Hello everyone I recently installed an old man emu Shocks and leaf springs front and back kit on my 1984 Toyota pick up I had to remove the torque rod to be able to drop the front axle enough to install the leaves now it’s really difficult to install the torque rod back I zip tied the torque rod as an example to show how little I’m off to where the bolt can’t slide in place. Any tips?? Should I buy a slightly skinnier bolt? Any suggestions will be much appreciative thank you

 

Center the hole with a large tapered drift punch or similar and immobilise the rod by suitable application of vice grips. Insert bolt.

You might be able to get a screwdriver or chisel between the eye and mount after you have centralised with the tapered punch.

 

Definitely don't want to go smaller with the bolt. millball's idea is good. I've used ratchet straps in the past to align suspension parts, but if you do be VERY careful that it's not going to slip off.

 

I had a really hard time getting mine back in after installing the OME springs too. I didn’t keep
track of which way the torque rod was oriented so I thought I put it back in wrong and tried flipping it around (both barrel roll and end over end). It definitely fit better in one direction. It’s worth a try.

Good luck,
Winky

 

Check your other post

 

Yeah, no on the smaller bolt. I also have the OME suspension, just discovered someone went the smaller bolt route years ago on my rig and as a result one of the holes in the mount has rounded out a great deal, probably 50% larger than it was. I'm installing one of these:
Should fix my round-out problem, might fix your alignment issue and would likely improve performance of the torque rod. But beware, it's a crap part, will likely require shims, a carefully sourced bolt (I have an OEM bolt on order from Toyota, doubt it is long enough), and slight enlargement of hole for OEM bolt. Northwest Off Road Specialties appears to make a nicer one, but they are out of stock, and a real nightmare to deal with (make it seem like they're doing you a massive favor when you try to buy something from them.
https://www.northwestoffroad.com/par...components.php

Anyone know how the torque rod is supposed to work? The edge of the bushing is serrated, seems like it is supposed to get clamped into the bracket, but that would seem to prevent articulation unless the bushing itself rotates...

 

I just ordered and adjustable torque rod from 4wd1.com. This puppy: Adjustable Torque Rod
Total cost to ship was AUD215, which was $152 in yesterday's dollars.
There is another poster who got one shipped to US through these folks: Cozza torque rod
This might be just what you need.
I just finished my OME install last week. I never did remove the torque rod. But my steering wheel is a little to the left. I want to relieve any residual load I have on my stock torque rod, so I will remove it and install an adjustable one when it arrives. I will take photos and post them. I suspect the axle bracket will more forward like yours did with the stock rod removed. We will see.