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Strange "grinding" noise after add a leaf install

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by 2012 Tacoman AZ, Apr 6, 2012.

  1. Apr 6, 2012 at 9:07 PM
    #1
    2012 Tacoman AZ

    2012 Tacoman AZ [OP] super n00b

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    Installed a 1-2 inch "add a leaf" today and now when I decelerate a hear a grinding type noise. Seems to only happen above 55 mph. Also the noise happens even in neutral but not a loud as when it's in gear.

    Any ideas?
     
  2. Apr 7, 2012 at 10:16 PM
    #2
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

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    Since it started with the AAL install, I would check those out first.
    Could be loose u-bolt nuts. Torque them to factory specs.
     
  3. Apr 7, 2012 at 10:25 PM
    #3
    Texoma

    Texoma IG: Triple C Chop Shop

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    A bunch a cool stickers, a bada ass MetalMiller Tx Longhorns grill emblem painted Hemi Orange, JBA long tube headers with o2 sims, Diff breather mod, Red LED interior lights, Fancy head unit that plays ipod n movies, Also DIY install factory stuff like, factory cruise control, factory intermittent wipers, OME nitro struts with 886x springs and toy tec top plate, JBA high caster UCA's for better alignmnet and dey beefier too, Old Man Emu Dakar leaf springs in da rear with the gear, U bolt flipper, Ivan Stewart TRD rims with 33" K Bro 2's, some bad ass weather tech floor liners so I don't muck up my interior, an ATO shackle flipper for mo travel in da rear wit the gear, also super shiny Fox 2.0 shocks back there too, all sorts of steal armor for bouncing off of the rocks like demello sliders, AP front skid, trans skid, n transfer skid, demello gas tank skid, and a tough as nails ARB bumper with warn 8k winch, I'm sure there's more
    85ftlbs for u bolt torque. Then after about 100 miles of driving, retorque them. Try greasing your U joints, grinding may go away. Also check for any play in your U joints and shaft bearings. Grinding could be a bad bearing as well.
     
  4. Apr 8, 2012 at 1:17 AM
    #4
    2012 Tacoman AZ

    2012 Tacoman AZ [OP] super n00b

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    Thanks for the input guys but I ended up taking the AAL's out today and all is back to normal. I even took the truck to the local 4 wheel shop and they said they never heard of anything like that with just an AAL. Their best guess was the same as mine - the standard cab has a single drive shaft and it might be the angle of the shaft that was causing the problem. They recommended shims. They also said some of the major kit makers don't even have a kit for the 2012s yet so maybe they are having the same issues with AALs on the kits.

    Either way I yanked out the AAL and plan on trying angled blocks to see what happens.
     
  5. Apr 8, 2012 at 1:55 AM
    #5
    4WD

    4WD cRaZy oLdmAn

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    Don't go the blocks route bro', re install your leafs & shim it right there on the spring perch on axle, your diff/pinion angle needs to go up a tad.. this is pretty typical for a one piece shaft, the blocks may be simpler but I promise , you'll hate the ride...;)
     
  6. Apr 8, 2012 at 1:58 AM
    #6
    BMOC

    BMOC Well-Known Member

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    i say re-install with degree shims..
    i have a couple you can have. :)
     
  7. Apr 8, 2012 at 2:01 AM
    #7
    2012 Tacoman AZ

    2012 Tacoman AZ [OP] super n00b

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    Can I come over your place and do it? :D

    I don't think my U bolts are long enough though :(
     
  8. Apr 8, 2012 at 2:10 AM
    #8
    BMOC

    BMOC Well-Known Member

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    well i don't see why not :p

    i got some u-bolts too :)
     
  9. Apr 8, 2012 at 2:15 AM
    #9
    4WD

    4WD cRaZy oLdmAn

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    There ya go Man !! Niiice !!;)




    Way to stand up & help a member dude ...!! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
     
  10. Apr 8, 2012 at 8:07 AM
    #10
    2012 Tacoman AZ

    2012 Tacoman AZ [OP] super n00b

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    Yea BMOC is super cool, second time he has offered to help me out!
     
  11. Apr 8, 2012 at 8:15 AM
    #11
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

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    I don't agree. If your AAL is a single leaf, don't use it.
    Shitty ride, and increases the likely-hood of breaking one
    of the other leaves.

    Progressive 3-pack AAL is the way to go, if you're going to use AAL .

    If you go with shims, be sure they are steel, no aluminum.
     
  12. Mar 31, 2023 at 2:41 PM
    #12
    kbecerra

    kbecerra Well-Known Member

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    Had a clanking noise just today and also had a Deaver AAL install several months ago. Sure enough in was my driver side U-Bolt. I took advantage and also greased the AAL along with torquing the U-Bolts to spec.

    Noise was immediately gone
     

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