During the initial part of the camper build I had been doing some perusing of sites, and I came across a posting by Rocky Mountain FWC regarding a Tacoma DC/Finch combo like mine. I learned the Tacoma had a OME Dakar spring pack like mine, but they had added the extra leaf available from OME (model D29XL if anyone's interested). On a visit to FWC in Woodland we were able to get in touch with Chris at RMFWC, and basically the extra leaf was recommended for people leaving the camper on, were doing more off highway travel, and/or putting expedition weights on the truck/camper. If we were taking the camper on and off regularly, the extra leaf was not as much of an issue and the Dakars would work fine stock.
My goal had always been not to have to re-do any of the suspension components, but I had no idea how much the camper, bumper, winch, etc. would really affect the ride height and comfort until they were actually on there. And, during the suspension build I had the teardrop as our RV (and the ARE shell on the back of the truck) so the Dakars were more than enough for the load.
The information I found showed the extra leaf for the Dakars would increase the height by 15mm. The front Icon coilover shocks I purchased were the extended travel version so I knew whatever I decided I would be fine.
I measured the wheel well height prior to putting the camper on, and I was sitting around 41" from the ground to the center of the wheel well (measured at the back since I was sitting rear high). Once the camper was on it came down to around 37 - 38". The addition of all the gear during our trip sunk it down a little more, and the ride was somewhat stiff. Since I didn't have a GoPro to video the shocks at work I was reduced to having to look at the dirt ring on the shock shaft which kind of showed me how much travel I was getting. I didn't see much, and I noticed not much of the shaft was showing in the first place.
Once the bumper and winch were on I knew it was time for a change.
I ordered the extra pair of OME leafs (about $60), and I set up an appointment with a local 4x4 shop to get them installed, as well as, to adjust the front coilovers and do an alignment. My instructions to them was to have the truck sitting as level as possible (with the camper on) so it would again sit a little high in the rear without the weight.
Prior to the install I measured the amount of threads "used" on the front coilover. It was around 1 1/4 to 1 3/8. When I got it back the threads used were well over 2" (with about 2-3" still available). The wheel well height from the ground was back up to the 40" range.
Immediately as I drove away, I noticed a remarked difference in the ride. The front coilover adjuster is set at 6 (9 available), and the truck felt silky smooth over the bumps. I could tell the shocks were actually working as I looked for holes and bumps during the drive home. I got some dirt miles in as well and I'm happy to report the ride continued to make me smile. I think I could run the adjuster at 4 or 5 for some day to day driving to make it even better.
I would suggest anyone who knows their camper will stay on the truck, or you are going to push the limits of weight, the additional leaf to the Dakar pack is worth the money (one on-line company offered to pre-install the extra leaf for $30).
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