Jacking points?

I just ordered Bilstein 5100 and add a leafs and am planing to install them on my 2011 Tacoma. I was wondering if anyone had tips or comments on jacking points for the rear so that I can hold up the truck and the rear axle sperataly so that I can lower the rear axle if I need to in order to get the leaf springs out.

 

Jack it up off the frame. Might have to use blocks if jack doesn't go that high b u t you should be able to get the rear end up in the air by jacking the truck up from middle to middle.rear of lower frame rail portion. Then leave axle on wheels sitting on ground till you get suspension in.

 

So just leave the wheels on the ground? Or put some jack stands under the rear axel to hold it?

 

Try the frame.

 

Jack it up by the rear axle and put jack stands under the frame rails if you have tall enough jack stands. If not, jack it up by the rear end, pull the tires, then lower it back jack stands under the frame.

 

Just leave wheels on the ground. Get weight off springs and add add a leaf then sit it back down on axle and bolt it back up. Simple.

 

when I installed new leaf springs I did one side at a time. jack stand under the frame, took the wheel off and used the jack to raise/lower axle as needed on that side

 

Thanks all this was very helpful

 

Yeah, never really can find a definitive answer to jack points on the Tacoma, whether it for this type of install or even just rotating tires or changing a flat.

Wish it were clear cut like on cars that have a little notch on where to put the jack.

 

I'm almost positive my tacoma manual had diagram on where to place jack/stands

 

If you look under the front of the truck, there is a protruding round piece of metal that sticks out beyond the skid plate. This is a balanced point to lift the truck with a jack. This is where I always lift mine. The frame, rear pumpkin, and rear axle can all be used.

 

bump because the manual isnt clear at all, but the stock jack still sucks

 

jack up the truck and rest the frame on some jack stands, then like others said, use your jack to manipulate the axle.
just did this at Christmas with my AAL's.

I would loosen the U-bolts on the opposite side to whatever side you are working on to give the axle some room to pivot without twisting your leafs.
also watch out for those brake lines on the drivers side. Don't over extend them or you could cause a leak.

take your time, and it will be fine.

here is my order of work.

work on getting the top shock nuts off ( I had to take some big pliers and crush the protective "cans" to stop the shock shaft from spinning )
Once the top nut is off, take off the bottom nut & bolt, then compress shock with hand to be able to remove. Do that to both sides.

Jack up truck using jack stands on the rear part of the fram ( just before the frame goes "up" for the rear ) block off front wheels so she don't move on ya
take off the rear wheels.
add the AAL's using the method I described ( loosen up both sides, manipulate the axle with the jack to raise and lower it. Everything can only go back on way, so no real worries on aligning it all up upon assemble )

once the truck is back on the ground under its own weight, put back the new shocks by installing the bottom bolt & nut first. I had to get a little physical with mine using a dead blow hammer to squeeze those new bushings into the lower bracket IIRC. Top was easy, Compress the shaft and guide it into its new home. Torque to spec.

YMMV, but that's what I did and it worked out well for me. I think it took me about 1.5hrs from start to finish.


which AAL's you running?
going to keep the overload in?

 

Youtube is your friend. Watch a bunch of them and you'll get ideas on how to work on your suspension.

 

Its all in your owners manual.

 

check the English section. Use a real jack not the one that came with the truck.