OEM rubber that knocks out teeth fillings, aftermarket bumps provide a smooth cushion.

U bolt flips are just for clearance, but it also makes installing the u bolts way easier. I can sit on a chair and tighten my u bolts as opposed to laying on my back and tightening them.

Replacing the rear hanger with a beefy alternative will also increase the ride quality. It can take a better hit while offroad and also articulate better when paired with a rear shock relocation. If you're not crawling, bolt in King's are perfectly fine. Still recommend replacing the hanger though as it's a significant improvement.


It sounds like OEM Kings, Icon RXT option 1, Archive Hammer hangers with crossbar, and a u bolt flip with bump stop of your choice (archive, wheelers, etc) and your rear end will ride NICE. It'll handle the desert trails with ease and allow you to go a fair bit faster, but do well in the rocks too.

It's certainly not *needed* to get offroad and enjoy yourself, but it sounds like it would be an ideal pairing with your front end.

 

I thought the crossbar was only for the extended 2.0? This isnt my DD and is a dedicated offroad rig used primarily in the desert south of Death Valley, so Im tempted to go the buy once cry once method. The 2.0s appear to be cheaper than the oem kings, but the 2.0s will require a lot of fab work. The only benefit with the 2.0's is extended travel correct?

 

The crossbars for aftermarket leaf hangers has nothing to do with shocks. It just connects the two hangers to make the rear end of the frame more rigid, which translates to a smoother ride.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpFB2lQnM3G/?igshid=1tfztr5ngmrky



You’re correct that the shock relocate’s benefit is more travel than oem allows.

You’re also correct that 12” 2.0 smoothies and relocate is about the same cost as bolt in kings, but that goes out the window if you have to pay someone to install it. Expect in the neighborhood of $500 for that.

 

ome dakars may require trimming the second leaf. They slightly interfere with the shakles.

 

Save your money dont go aal. Ok for looks but your better using that towards a full pack.

If you want to go all out or go fast.

SUA springs and outside shock towers is the way go to. Great travel numbers, and more uptravel..... but $$

I went to a dobby pack, it rides clean and smooth and compliments my front end ( upper arm and coilover)

 

^^^what he said. My HD Dakars were good with minimal(to none) weight in the back but as soon as I started getting more weight, they sagged. And yes they are N-O-I-S-E-Y ! I will also most likely be going with Deaver for this heavy pig now.

I also installed the BAMF shackles(bolt-ons) due to the weight I'm running and that the previous owner had some ghetto ass mounts on there that were bending like the stock ones are prone to do.