Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[TangoBlue]

Although an earlier gen, I just added the OME AAL to my Dakars and swapped N85 shocks for N76 (greater travel with the reinforced springs). Then went to Moab the next day (20-29 MAR). Deployed - re-deployed from VA, 4,500 miles later, and a few 4+ trails and obstacles (sometimes there are no bypasses) and I can say it was a good choice. I think you'll be happy. Stay safe and enjoy your pump.

 

[Overland Hadley]

You will be very happy with OME and Dakars.

I do not know if you need the extra leaf, although I am sure it will not hurt.

I have had about 500-600 lbs in the back and it was not even starting to sit on the first overload spring, let alone the second. I do not think it is possible to bottom out and hit the bump stops with the two overload springs in the normal 7 pack. Dakars are not soft flexy racing springs like Deavers are.

 

[xcmountain80]

Although an earlier gen, I just added the OME AAL to my Dakars and swapped N85 shocks for N76 (greater travel with the reinforced springs). Then went to Moab the next day (20-29 MAR). Deployed - re-deployed from VA, 4,500 miles later, and a few 4+ trails and obstacles (sometimes there are no bypasses) and I can say it was a good choice. I think you'll be happy. Stay safe and enjoy your pump.

4.88's just from the reasoning that my 33's and the V-6 take a 4.56 and the same motor and 35's would require 4.88's so would make sense in my crazy world that 33's and 4cyl would like 4.88's. But kick over to ttora or yotatech and check it out too.

Aaron

 

[Monty]

I also have a double cab and have been running the exact same rear set up for almost a year now, and am very pleased with it!

I have a tool box/dog kennel in the back all the time that is about 150lbs+ loaded, and it handles the road AND trails well. (yes, I wheel the piss out of it)
I love the fact that my truck still has a bit of rake to it... hunting trips with gear and a couple bucks in the back just level it out.

I honestly believe that this is the best "off the shelf" rear set up for the '05+ if you still use it as a truck... as in you actually haul stuff in the bed, which is what most expedition vehicles do.

Seeing your set up, you will be very pleased with the Dakars with the extra leaf.

 

[heeltoe989]

Just about to add the extra leaf kit for the OME Dave! Just waiting for some nice weather.

Look forward to seeing the new Tacodoc re-build!

 

[Dave Bennett]

Hi Dave

When you had the Deavers made, did they build them rated for the loads your carrying? Are you unhappy with them? The reason I ask, I was thinking about having them make me some springs for the hj45 instead of going with OME.


Ride quality and reputation was my deciding factor.

The Deavers have been awesome, great ride quality.

They are the standard 12 leaf that Deaver makes, not custom. With time and abuse (I say abuse because I have loaded them down and 'wheeled it like it was empty) they will sag some. Loaded down the sag has become very noticeable, and I have bottomed them out many times when loaded down. The rear suspension design of the Tacoma actually lends itself to a stiffer spring IMO.

Springs end up being a compromise between load carrying and plush ride. So, the solution for me is stiffer springs.

SHAMELESS PLUG: Jacque at TRDparts4U has helped me out before on parts searches, and he replied to my email about the Dakars in less than 24 hours. Toyota of Dallas has my HIGHEST recommendation for anyone needing parts.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

The Deavers have been awesome, great ride quality.

They are the standard 12 leaf that Deaver makes, not custom. With time and abuse (I say abuse because I have loaded them down and 'wheeled it like it was empty) they will sag some. Loaded down the sag has become very noticeable, and I have bottomed them out many times when loaded down. The rear suspension design of the Tacoma actually lends itself to a stiffer spring IMO.

Springs end up being a compromise between load carrying and plush ride. So, the solution for me is stiffer springs.

SHAMELESS PLUG: Jacque at TRDparts4U has helped me out before on parts searches, and he replied to my email about the Dakars in less than 24 hours. Toyota of Dallas has my HIGHEST recommendation for anyone needing parts.

Very useful info Dave, thanks. Maybe the Deavers will still work for the 45, as the only hauling it does is to the dump, nursery or taking the kid to get an ice cream. However, I'd hate to spend the money only to have them sag eventually.

 

[robert]

I've got the Dakars on the back of my truck now; I ordered the AALs at the same time in case I needed them, but so far they're still sitting in the garage. I put the OME 886s on the front of my access cab with the hope that they won't settle over time like the 885s supposedly do (I haven't had them mounted for very long though so we'll see). Anyways, with an ARE fiberglass shell, kayak, canoe and camping junk in the rear it still sits level.

Unless you keep your truck heavily loaded all of the time (no idea what your average GVW is from looking at the pictures; IIRC you mentioned it but I can't remember where it was in this long thread), my guess is you should be fine without them. If you leave it loaded or it's a lot heavier than stock I'd add the AALs and consider the airbags as an overload option.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Dave,

I was thinking about it and with your bumper and spare tire mounted out back it puts a lot of weight behind the axle. The extra leaf sounds like a good idea for you.

 

[HoosierTacoma08]

Any of you with these parts on your rigs please chime in with any pros or cons that you may have on these parts! The Dakar springs are on sale now for $333, so I'm about ready to pull the trigger!

Doc,
I just put the HD Dakar's on my 08 Taco about 2 weeks ago, no complaints thus far! Can't believe the difference in payload! Went through Gerone at Toyota of Dallas. :smiley_drive:

Jared

 

[Dave Bennett]

Dave,

I was thinking about it and with your bumper and spare tire mounted out back it puts a lot of weight behind the axle. The extra leaf sounds like a good idea for you.

That's exactly what I'm thinking Nathan. In addition to my armor and such, I tend to bring alot of "glampish" comfort items for the family so I am going the HD route from the beginning this time. I'd rather have excess capacity than bumpstop action :costumed-smiley-007

 

[slooowr6]

OME tested the Dakar with 400kg in the bed of the Tacoma. With the much weight Dakar still provides 1" lift.

 

[Dave Bennett]

OME tested the Dakar with 400kg in the bed of the Tacoma. With the much weight Dakar still provides 1" lift.

Well, since a Kilogram equals 2.20 Pounds... 400 x 2.20 = 880 lbs

That's not too shabby.

 

[slooowr6]

Well, since a Kilogram equals 2.20 Pounds... 400 x 2.20 = 880 lbs

That's not too shabby.

Yep, and that's without the extra leaf.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Yep, and that's without the extra leaf.

I think I should be good up to a grand with the extra leaf :REExeSquatsHL1:

Now, I saw Mario's AT Commanche with FlipPac and it got me thinking... :Wow1: