Dakar Leafs

[glamisdude72000]

those are med. duty leaf spring right? I'm loking to get some, but cannot find any information about load capacity. I know that they're suppose to better handle a constant load up to 400lbs, but what about MAX load? Do they help haul heavier loads?

I believe those are MD springs with a load rating of 150-400lbs over stock. I have the HD springs and they are rated 440-880lbs over stock. I don't think I would want to go over the upper number given to be honest, as the ride degrades quickly as you reach it, since you'll be riding on the overload leaves which are much harsher riding than the rest of the pack. Mine without a doubt helped with heavier loads. I had about 650-700lbs over the rear with the stock pack and with the new Dakars and the ride quality and squat is substantially better with the Dakar's. Both loaded and unloaded the truck rides better than stock.

[Stezzyfrontiers23]

Here is a good review of the Dakar's check it out if you want more info.
Who got black ops 2 for the ps3??

Old Man Emu Rear Suspension & Lift for the Nissan Frontier - Adventure Parents

[chijusa]

Thanks guys! So with the HD springs in the rear, ride is quite comfortable? With oem leaf pack, ride ir pretty nice when new, but when sagged, it become harsher. And with small to medium load, it become smoother (doesn't bump" on the overload spring??).
I now have a LEER cap (150lbs), stuff on the bed every time (tools, some gears, emergency kit, about 50lbs, maybe a little more). Often my dogs (160 lbs total). Tow a horse 15-20 times a year, and load hay and firewood few times a year...
No aftermarket bumper, maube a roof rack in the future, but not sure.

From your experience, should I go MD or HD? need better handling/riding, and don't want to bottom everything when loaded.

Thanks

[glamisdude72000]

Originally Posted by chijusa

Thanks guys! So with the HD springs in the rear, ride is quite comfortable? With oem leaf pack, ride ir pretty nice when new, but when sagged, it become harsher. And with small to medium load, it become smoother (doesn't bump" on the overload spring??).
I now have a LEER cap (150lbs), stuff on the bed every time (tools, some gears, emergency kit, about 50lbs, maybe a little more). Often my dogs (160 lbs total). Tow a horse 15-20 times a year, and load hay and firewood few times a year...
No aftermarket bumper, maube a roof rack in the future, but not sure.

From your experience, should I go MD or HD? need better handling/riding, and don't want to bottom everything when loaded.

Thanks

I'll say this, with all the weight I had over the rear I was not even close to bottoming. I was just beginning to feel the overloads which = slight bumping. It sounds like you won't be as close to that weight for daily driving so I would probably stick with the MD springs. But call nisstec and they can really discuss with you the pros and cons of each.

[Stezzyfrontiers23]

I had some extra time this afternoon and went down to the Home Depot to get a torque wrench rated up to 200lb. for the install. Thought i would also show everyone else the tools needed for this: 17 mm socket for the rear shackle, 3/4 inch front eye, 18 mm for the u-blot nuts, and 7/8 for the new u-blot nuts, jack stands, jack, breaker bar, some lubricant, and a Chilton for torque specifications. Have 2008 SE so I dont know if this will be accurate for all other models.

[chijusa]

thanks for all info! That will help alot when doing mine next spring. ARB emailed me back today, and they told me that considering towing they would recommand me HD springs, but comparing to original, the MD springs would be a nice upgrade for sure.

The other thing they explained in the Email, is that lift rating on the site is with a empty truck if I understand well. They told me that the MD springs would give me about .75 to 1 " lift with the constant weight I have, but the HD would give me a full 2" lift.

And they both increase total weight capacity of leaf pack, so better capacity to handle max load of the truck. ( they cannot say increasing load capacity I guess!!!).

Will have to decide which one I'll choose regarding my use. All your info will help alot.

[Sly Tuna]

Those appear to be 2-3* shims not blocks. Leave them on unless you want drive-line vibration.

[the007forum]

Originally Posted by Sly Tuna

Those appear to be 2-3* shims not blocks. Leave them on unless you want drive-line vibration.

Exactly. The shims are there to rotate your differential by a couple degrees. This puts the driveshaft back in the optimum lineup with the differential. Every couple degrees off throws the rotation off causing vibrations. You will be alright without them; but they might improve your ride.

[Stezzyfrontiers23]

So thats what those shims are for. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to use the shims because then i would be over stretching the shocks. Im going to test it out and if the vibration is really bad I'll reinstall the shims and get some 5125's from RPG.

[Mandangalo]

Shims don't provide any lift