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Leveling blocks causing axle wrap? WITH VIDS

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by WildLand, Jan 14, 2014.

  1. Jan 14, 2014 at 3:13 PM
    #1
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    howdy

    So I've had a clunking noise in my truck and was told that it might be from axle warp where the leaf springs are warn down and old.
    Could this be from the 3 inch leveling block that is on top of my leafs or is it just old leaf springs? I know many of you have replaced your leaf springs but wasn't sure if it was for the lift or if the leaf springs just get old (especially mine being 14 years old).

    Thanks in advance!
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2014
  2. Jan 14, 2014 at 3:15 PM
    #2
    4runnercaged

    4runnercaged Well-Known Member

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    idk how the clunking noise could be from your leaf springs being worn down.. but anyways
    the leveling block will make your leafs frown faster
    they will make axle wrap worse because it gives the axle more leverage on the springs
     
  3. Jan 14, 2014 at 3:26 PM
    #3
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    oh just because of separating upon accelerating. Just what a member said it might be.
    So take out the blocks or get new leafs that raise the back 3 inches instead?
     
  4. Jan 14, 2014 at 3:31 PM
    #4
    4runnercaged

    4runnercaged Well-Known Member

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    i see what your saying, the axle wrap will cause seperation then it going back together could be a clunk.......

    So take out the blocks or get new leafs that raise the back 3 inches instead?
    yes you can do that. you dont need a whole new leaf pack to gain 3 inches. you can use a add a leaf, and you can find them tons of places like wheelers, ome, icon
     
  5. Jan 14, 2014 at 8:29 PM
    #5
    604YOTA

    604YOTA Well-Known Member

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    You might want to see how much damage the block has caused first.

    Removing the block and replacing with a add a leaf might just be a temp fix if the rear leafs are frowning.
    And might get you by for a while but... in the end might need new leafs ...
     
  6. Jan 14, 2014 at 8:37 PM
    #6
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    I'll check the damage of the blocks and if they aren't frowning then should I add a leaf for the lift to match the front? I've only had the blocks for 7 months so I don't think they could make the frown that fast.
    But adding a leaf should be okay since I plan on keeping the truck for only a couple more years, right?
     
  7. Jan 14, 2014 at 8:47 PM
    #7
    604YOTA

    604YOTA Well-Known Member

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    Should be fine as long as the leafs arn't toast.
     
  8. Jan 14, 2014 at 8:49 PM
    #8
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    sweet thanks! :cheers:
     
  9. Jan 14, 2014 at 8:51 PM
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    95 taco

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  10. Jan 14, 2014 at 9:05 PM
    #10
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    Thanks man, I was wondering what other truck leafs I could use (don't know suspension at all) but I'm always up for a project and wanting to learn!
     
  11. Jan 14, 2014 at 11:33 PM
    #11
    mikesdoublecab

    mikesdoublecab LT Chase Truck

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    Deaver J59 leaf packs are pretty good and strong... i ran those for years before rebuilding my truck....
     
  12. Jan 15, 2014 at 7:40 AM
    #12
    jaunty

    jaunty Well-Known Member

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    there are multiple threads on here about this. after coming to a stop, your rear leafs bind up, then as you drive again you get the clunk as the tension (wrap) releases?

    I fixed it by clamping a universal ubolt on the front side of the leafs. autozone has them.

    If that doesnt work, then yeah your block could be contributing to the problem but more than likely its just the springs.
     
  13. Jan 15, 2014 at 4:40 PM
    #13
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    I would if I had the money at the moment. You know suspension I can tell haha

    That's the route I was gonna do. Just buy some ubolts and tighten them on. I just was wondering if it that could happen with or without the blocks and now know that the blocks arent causing it if it is the warping. Do you just have one u bolt on each side
     
  14. Jan 15, 2014 at 5:58 PM
    #14
    fyremanpat

    fyremanpat Well-Known Member

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    ive heard people say that blocks mess up springs prematurely. i dont see how. the leafs are touching the same surface area whether its the block or on the axle perch.
     
  15. Jan 15, 2014 at 6:40 PM
    #15
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

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    I agree, I ran 2.5" blocks on my rockcrawler for 15 years. Didn't seem to cause additional 'frowning' . I did have one cracked leaf after about 10 years. Easy fix.
     
  16. Jan 15, 2014 at 7:00 PM
    #16
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    Thats what I thought too. Maybe more pressure somehow? I don't know, people just made me nervous that my blocks are damaging my leafs

    Well thats reassuring about the 15 years part! I'll just keep them and u bolt the leafs to stop them from clunking
     
  17. Feb 21, 2014 at 4:04 PM
    #17
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    Took some gopro footage of my truck to see what the clunk is in the back. Can you guys tell if this is axle wrap? you can here the noise at :17 and :28 on the first video. Also you can see the axle move or is that normal?

    th_GOPR1333_zps1b853a49_55ee0b76f937da64816e45034828bc55a9c781bc.jpg

    and also can you tell on this video? this one probably isnt helpful

    th_vid1_zpsb6109d57_442ba2b147c31d4519af4505c7eba84755eeef89.jpg
     
  18. Feb 21, 2014 at 4:18 PM
    #18
    wrat

    wrat Well-Known Member

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    Even after going with a new leaf pack I still had axle wrap. What cured it for me was tightening the u-bolts down to 90 ft/lbs.
     
  19. Feb 21, 2014 at 4:22 PM
    #19
    WildLand

    WildLand [OP] Does Ursus arctos defecate in deciduous forest?

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    Do you think that getting new struts for the back would help keep the axle in place?
     
  20. Feb 21, 2014 at 4:38 PM
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    wrat

    wrat Well-Known Member

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    No. The blocks are definately not helping. Get a torque wrench and tighten all of your u-bolts to ~80 ft/lbs and then take it for a drive. See if that cures the issue.
     

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