Tips on replacing rear leaves?
#1
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Tips on replacing rear leaves?
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
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
#2
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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
Mike
#3
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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.
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.
Last edited by Adam F; 01-24-2005 at 01:38 PM.
#4
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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
http://community.webshots.com/album/191135149WHNAHa
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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
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
#6
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Originally Posted by 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
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
It doesn't really matter when you do the shocks.
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