[Portman]

Am wondering what people's opinion is on what the best way to lift the rear of my truck. Was going to go with a set of OME leaf springs and N85 shocks, but it is definetly more expensive. For someone who does moderate off-roading and a lot of on roading, what would be the best choice out of the three: shackle lift/AAL/new leaf springs? Would love to know things like durability, ride quality, best brand, load capacity, and ease of installation. Thanks.

 

[TacoCrazy]

I use a 3 leaf Deaver progressive AAL, a 1.25" Daystar greasable shackle and Bilstein 5100's..Gives right at 3" and is pretty cost efficient..The ride quality is excellent, it flexes very well but you may have to give up a little heavy load hauling, but it hasn't been a problem yet for me..The 3 leaf takes place of your factory overload spring and gives about 1.75" lift in the process..Just my .02

 

[synovus]

Am wondering what people's opinion is on what the best way to lift the rear of my truck. Was going to go with a set of OME leaf springs and N85 shocks, but it is definetly more expensive. For someone who does moderate off-roading and a lot of on roading, what would be the best choice out of the three: shackle lift/AAL/new leaf springs? Would love to know things like durability, ride quality, best brand, load capacity, and ease of installation. Thanks.

This should answer many of your questions:

http://www.customtacos.com/tech/index.php?page=index_v2&id=137&c=10

But in case it doesn't... In most cases, the "best" option is going to be replacement leaf packs, like the OME's you were considering, or another brand (Deaver, Alcan, All-Pro). But yes, it's also the most expensive option. There is no single "best" option for everyone's uses. It all depends on what you want from your truck (what you plan on doing with it, etc.). Shackles and new leaf packs are generally going to be the most durable, as a couple brands of AAL's have been know to break. Ride quality will generally be best with new leaf packs (depending on the brand, specifications, etc.), or a shackle. There is no "best brand" for any of those items. Each company tends to have it's pros and cons in the products they offer. Load capacity will be better with new leaf packs or AAL's. None of the three items are particularly difficult to install.

 

[Noonkester]

I have a 2'' AAL and would not recommend it. I think that it gives a stiff ride on road and does not flex well offroad. If I were doing it over I would have went with a shackle lift, which is about the same price.

 

[Munssey]

I'm using a 2 1\2 shackle and it works well with the on road driving but I'm not happy with the de-arched stock leafs. If you can, my recomendation would be for the longer leafs.

 

[rojodiablo]

I use a 3 leaf Deaver progressive AAL, a 1.25" Daystar greasable shackle and Bilstein 5100's..Gives right at 3" and is pretty cost efficient..The ride quality is excellent, it flexes very well but you may have to give up a little heavy load hauling, but it hasn't been a problem yet for me..The 3 leaf takes place of your factory overload spring and gives about 1.75" lift in the process..Just my .02

I am with Tacocrazy. The ride is better.. less wheel hop. And, the load capacity is still as good as stock, which let's face it, is nort what a 3/4 ton truck is capable of. With the spring pack and new shocks, you will be very happy with your truck. :xdevil:

 

[98 Taco]

TRY the ALL PRO rear lift/complete lift kit
I just bought the front A-Arms and comlete rear lift kit(new leaf packs and Bilstien shocks)
I just installed it the last two nights
I love it
I will post pics soon!!
best $$ I ever spent
$449 for the rear lift kit

 

[cvajs]

i have Downey 2" AAL waiting to be installed. i wanted extra load capacity as well as lift to balance new OME 881 springs.

 

[GreenTaco4x4]

I am going with a 1.5 AAL and a 1" shackle. I have heard and hope that since it is a long AAL it will be softer than say a procomp one and with the shackle it should help also.

 

[nees1212]

My suggestions would be to spend the extra money and get a new leaf pack. I've got the long Downey AAL with the adjustable Rancho 9000's, and the ride is extremely stiff. I will eventually be buying a new leaf pack.