Dakar Leaf Pack: Install Write-Up & First Impressions

Hey guys, I was looking for a new leaf pack and was torn between Dakars and All-Pros. I recently found a great deal on a rear suspension set on craigslist and had to jump on it. Also I know there are other install threads, just wanted to make my own and hopefully add a few tips. This is also my first writeup.


Got everything you see here for $420 (and 5 hours of driving each way)

Extended Brake Lines (Front & Rear), Sway bar relocates, Leaf Packs, and U-bolts all BRAND NEW


Took my dad and myself about 3-4 hours to do the install in our garage. I burnt out the OME bushings and installed all PolyEurethane I purchased from Wheelers.com



Here is the write-up I made myself for doing the install:
DISCLAIMER- I am not responsible for any injuries that may result from you doing this install yourself, do not attempt it unless you are an expert.

Tacoma: Guide for lift Install

Tools List:
PB Blaster
Knee pads (optional)
Gloves
1/2" Drive Ratchet
Torque Wrench
Jackstands (x2) AND 1 or 2 Hydraulic Jacks
3/16” Allen wrench…..[shock, bilstein 5100s]
17mm wrench…… [shock]
17mm socket…… [shock]
12mm socket……. [B-L Bracket]
22mm socket…….. [U-Bolts]
19mm Socket…..[Lower Shackle Bolt]
19mm Wrench…..[Front leaf Bolt]

Once the truck is safely up on jackstands perform the following..

Steps Taken:
1. Loosen Brakeline brackets
2. Take of top shock mount nut
3. Remove bottom shock mount bolt
4. Loosen & remove U-bolts
5. Lower Axel to take pressure off the springs
6. Loosen & Remove Lower Shackle bolt (Rear of spring)
7. Loosen & remove bolt at the front of the spring
8. Remove stock leaf pack
9. Swap shackle over to new leaf pack (Socket & Backup Wrench)
10. Thread lock on rear shackle (Optional)
11. Bolt on front of leaf pack first
12. Line up centering pin on Axel
13. Drop shackle into place & Install Bolt
14. Jack Axel up enough to put some weight on the springs
15. Re-Install shock
16. Re-Install Bump Stop
17. Re-Install U-Bolts & Re-attach Brake Lines
18. Lower the truck with all nuts/ bolts tightened.
19. Lower the truck and torque everything to spec with the full weight
of the truck on the wheels.
20. Drive around some and re-torque all bolts to make sure they stayed tight

Also found these Torque Specs online

Rear Suspension Torque Specs:

Lower Shock Mount - 74 ft lbs
Upper Shock Mount - 15 ft lbs
Rear Leaf Pack * (Front bolt and two rear bolts) - 89 ft lbs
Ubolts - 73 ft lbs (stock), 75 ft lbs can be recommended by some aftermarket vendors


Additional Notes/ Tips after performing install:

Spray PB blaster on everything your unbolting before starting
(Hours... days... Months in advance)

Put the jackstands in a solid and SAFE position to keep the back of the truck from falling on you, an extra jackstand or floor jack would be great as an extra safety precaution.

The most difficult part for my dad and I was figuring out how to get the center pin in position on the rear axel, I ended up pushing down on the rear axel while my dad (sitting) pushed the axel with his foot towards the center hole until I could see it line up.

Also make sure you have a box to keep all the nuts/ bolts in during the install so you don't lose them.

This isn't me, but this video was VERY helpful for the install. Do not attempt the install without first watching this :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31ORzqSCKHQ

After the install:
These are advertised as 2.75" lift springs, however I achieved approx. 3.4" of lift with these springs on a 2009 DCSB, I kinda wanted more than 2.75" so I am very happy. I also know it will settle some, and yes this is the standard Dakar pack with no AAL.

They ride smoother than I expected but definitely more harshly than stock, and it bucks like a horse when going over speed bumps any faster than 10mph.

I am currently running stock length Bilstein 5100s in the back with this lift with the intention of getting some extended shocks for the back. In the front I am running Fox 2.5 Coilovers and Camburg UCAs.

Overall I am very happy with the springs and glad I was able to install them myself, also got to spend some quality time with my dad. I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow!

 

It will settle a bit

 

Thanks mark for posting this info. I'm putting together my suspension set up and some of my questions have been answered. +1 rep to you

 

No problem! I'd be happy to try and answer any additional questions also

 

Well done! Once you get some longer shocks on there it should help the bucking, the have to be at about max extension right now with 3" of lift so you probably don't have much if any down travel.

 

Hmm could be it

 

You could remove the upper overload leaf and reduce life by 0.5 inch or so. My Dakars with leaf removed yielded 2.5" in lift.

 

Nice write up. My springs are being shipped now from arb!

 

Nice write up...helpful step by step of what to expect.

 

Great write up! Did you have any trouble with your e-brake cable being too tight at full droop on the passenger side? I have this issue right now after installing my dakars. I may just unbolt the hanger and let it free float but don't want it to get snagged on anything while vehicle is in motion.

 

On my gen 1 the DS cable was very tight...unbolted the bracket and GTG.

 

I know I'm about a year late but does anyone still have their factory leaf packs laying around

 

Thanks for the write up. It was a huge help.

 

Good write up OP thanks.

 

THe arrow painted on the leafs indicates pointing forward in orientation, right?




I’m instakling my Dakar pack, 5125 extended Bilsteins, Wheelers U bolt flip kit and wheelers bumpstops tomorrow! I’m very excited because the truck currently has TWO INCH BLOCKS in the rear and it rides horrible especially off road. I’m just going to pay a shop to do my extended brake line install.
Pic below shows current 2” rear block lift.

T H A N K Y O U OP FOR THE WRITEUP and torque specs

 

THe arrow painted on the leafs indicates pointing forward in orientation, right?




I’m instakling my Dakar pack, 5125 extended Bilsteins, Wheelers U bolt flip kit and wheelers bumpstops tomorrow! I’m very excited because the truck currently has TWO INCH BLOCKS in the rear and it rides horrible especially off road. I’m just going to pay a shop to do my extended brake line install.

 

Done in 3 hrs but would have been done in 2 if we didn’t have to grind down the center pin that goes in the bottom of the 5125 shock bushings! They were too wide for the lower shock mount on the truck!

 

I’m trying to find a good setup for my rear end of my 2017 trd sport, anyone know a good leaf pack and shocks set up to get 3” lift in rear

 

Doing this today. Dealer free install . Hoping no problems with 5125s !