Leaf Spring Comparison: All-Pro, Allcan, Icon, Dobinsons, Deavers, Archive, Dakars

[Ruben Z]

Cool. I just bought the 2. I’ll post up how it went !

 

[Tyler]

Cool. I just bought the 2. I’ll post up how it went !

That was quick!

 

[Ruben Z]

That was quick!

I have a trip with the RV in 2 weeks so I figured it would the be quickest and easiest thing to add paired with my Weight Distribution Hitch. If it doesn’t work I can easily return on amazon. I think it’ll be good though.

 

[Tyler]

I have a trip with the RV in 2 weeks so I figured it would the be quickest and easiest thing to add paired with my Weight Distribution Hitch. If it doesn’t work I can easily return on amazon. I think it’ll be good though.

It will work well. Post some photos though.

 

[Oc Taco Charlie Beach Bum]

ok, so I bought so OME Dakar medium duty, and 2 forum peeps have said they squeak, and 2 loved theirs. Is proper greasing the answer??

 

[Tyler]

ok, so I bought so OME Dakar medium duty, and 2 forum peeps have said they squeak, and 2 loved theirs. Is proper greasing the answer??

Greasing works but only for so long until the squeak comes back. I’ve read that you can try putting bicycle tire tubes between the leafs to avoid the squeak altogether. But if the squeak is coming from the bolt/bushing/shackle, that method won’t help.

 

[Oc Taco Charlie Beach Bum]

Greasing works but only for so long until the squeak comes back. I’ve read that you can try putting bicycle tire tubes between the leafs to avoid the squeak altogether. But if the squeak is coming from the bolt/bushing/shackle, that method won’t help.

I'll just listen to louder music, and hope they don't squeak, once installed, I will give them a good spray down with some white lithium.

 

[Chaury08]

I am glad I came across this thread. I have been trying to decide what route I want to go. My current suspension is Bilstein gen 2 pro kit with HD Eibach springs and Headstrong 3pack AAL(with overload leaf). With my shell, bed drawer, tools, tent and whatever else I have in there daily I am looking around 500lbs. Then when I go camping I am looking at another 300lbs or more. I also plan on using a hitch carrier for the motorcycle every so often which is 370lbs.

Not sure If I should go with Deaver Stage 2 or 3 and If I should add the helper bags that you posted as well.
Also is the Archive hammer shackles something I need to be looking at as well?

Thanks for any input and advice.

 

[H3llRid3r]

I am glad I came across this thread. I have been trying to decide what route I want to go. My current suspension is Bilstein gen 2 pro kit with HD Eibach springs and Headstrong 3pack AAL(with overload leaf). With my shell, bed drawer, tools, tent and whatever else I have in there daily I am looking around 500lbs. Then when I go camping I am looking at another 300lbs or more. I also plan on using a hitch carrier for the motorcycle every so often which is 370lbs.

Not sure If I should go with Deaver Stage 2 or 3 and If I should add the helper bags that you posted as well.
Also is the Archive hammer shackles something I need to be looking at as well?

Thanks for any input and advice.

I had the Deaver II’s and changed to the IIi’s. Mostly because I have HC bumper with tire carrier. Heavy AF. It started to sag after a while with the II’s. I would go III’s, if I were you.

And the hammers are a dream come true. Highly recommend.

 

[CalifExplorer]

interesting. does anyone know who alldogs has making their leaf springs?

 

[Tyler]

interesting. does anyone know who alldogs has making their leaf springs?

That’s a good question. @ARCHIVE might know.

 

[ARCHIVE]

interesting. does anyone know who alldogs has making their leaf springs?

I don't know but All Dogs bushings are much narrower than stock. All Dogs and All Pro

 

[Budloomis]

I am glad I came across this thread. I have been trying to decide what route I want to go. My current suspension is Bilstein gen 2 pro kit with HD Eibach springs and Headstrong 3pack AAL(with overload leaf). With my shell, bed drawer, tools, tent and whatever else I have in there daily I am looking around 500lbs. Then when I go camping I am looking at another 300lbs or more. I also plan on using a hitch carrier for the motorcycle every so often which is 370lbs.

Not sure If I should go with Deaver Stage 2 or 3 and If I should add the helper bags that you posted as well.
Also is the Archive hammer shackles something I need to be looking at as well?

Thanks for any input and advice.

This is my same basic set-up/ concern and I was thinking Deaver stage 3's based on other people's recommendation. I have also heard good things about the Icon RXT stage 3's, but I guess with a motorcycle added to your hitch, Deaver stage 3 is the way to go.

 

[ARCHIVE]

Be selective on the date of data you follow regarding Deaver U402 stage 2 & 3 because they were updated maybe 1 year ago.
Just saying this as a heads up on Deaver stage 2 & 3, these were updated to a 9-leaf design like Stage 1, just thicker steel, they used to be 10-11 leaves, and it seems they were too light for their ratings. This change seems to be better for weight handling

So I recommending asking for how many leaves the person actually has when you get a recommendation

 

[Budloomis]

Be selective on the date of data you follow regarding Deaver U402 stage 2 & 3 because they were updated maybe 1 year ago.
Just saying this as a heads up on Deaver stage 2 & 3, these were updated to a 9-leaf design like Stage 1, just thicker steel, they used to be 10-11 leaves, and it seems they were too light for their ratings. This change seems to be better for weight handling

So I recommending asking for how many leaves the person actually has when you get a recommendation

ooo that's a good point, thanks! I think i have a continuous weight of 500-ish and then add probably 300-400 when camping

 

[ARCHIVE]

ooo that's a good point, thanks! I think i have a continuous weight of 500-ish and then add probably 300-400 when camping

That to me would definitely be stage 3 territory
For anyone worried about ride with HD packs, Hammer hangers make the ride quality better, takes the edge off.

The stock hangers flex more as the load goes up

 

[GregC]

T3G vendor @ARCHIVE dropped some unbiased leaf spring knowledge in another post and I feel this information is valuable enough to warrant its own sticky thread.
Archive Garage designs and builds popular suspension upgrades for our Toyota Tacomas, such as their "Hammer Hangers" shackles, U-bolt flip, shock relocation towers.

The following information is something you should consider when deciding what manufacturer to go with, however, depending on how you use your truck, all of these options might have their place, and should not be completely disregarded. If you were set on a certain leaf spring due to personal preference, a good sale, etc, please feel free to ask further questions regarding the subsequent issues mentioned, either in this thread or in a new thread.

All-Pro: low quality import that is designed with narrower than stock junk bushings(!), with low arch, really long and often goes flat on a Double Cab with minimal weight. You will often see the shackle rotated way back. Also it doesn't have a spot to bolt the parking brake cable tab to. No overload Alcan: Stupidly long design, requires Archive Hammer hangers to work properly, because with stock hangers, the leaves will rub the shackles, and has MAJOR design flaw that the 2nd leaf extends inside the shackle, which when driven offroad has caused dangerous binding, and shackle damage. No overload Icon: This has been pretty decent I would say, but I have gotten some negative feedback, mainly its just underwhelming. No major design flaws, no shackle interference. Doesn't seem to be a very tough design, or enough lift. My biggest nitpick is they took a 10 leaf pack design, took a couple leaves out, and screwed up by making the stepping from leaf to leaf too wide, which seems like some customers report a lot of axle wrap, which exhibits as driveshaft vibration on take off and deceleration. Stage 1 and 2 are total of 7 thin leaves Dobinsons: Newer but I like the design, it is affordable, and anyone considering an affordable option should investigate these. Has overload Deavers: The U402 expo series is currently the best on the market, for now. With 3 stages to choose from. Note that the stage 2 & 3 have less arch due to being heavier duty. Has overload. The price is up there. (Don't buy their J66 lame wrap-central pack) Archive: Archive Garage will be testing our own design leaf pack in the next few weeks. (Potentially available by summer) Archive set out to build a leaf spring that just plain works, high quality material, built in USA and has a full military wrap, bolted spring clips, tip inserts on all leave ends, correct bushing sleeve width. It will not have the issues like shackle scraping or jamming leaf into shackle, won't take an 'M' shape, isn't too long, issues which are so common. Dakars: Pretty lame design overall, doesn't have a full military wrap, and has MAJOR design flaw that the 2nd/3rd leaves extend inside the shackle, which when driven offroad causes awful noises, dangerous binding, and shackle damage. Numerous customers have complained, I have contacted them and explained the issue, and it seems they purposely have done nothing to avoid serious warranty burden. They were just plain lazy, took their Hilux design and tossed in the Tacoma, called it good. Has overload. Also very short spring

Source post: https://tacoma3g.com/threads/rear-leaf-suggestions.9460/post-47384

To add to the thread, I am going to gather the various load ratings and prices and add them to this post as well.

All great information. Thank you for sharing.

 

[xLOGREx]

I’m gonna be getting some deavers soon and I was curious about recommendations for bushings and ubolts. What do you guys use? I was gonna just get the ARB bushings and possibly the wheelers ubolt flip kit while I was at it.

 

[Zoey's Taco]

nvm

 

[ARCHIVE]

I’m gonna be getting some deavers soon and I was curious about recommendations for bushings and ubolts. What do you guys use? I was gonna just get the ARB bushings and possibly the wheelers ubolt flip kit while I was at it.

Just get the Deaver bushings and ubolts
Or consider the Archive Ubolt flip option 3

 

[Oc Taco Charlie Beach Bum]

I havnt heard a peep out of My heavy duty Dakars. and the ride is great

 

[itsthex]

I havnt heard a peep out of My heavy duty Dakars. and the ride is great

How does it feel in comparison to the stock springs, stiffness-wise?

 

[Oc Taco Charlie Beach Bum]

How does it feel in comparison to the stock springs, stiffness-wise?

ride is stiffer, but that is a good thing, stock was sloppy, so a much better ride

 

[The_Trooper88]

Add-a-leaf:
This is not an attack on anyone, this is an explanation, and you can choose to use this info if you like. The picture is borrowed from a member, not picking on personally, many people have done this beforehand, I just haven't tripped over pics until now.

So here is something that someone started, thought was "OK", and a bunch of people are following, but this really isn't OK without modifications.

AFAIK, all the 3-leaf AALs on the market are designed to replace the thick leaf/overload, not be used in conjunction with it.
It really isn't a smart thing to ignore a manufacturers instructions, and definitely not in this case. Notice that the clip (and its rivet head) on the 3-leaf pack on right of pic will be first point of contact with the overload. This will mean the overload is contacted as spring is compressed, perhaps even at normal ride height. This will quickly ramp up the spring rate and since there is only 1 clip on 3-leaf, it will wrap your axle down on whichever side of axle clip is installed, to front or rear.

Eric

This was before i modified overload and i agree with archive my rear was rough, and was not allowing my leafs to flex properly. Since i have cut overload back and respectfully using it as 1/2" lift block to get 2" of lift in rear But my rear end is stiff.

 

[ARCHIVE]

This was before i modified overload and i agree with archive my rear was rough, and was not allowing my leafs to flex properly. Since i have cut overload back and respectfully using it as 1/2" lift block to get 2" of lift in rear But my rear end is stiff.

Is the rear suspension "stiff" or do you mean rough or harsh, as in it jitters and bounces sloppily over bumps?

What you're very likely feeling is the feeling caused by the stock shackle hangers, they are flimsy and flexible and inhibit ride quality. It is hard to believe Toyota would make something as bad as they are, but it is a fact well documented by thousands who have replaced the stock hangers.
I highly recommend Hammer hangers for the best ride for every Tacoma from commuter to full off road build

 

[ARCHIVE]

This was before i modified overload and i agree with archive my rear was rough, and was not allowing my leafs to flex properly. Since i have cut overload back and respectfully using it as 1/2" lift block to get 2" of lift in rear But my rear end is stiff.

Is the rear suspension "stiff" or do you mean rough or harsh, as in it jitters and bounces sloppily over bumps?

What you're very likely feeling is the feeling caused by the stock shackle hangers, they are flimsy and flexible and inhibit ride quality. It is hard to believe Toyota would make something as bad as they are, but it is a fact well documented by thousands who have replaced the stock hangers.
I highly recommend Hammer hangers for the best ride for every Tacoma from commuter to full off road build

 

[ARCHIVE]

This was before i modified overload and i agree with archive my rear was rough, and was not allowing my leafs to flex properly. Since i have cut overload back and respectfully using it as 1/2" lift block to get 2" of lift in rear But my rear end is stiff.

Is the rear suspension "stiff" or do you mean rough or harsh, as in it jitters and bounces sloppily over bumps?

What you're very likely feeling is the feeling caused by the stock shackle hangers, they are flimsy and flexible and inhibit ride quality. It is hard to believe Toyota would make something as bad as they are, but it is a fact well documented by thousands who have replaced the stock hangers.
I highly recommend Hammer hangers for the best ride for every Tacoma from commuter to full off road build

 

[ARCHIVE]

This was before i modified overload and i agree with archive my rear was rough, and was not allowing my leafs to flex properly. Since i have cut overload back and respectfully using it as 1/2" lift block to get 2" of lift in rear But my rear end is stiff.

Sorry for accidentally posting 4 times haha, can mods please delete extras?

 

[The_Trooper88]

Is the rear suspension "stiff" or do you mean rough or harsh, as in it jitters and bounces sloppily over bumps?

What you're very likely feeling is the feeling caused by the stock shackle hangers, they are flimsy and flexible and inhibit ride quality. It is hard to believe Toyota would make something as bad as they are, but it is a fact well documented by thousands who have replaced the stock hangers.
I highly recommend Hammer hangers for the best ride for every Tacoma from commuter to full off road build

rough, Harsh kinda reminds me of my 3/4 ton chevy in rear, best way to describe it

 

[ARCHIVE]

rough, Harsh kinda reminds me of my 3/4 ton chevy in rear, best way to describe it

Being that you have ADS shocks, and hoping those are well tuned, then it's the stock hangers causing that harshness.

The combo of ADS shocks, stock leaves + AAL and Hh will ride great.