Rear Suspension for dummies (like me)

I have a 17 Tundra TRD PRO. Currently running a decked system but planning on running a bed rack and RTT. Can anyone help out and let me know what I will need to add/replace to keep the rear from sagging? It is sagging a bit with the decked system and I am assuming that it will sag more once I add all of the weight. Like the title says, I'm pretty dumb when it comes to suspension and it seems like there are so many companies out there so I don't know where to start. Also, I dont tow nor do I plan on towing anything. This is a daily driver but I am a weekend off-roader. Thanks in advance!

 

Is the weight consistent in the back or does it vary a lot?

 

It is pretty constant. Unsure of what the total will be but plan on running the Leitner rack and CVT Mt. Hood for now. So an additional 85 lbs for the Leitner rack and 203 lbs for the CVT Mt Hood. The decked system is fully loaded with recovery gear, tools, and camping gear. My guess is around 200-250 lbs`? Unsure though

 

Similar discussion going on in https://www.tundras.com/threads/replace-old-with-new-oem-or-custom-leafs.89408/

 

Yeah, I read through that but I think he is towing so I wasn't sure if that makes a difference on my suspension decision. Like I said, Im pretty dumb when it comes to this area.

 

Get it weighed and then send those specs and get a custom leaf pack from Alcan or some other brand. The Deaver U748 is supposed to be for additional weight but I forgot how much.

 

Ok, Im assuming any weight station will do this for me?

 

What do they usually run at?

 

I think Kevin meant to weigh all of the contents you plan to load in the bed. Rack, gear etc.


When I purchased the custom Alcan spring set, the manufacturer asked me how much lift I wanted with the typical weight of the contents.


They then designed and made the springs to have the desired lift, with the reported weight in the bed.


For my old truck the max camping load was about 350 pounds of gear plus a 200 pound camper shell. So 550 pounds. I then took into account that 200 pounds of the gear is water. Knowing that the max water load only lasts a few days and I normally return home without any water, I asked them to give me 2” of lift with 400 pound load.

 

Check out the Deaver U748's, I have them on my truck and they ride pretty good unloaded and don't sag very much when fully loaded (600+ lbs). Another option would be the Icon RXT leaf pack that you can tailor to the constant load by re-configuring leaves.

 

I’ve been watching both treads. I’ll be ordering a set of Alcan’s next week. I usually carry about 150-200lbs of general gear and my tonneau weighs 100lbs. I’ll be adding a RTT next year and will carry some extra weight at that time.
I think I’ll ask for 500lbs and 1.5” lift.
I don’t want lots of lift but will be swapping my 33s for 35s.
Does that sound about right?
I’ll be adding 2.5 fox coilovers and shocks.
My first time doing a custom suspension.
Thanks all!

 

I just purchased and installed Ironman 4x4 leafs and feel like they’d be able to handle some weight. I have a camper shell so ~250lbs and the leafs still have me a decent lift in the back.

they were the most affordable set at a little over $600 shipped after their 25% off sale. They come with new bushings, u bolts, and greaseable shackles. Alcan quoted me close to $900 without shipping, taxes or u bolts. I get it, they are custom, but I didn’t want to dish out $1200. My next option would have been Icon RXT because of the customizable option but it also would have been $200 more.

The leafs have 4 regular and 2 overload leafs in each pack. So you gain 2 leafs per pack. I think it lifted the rear close to 4” and these are 0-440lbs packs. So with your weight, you’d probably still sit a couple of inches higher.

If you do go this route, you’ll most likely need to get extended length shocks, unless you weight keeps the rear no more than a couple of inches higher than stock. Rides a little smoother than stock. My old leafs were inverted and pretty much looked like a W from previous owner overloading it.

1/2 day to install in the driveway.

 

I have Fox 2.5 DSC all the way around and they are great. If you are getting DSCs, I’d suggest custom valving. I wish they were a bit softer than fully open valves right out of the box. I think they have 10 clicks. So when I have them rebuilt I’d like them valved to feel like stock out of the box but at like 5 clicks or so that way I have more control to go softer and firmer instead of just firmer.

Don’t get me wrong, they feel good, I’m just being picky. But the DSC option is worth every penny. We had like 500lbs of gear, wife and 2 dogs last trip. And even with just 2-3 clicks on the low speed adjuster, it felt more planted. Fully open or 0 clicks, there was a bit of swaying/rocking side to side driving on uneven highways and roads from all the added weight.

 

How difficult was it to swap out the leaf springs yourself?

 

Thanks Ze. Yes, I am going the the DSC option on both front and rear. I’ve heard great things similar to your experience with them.
Now I just have to wait for them to actually ship!
Also, I’ve had a follow-up with Alcan about the leaf springs and will confirm the settings early next week. Lead time on those is 8-10 weeks currently.

 

It was pretty straight forward install. I still would recommend having a 2nd hand to help get the leaf springs on and off the axles. They are awkward shape and heavy. Ironman’s are even heavier. Can you get them on and off yourself? Maybe, but you would wish you had someone helping you with that part.

 

Are there negative effects to using the shackles that you add onto the rear leaf or is that just a temporary fix?