trying to get leaf packs separated

I am experiencing some serious drive line vibrations after a modest lift installed, that being the Toyec AAL and a 1.5" block. Recently I ordered the zinc axle shims to see what they can do to remedy the problem. The other day I started to take things apart to get the either the shims in or take the block out. But I couldn't get the elaf packs to "separate" enough to get the block out.
The steps I took where:

1. take off the wheels and place the truck on jack stands on the axle after the brakes.
2. loosen the emergency brake line.
3. clamp the leafs shut with a c-clamp.
4 loosen and take off the u-bolts and the bump stop and loosen the center post.
5. jack the truck from the frame to "separate "the leaf packs.
6. ease off on the clamp to slowly release the stored energy in the leaf packs.


After all this, nothing. The leaf packs separated somewhat but definately not enough to get that block out or put the shim in. Tried loosening the centering post but it just spins freely. Is it threaded into some where under the leaf packs?

if you have an idea let me know

 

the centering pin should have a nut on it ...i think.

 

x2^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
but you should not need to remove the centering pin to install or uninstall the blocks........
you have to lower your axle more or jack the frame higher

 

The center pin has a nut on the bottom side. Put a pair of big vice grips on the top end and loosen the nut on the lower end as you hold the top in place. It might be a good idea to give it a shot of penetrating oil first too.

 

Exactly. I'm a little confused as to what you are trying to do here. It sounds more like you are trying to take a leaf out of the pack rather then remove the block. Taking the block out requires none of what you have mentioned above. Simply raise the truck up with some jack stands (placed under the chassis lift points) and the lower the rear axle after loosening the u bolts. Once you have enough clearance to pull the blocks, take them out and then you will have to replace your ubolts.

 

An aal and a 1.5" block is not a "modest" lift. It's a big lift.
If you have the frame lifted high enough, the axle should be easily lowered by a jack once the ubolts, shocks, and brake lines are released. Your block should pretty much just fall out.

 

x2

 

You didn't list shock removal on your step by step. Did you? That would explain why they won't hang low enough. Plus, IMO, an aal, a block, and a shim is a lot of crap back there. If you off road it hard, the block and shim combination are just asking for failure.

 

NO, my plan is to take out the block and replace it with the shim.

 

no, the shock just comes off with that piece after the u-bolts are taken off.

 

Sounds good

 

So next time just lift the frame as highas I can get it place the jack stands under it. Then "drop" the rear end after the hardware has been loosened\ removed?

 

Yeah I didn't get where the centering pin has still being held at. I hit evrything with some pb blaster but it just kept spinning when I tried to loosen it.

 

there should be a nut on the top of the centering pin and on the bottom you have a rounded head hold that with channel locks or vise grips and loosen the nut...... that head on the bolt centers the springs on the axle

 

Exactly. Jack stand it in front of the leaves high enough to get the tires off the ground. Put a jack under the diff just touching, remove hardware on one side, slowly lower the jack. The axle on that side will come down away from the leaves. Do what you want to do over there, jack the axle back up and reassemble hardware. Repeat on the other side.

 

I know this is a old post but, I had the same problem yesterday with the axle and springs not seperating, but after I losened the ubolts I then jacked up the springs only, problem solved. Then I could slide the shims in, but I still don't know if the centering pin is inside the axle hole?