ianshoots

So I got my 5 leaf pack from wheelers offroad (the label says deaver, so I feel extra fancy!). I'm gonna install bilstein 5100's with them.
Does anyone have any tips on the installation (outside of lots of PB blaster)?
Is there a suggested order in doing things?

Is there a write-up somewhere that I should read?

I know lots of you have done this, and its probably super easy, but I appreciate you insight.

thanks,
Ian

BLKNBLU

iTrader: (1)

I had to take apart my old and new springs to re-use some parts (bottom load carrying leaf) Lining everything up and getting the center pin through enough to catch a thread was a real PITA, but I didn't have appropriate c-clamps on hand. I'm sure that would have made everything easier. I also had a hard time getting it jacked up high enough to release tension without the jack being in my way. In the end I used the stock bottle jack on a 2x4 on a cinder block up near the t-case cross member. That lifted one whole side up at a time. I don't remember the numbers, but my new springs had one leaf more than the OE and the u-bolts fit just fine. And yeah, plenty of PB blaster. You're in rust belt Ohio (ouch). Well at least yours aren't 19 yrs old like mine. Good luck.

Mike

Adam F

Worst part about removing stock leaf springs are the rusted and seized bolts.

I just did a buddy's truck, and we ended up having to cut off the u-bolts with a big cut off disk, one front spring bolt with a sawzall, and 2 rear spring bolts with a sawzall. And then to get new bolts from Toyota for the rear of the springs, you have to buy a $50 "shackle kit".

I had to do simmilar things when I removed the leafs on my truck too. I cut 2 rear bolts in half and torched off the u-bolts.

The spring bolts get rusted inside the spring bushing and get seized in place. On my chevy springs I had to use a 20 ton press to get the bolts out of the bushings so that I could reuse them.

mt_goat

Here are some pics I took when I added some leaves to my packs. There is a brief description under each pic.

http://community.webshots.com/album/191135149WHNAHa

ianshoots

Thaks for the pics mt goat.

I know rust will be a problem. I got new U bolts from wheelers, as well as the front mounting bolts, so if i have to cut I am ready. My pack came complete with a new overload leaf, so that should make things a little easier (one less tep of assembly).

So as far as order goes, nothing special to know? Just unbolt everything at once? I assume its easiest to do one side at a time....
Will it be easier to install the shocks while the leaf packs are off (I'd guess so, just for clearance issue

mt_goat

It is easyest if you lift the whole rear end at the same time. Just lift it enough to bearly get the wheels off the ground at full droop. That way when you unbolt the u-bolts the axle doesn't drop any and you won't have to lift the axle going back together. If you try to do it one side at a time the bushings be in a bind and the bolts will be hard to go in and out.

It doesn't really matter when you do the shocks.