Seeking recommendations for beefing up rear suspension for increased static load

First post here, I acquired a 2018 TRD O/R DCSB in November and am looking for some suggestions. I'm new to the truck scene (However, I've been working on cars since I was a teenager) so this has been a lot to take in. Like most of you, I have a vision for my truck, however, I lack the experience. I've spent countless hours trying to find something concrete to follow to no avail.

I am putting together the pieces for my "build", and the added load in the bed has me concerned...I'd like to deal with the suspension before I start throwing everything together (The ONLY thing on my truck that isn't OEM, I have a fresh set of 365/75/r16 Ko2s on 2011 TRD trail team edition wheels off of an FJ cruiser). Here's what I will be working with..

-Decked System = 205lbs
-RLD Design's Canopy = 165lbs
-Wilco Hitchgate = 55lbs

I will most likely be pulling the trigger on a GFC Superlite as well, after some realworld reviews come out, or I take a look at one in person. = 80lbs

I keep about 250-300lbs of gear in the truck... various tools, equipment, and gear.

My truck will have about 800lbs static weight over the rear....

I do have limitations as far as ride height due to my garage being a tight squeeze (vertically), initially I did not want to lift my truck, but from what I've read, it will be next to impossible to beef up the rear of the truck without some sort of a lift, unless I went the airbag route (which I don't think I want to do). So, If I can get away with a sub 2" lift, that would be preferred. From what I gathered, a new leaf pack is probably the direction I need to go? I'm not looking to drop a ton of cash on suspension mods and go down a rabbit hole. My truck is more or less going to be a long distance roadtripper/camper build (Drives from North Texas to East TN, with some light terrain to deal with while camping)....so, keeping a decent ride on the highway is super important.

So, if any of you have something similar going on in the rear of their truck can throw some suggestions my way it would be much appreciated.



Cheers!
-0D-

 

Check the cargo capacity weight on the driver's door placard.

You may be within the capacity of the truck as it sits. If so, then no need to spend the $$.

Generally speaking, the cargo capacity is around 1000 lbs.

BTW, cargo capacity includes driver, passengers, add ons and stuff being hauled.

 

I've read some threads where people are sagging or even hitting bump stops with less weight over the rear, which in turn caused some paranoia on my end.

 

Yeah.....be careful about anecdotal evidence posted on the internet.

Many people don't know how much weight they are carrying. They typically don't account for the weight of the add-on mods or weight in extra fuel or water tanks.

Be aware, as you load the truck the springs will flex to support the load and will shorten the spring travel.

 

If you want the added capacity with minimal lift, it's possible. You just need to go custom, in which case I would contact deaver or alcan who can make you custom packs for around $1,000. If lift isn't TOO much of a concern, Deaver U402 stage II or III would be a good fit. They can support the weight and ride very smooth.

If you want to spend a bit less, dobinsons are a great option. The ride won't be quite as nice as deavers but they're a good bit cheaper and only provide 2" lift.

https://www.dobinsonsdirect.com/pro...pair-for-toyota-tacoma-2005-to-2019-l59-112-r

 

Thank you, if I do go with new leafs in the rear, do I need to do something in the front to compensate?

 

Not necessarily. If you kept the rear ride height low, you could leave the front as-is. If you're pulling a stinkbug with your rear end way higher than the front, then you'd want to lift up the front end a little bit.

 

You can also look in to custom springs from a company like Alcan. They can build something with increased load carrying capabilities without giving too much of a lift. The off the shelf options (Deaver, Dobinsons, Dakar) will all give some lift as well.

Just an observation as well. If you have a standard 7' garage header I doubt you'll be able to clear with the GFC. I have about 7.5' of height with my RTT mounted on my topper

 

This

 

Is your RTT mounted to a rack? or just rails? This is another concern I have, which is why i am stuck on the superlite, IF clearance becomes an issue, its probably the easiest to take on/off. However, I was planning on attaching it with directly to the rails with t-nuts without a rack to reduce the height a bit.

 

I really like my All-Pro Expo leaf pack. They were designed with a 500 lbs static load in mind while maintaining a 3 inch lift.

 

I have an Alucab RTT on an Alucab canopy (basically the same as the RLD you mention). I can take my RTT on an off with 4 bolts so when I'm not using it I do take it off. I have a car-port with higher clearance that I can pull in to and use a pulley system to take it off with minimal effort and only takes me about 10 min.

But if you have to manually pick up the RTT that will get old fast I promise you. So with either option I'd suggest keeping your max height in mind so that you're not taking anything on/off the truck every time you want to park in the garage.

 

Like he said ^

Love my Deaver's. I run U402 Stage III. I wasn't looking for lift, simply weight carrying capacity since I have a lot of constant load. And I also tow often. With heavy constant load, I'm not really "lifted". If I empty the bed though, it is up there a ways. Also, the first month it was REALLY high, but it settled a lot in that period of time. Same thing happened with my buddy's raptor when upgrading to his Deaver's. Looked pretty ridiculous right after install, so you might not fit in the garage at first, but if it is close I'm sure it'll settle.

 

10/4 the most i'd be taking it off would be a couple times a month, but ya, I'd like to keep my overall height as close to stock as possible.

How do you like your Alu-cab setup? I was between an Alu-cab, RSI, and RLD. I decided to go with RLD ultimately because of color matching option as well as side silding windows...gotta keep the mutts somewhat happy in the back.

 

Do/Did you notice any cons as far as streetability/highway driving?

 

Absolutely not. For full disclosure, I did add Bilstein 5160s due to the longer droop of the Deavers. Ride was GREATLY improved. Really noticeable on sharp dips and over speed bumps. I was told the spring rate is pretty smooth on the Deavers due to the high number of leaves in the pack, and after having them, I agree! It rides really well from light load to super heavy. (light load being about 600+ pounds, heavy load being 1200+ AND trailer tongue weight of around 400+).

 

I just received Dobinsons heavy leaf pack and was not impressed with the finish. I expected some scuffs since they ship them without boxes, but what I got was flaking paint on top of rusty leaves. For some reason they are only offerening a return/refund not a replacement which is leading me to believe that this is a problem they have that they hope they get away with for other customers. Maybe it's shops installing them more often not diy so they don't get looked at as closely.

 

They're all sold out, and a replacement won't be in for 2-3 months, so a refund is the only viable option.

 

I appreciate the honesty, that is not part of the story that was provided to me.

How bout I put the rusty springs on for 2-3 months and Dobinsons sends me a new set when they come in...that's more of a solution for the customer (me) than a refund, which leaves me SOL

 

Do you have pics of these springs?

My deaver's had some marred up paint and some surface rust. They not have more marred up paint and surface rust.

Obviously yours might be really bad, but could you share images? We might be able to say, yeah, normal, or F no i definitely want replacements.