InexperiencedWiseman
2️⃣ Bronze
So if I’m undertstanding right, there doesn’t really seem to be any good options at the moment aside from Deaver leaf packs, not including the J66?
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Leaf Spring Comparison: All-Pro, Allcan, Icon, Dobinsons, Deavers, Archive, Dakars
- Thread starter Tyler
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I certainly don’t have the longitudinal (or breadth) of experience as some of the other members on here, but my personal experience with the Dobinson 111-R (mid range ~600lb constant load rated) leaf pack has been excellent since I installed them about a year and a half ago.
When underloaded (250 pounds, leer cap and some gear) they ride a bit stiff and gave me approx 3 inch initial lift in the rear. 2.75” after settling last I checked. With closer to the 600# they ride beautifully (I have Elka 2.0” rear struts FWIW). The most I’ve carried fully loaded was around 800lb and I still had 2” lift and tapped the bump stops once on the highway on a big old dip.
I did the poly bushing and greasable pin kit also from dobinson, and just bought new OEM shackles rather than try to get the old pressed bushings cut out. I get a little squeak on the passenger side from time to time but not obnoxious amounts and from what I’ve read with some other options, it’s better/best case scenario.
I would definitely recommend Dobinson’s packs based on my experience.
Ive been through a couple of leaf springs, recently just switching from Deaver's to All Pros Expedition 2.0 leaves and in my own opinion they outperform the Deaver's especially under heavy load. My Deaver Stage 3 leaves made it barely past 2 years (approx. 50K miles) of use before they started separating and sagging really bad under load. Deaver did offer to re-arch the leaf pack for me (Would've had to pay shipping from MI to CA and pay for the service), financially that wasn't an option when compared to just getting a new pack.
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The All Pro Expedition 2.0 leaves ride smooth...I do have approx. 600lb's+ constant in the bed, in addition to towing an Off Grid Trailer Expedition 2.0 (290lb tongue weight) there is minimal sag when fully weighted down. If I towed a trailer with my deavers I would be riding the bumpstops the entire time (even when the deavers were new). Daily driving the All Pros handle great, off-road with small chatter its smooth, and even going up sandy hills I have yet to experience any axle wrap. During high speed dune passes the leaves keep up the best they can (similar performance as Deaver's on the dunes). Ive had these leaves for a few months now and about 10K miles and from my own experience they are the best springs ive had yet... (Owned Icon AAL, Dakars, Deavers, All Pro), no experience yet with Dobinson
To clarify - there were ZERO fitment issues with the All Pro Expedition 2.0's with Archives Hammer Hangars. The bushings are the correct size and no spacer is needed. The only downfall with the All-Pro's are that they don't have a spot to attach the E-brake line (easy to modify on your own).
Link to All Pros Leaf Springs:
allprooffroad.com
Photo shown is our setup fully loaded with the All Pro Springs:
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The All Pro Expedition 2.0 leaves ride smooth...I do have approx. 600lb's+ constant in the bed, in addition to towing an Off Grid Trailer Expedition 2.0 (290lb tongue weight) there is minimal sag when fully weighted down. If I towed a trailer with my deavers I would be riding the bumpstops the entire time (even when the deavers were new). Daily driving the All Pros handle great, off-road with small chatter its smooth, and even going up sandy hills I have yet to experience any axle wrap. During high speed dune passes the leaves keep up the best they can (similar performance as Deaver's on the dunes). Ive had these leaves for a few months now and about 10K miles and from my own experience they are the best springs ive had yet... (Owned Icon AAL, Dakars, Deavers, All Pro), no experience yet with Dobinson
To clarify - there were ZERO fitment issues with the All Pro Expedition 2.0's with Archives Hammer Hangars. The bushings are the correct size and no spacer is needed. The only downfall with the All-Pro's are that they don't have a spot to attach the E-brake line (easy to modify on your own).
Link to All Pros Leaf Springs:
2005+ Tacoma Rear 3
<h2>2005+ Tacoma Rear 3" Leaf Springs</h2> <p><strong>All-Pro Standard Leaf Springs</strong></p> <p>Improve your Tacoma's suspension performance and gain lift for tire clearance and long travel with All-Pro Standard Duty Leaf Springs! These 2005+ Tacoma 3″ lift leaf springs mount in the original...
Photo shown is our setup fully loaded with the All Pro Springs:
Dobinsons are a better design than Dakars, I like Dobinsons design overall, appropriate main leaf thickness, except they STILL have the shackle rubbing issue because the 2nd leaf extends inside shackle (carryover from Aus. Hilux design) and may cut up the shackle when heavily articulating.
Other thing it only has a 1/4 wrap on front eye like stock springs, not full military wrap for severe duty
This was Tyler's 112 pack with stock hangers, not sure if Dobinsons has since revised this. If they say they have, I'll need to see a pic of current production to believe them
InexperiencedWiseman
2️⃣ Bronze
My current suspension set up is JBA control arms with locked offroad from and rear RR shocks/coilovers with approximately around 200-300 constant load in the bed with occasionally heavier towing. Based off everything I’ve read and the info on the newer Dobinson springs, I’m probably gonna wait out for the archive springs coming out soon.
I’ll have to crawl under the truck and take a look/photo of mine. I frankly don’t remember. That looks gnarlyDobinsons are a better design than Dakars, I like Dobinsons design overall, appropriate main leaf thickness, except they STILL have the shackle rubbing issue because the 2nd leaf extends inside shackle (carryover from Aus. Hilux design) and may cut up the shackle when heavily articulating.
Other thing it only has a 1/4 wrap on front eye like stock springs, not full military wrap for severe duty
This was Tyler's 112 pack with stock hangers, not sure if Dobinsons has since revised this. If they say they have, I'll need to see a pic of current production to believe them
I’ll have to crawl under the truck and take a look/photo of mine. I frankly don’t remember. That looks gnarly
Originally the 110 and 111 had plenty of clearance to shackles, only 112 had interference. Then Dobinsons made 2nd leaf extend inside shackle on 110 and 111 as well, but it's not as bad as pictured, still rubs tho, and I suspect worse if you wheel them hard
Good to know. I looked earlier—shackles are intact and the leaf pack doesnt really resemble the picture above so I wonder which version I have. Either way, I don’t wheel the truck crazy hard so I’m probably in the clear.
Is this normal for Deaver? These are Stage 1.
I continue to snap the anti friction pads and my overloads seem to slip out of alignment when under heavy articulation. Nothing terribly concerning but the pack is only a year old and I have replaced 4 anti friction pads and had to loosen everything up, realign and then torque everything down again at least twice.
I make sure all shackle bolts are 89 ft# and under load when tightening and check my u-bolts often at 80ft #.
No complaints about the ride height, ride quality and hauling capacity.
Is it normal to just expect more maintenance when going with an aftermarket leaf pack?
I continue to snap the anti friction pads and my overloads seem to slip out of alignment when under heavy articulation. Nothing terribly concerning but the pack is only a year old and I have replaced 4 anti friction pads and had to loosen everything up, realign and then torque everything down again at least twice.
I make sure all shackle bolts are 89 ft# and under load when tightening and check my u-bolts often at 80ft #.
No complaints about the ride height, ride quality and hauling capacity.
Is it normal to just expect more maintenance when going with an aftermarket leaf pack?
Is this normal for Deaver? These are Stage 1.
I continue to snap the anti friction pads and my overloads seem to slip out of alignment when under heavy articulation. Nothing terribly concerning but the pack is only a year old and I have replaced 4 anti friction pads and had to loosen everything up, realign and then torque everything down again at least twice.
I make sure all shackle bolts are 89 ft# and under load when tightening and check my u-bolts often at 80ft #.
No complaints about the ride height, ride quality and hauling capacity.
Is it normal to just expect more maintenance when going with an aftermarket leaf pack?
I don't think it's normal for the tip inserts to crack, never heard that happening with Deavers. It could be the maker of the inserts who sell them to the spring manufacturer has changed or are getting inferior product made from cheaper plastic.
I recommend bumping up the Ubolt torque to 90 or 100 lbft. Another thing to check next time the Ubolt plates are off is the center pin, see if it isn't tight enough.
Is this normal for Deaver? These are Stage 1.
I continue to snap the anti friction pads and my overloads seem to slip out of alignment when under heavy articulation. Nothing terribly concerning but the pack is only a year old and I have replaced 4 anti friction pads and had to loosen everything up, realign and then torque everything down again at least twice.
I make sure all shackle bolts are 89 ft# and under load when tightening and check my u-bolts often at 80ft #.
No complaints about the ride height, ride quality and hauling capacity.
Is it normal to just expect more maintenance when going with an aftermarket leaf pack?
I have the same springs and to my knowledge I haven't broken any friction pads yet and I've had them on the truck for over 2 years. I did just notice that I need to straighten out those shackle clamp things. I'm going to be doing a good pre trip maintenance in the near future so I'll double check my friction pads. Did you get the replacements from deaver or another source? I have been wanting to get replacements anyways.
Amazon. Funny thing is the ones I have replaced seem to fit better than the ones that came on the pack.
Milky
1️⃣ Getting Started...
Someone has any input on the Atlas Suspension leaf springs? Ive looked on google and there is almost no info about them.
www.atlassuspension.com
2016-2021 Tacoma 4x4 Performance Rear Springs
www.atlassuspension.com
After 2 years of testing on dozens of trucks, Archive Leaf Springs are live and right now on SALE 15% OFF
They've done very well when directly compared to the best leaf springs on the market
100% MADE IN USA with US steel. Please choose to spend slightly more than the overseas options and support American craftsmen
tacoma3g.com
They've done very well when directly compared to the best leaf springs on the market
100% MADE IN USA with US steel. Please choose to spend slightly more than the overseas options and support American craftsmen
Tacoma Leaf Springs 2005-2023 MD HD XD Archive Garage
*T3G members start conversation for 5% discount Archive Tacoma leaf packs are designed by Archive for severe duty off road travel! -Made in USA with 5160 US steel, tip insert pads, FULL military wrap (only brand with wrap in HD/XD range), bolted spring clips -Top quality POLY bushings are...
tacoma3g.com
Wellspring
3️⃣ Silver
How long is this 15% sale good for? When does it expire???After 2 years of testing on dozens of trucks, Archive Leaf Springs are live and right now on SALE 15% OFF
They've done very well when directly compared to the best leaf springs on the market
100% MADE IN USA with US steel. Please choose to spend slightly more than the overseas options and support American craftsmen
Tacoma Leaf Springs 2005-2023 MD HD XD Archive Garage
*T3G members start conversation for 5% discount Archive Tacoma leaf packs are designed by Archive for severe duty off road travel! -Made in USA with 5160 US steel, tip insert pads, FULL military wrap (only brand with wrap in HD/XD range), bolted spring clips -Top quality POLY bushings are...
That expired Sept 10th, but we always offer Tacoma3g members 5%. DM for code
Thanks, Eric
CalifExplorer
2️⃣ Bronze
Realizing this thread is old and maybe no one will see this, but I'm ready to throw my Icon RXT in the garbage. Squeaking is unbearable, and Icon was impossible to reach-- until I went to their booth at SEMA. Their answers all laid the problem as my responsibility and ranged from my needing to make homemade friction pads to a batch of springs with bad powder coating. Leaf spring tech is at least 150 years old. How their product can have this problem, and no other leaf springs I've had in 30 years, is incomprehensible.
drizzoh
6️⃣ Aficionado
HATED my RXT's (as well as anything else Icon makes lol). SO much happier after switching to the J66. Ride quality is infinitely better (unloaded bed 99.9% of the time).
RXT uses a tip insert pad that has little channels in it which might hold dirt, you might be able to clean and lubricate by drooping axle out and prying leaves apart.
Also make sure Ubolts are tightened to at least 90 lbft
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Just do an Add-a-leaf. Not many want a full pack that's only 1"
This is probably considered janky... But in theory one could just find some blocks from a Trail Edition l and put them on about any third gen to lift the rear 1", right?
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That is correct, and fine for some people.
Blocks only move the axle down.
They don't gain up travel, so they don't improve suspension and they don't help at all with weight. If lift is only goal, they're fine.
Essentially I have an ARE Z Series on almost always. I tow a 17' bass tracker once every week or two. I occasionally need to pull a small trailer for work. And every once in a while we load the bed down with camping gear. Otherwise, nothing crazy! Not wheeling per se, but some very rough, washed out service roads to access fishing areas. Wanting about 1" to 1.5" lift all around and a 265/75/16 or perhaps a 265/75/17 tops. (It's a 2.7 Access Cab 4x4.)
I'd be open to input on what may be the best option!
Block won't help in that situation. I recommend you install our Traveler Add-a-leaf to bring the rear up, gain bump travel, and increase spring rate, without hurting ride quality too much. Really good option for your case. Then consider Hammer Hangers aa well for better ride quality and composure on and off road and while towing.
2005-2023 Tacoma Traveler Add-A-Leaf AAL (stock springs)
Adding armor, hauling or towing? Archive's Traveler Leaf is specifically designed to enhance stock 2005-2023 6-Lug Tacoma leaf spring packs. The Traveler leaf: Improves load handling, combats squat Increased spring rate & lift keeps you off the rear bumps. Fits 3+1 without any modification to...
archivegarage.com
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I like the sounds of this! Also, I appreciate your responsiveness. So this would give about 1” of rear lift on a AC 4x4 2.7 with a shell?Block won't help in that situation. I recommend you install our Traveler Add-a-leaf to bring the rear up, gain bump travel, and increase spring rate, without hurting ride quality too much. Really good option for your case. Then consider Hammer Hangers aa well for better ride quality and composure on and off road and while towing.
2005-2023 Tacoma Traveler Add-A-Leaf AAL (stock springs)
Adding armor, hauling or towing? Archive's Traveler Leaf is specifically designed to enhance stock 2005-2023 6-Lug Tacoma leaf spring packs. The Traveler leaf: Improves load handling, combats squat Increased spring rate & lift keeps you off the rear bumps. Fits 3+1 without any modification to...archivegarage.com
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No problem, about that for lift.
Odonata Overland
2️⃣ Bronze
I tow a Xpedition Voyager trailer ALL the time with my rig. And I have a heavy RSI Smart Cap.
I have the Deavers in 1” to match the factory lift I have on my truck. They built the 402 Stage II for me special with a 1” lift (website says 2”). I asked if they could do a stage III in a 1” lift but said that wasn’t possible.
In my opinion they work great!
Originally, I tried helpers but had problems with fitment and returned them.
The weight of the smart cap and my gear squatted the truck which is why I looked for a solution. The 402 Stage II brought it slightly above where the factory lift kit level was prior to putting the cap and gear on. After some time it settled to exactly where unloaded factory lift kit height was.
It squats slightly when I hook the trailer up, but I’d think that to be expected. When I picked the Xpedition up from Xgrid, they were very impressed with how little it dropped the rear end and immediately asked: “Have you upgraded the rear springs?”
If you see any of my photos, the trailer looks very nose low, giving the impression that it has really squatted the truck. That’s an illusion because the trailer has 33” tires and my truck has 32” tires. The idea being when I wear these tires out I go to 33s and it rides level.
Bottom line: I’m very happy with how they ride while towing or not. Deaver will do 402, Stage II in 1” lift if you ask them over the phone. And, they’ll get them to you quick. There was a little extra fee for it, don’t remember it being much.
Hope this helps.
I have the Deavers in 1” to match the factory lift I have on my truck. They built the 402 Stage II for me special with a 1” lift (website says 2”). I asked if they could do a stage III in a 1” lift but said that wasn’t possible.
In my opinion they work great!
Originally, I tried helpers but had problems with fitment and returned them.
The weight of the smart cap and my gear squatted the truck which is why I looked for a solution. The 402 Stage II brought it slightly above where the factory lift kit level was prior to putting the cap and gear on. After some time it settled to exactly where unloaded factory lift kit height was.
It squats slightly when I hook the trailer up, but I’d think that to be expected. When I picked the Xpedition up from Xgrid, they were very impressed with how little it dropped the rear end and immediately asked: “Have you upgraded the rear springs?”
If you see any of my photos, the trailer looks very nose low, giving the impression that it has really squatted the truck. That’s an illusion because the trailer has 33” tires and my truck has 32” tires. The idea being when I wear these tires out I go to 33s and it rides level.
Bottom line: I’m very happy with how they ride while towing or not. Deaver will do 402, Stage II in 1” lift if you ask them over the phone. And, they’ll get them to you quick. There was a little extra fee for it, don’t remember it being much.
Hope this helps.
That sounds awesome! Do you have some pictures you could include?