Dakar Leaf Pack: Install Write-Up & First Impressions

Ok , install done . Drove home 90 miles and truck rides great . Before if I hit a bump at highway speeds it would throw the ass end all over the place, now it’s much better. My steering wheel vibe at 52-60 mph is almost gone . Very small vibe in the seat but not enough to bother me .
Measurements are a little weird though !
Driver front 25 5/8
Driver rear 25 1/8 full tank of gas
Pass. Front 25 3/4
Pass rear 26 3/8
I was hoping for a 1” rake like I had before the frame swap with 1st set of TSB leafs and my 2” AAL
@DrFunker

 

Front measurements look good. The front won't settle as much as the rears, in my experience with what I have.
What did you have for leaf packs (+, -, 0)?

 

Front has been lifted 2.5” 6112s for 15 months . + on driver side and “0” on passenger .

 

Next year might have to add the AAL Big difference in the rear from driver side to passenger even with a full tank of gas .

 

I don’t under stand why ,before frame swap my rear was perfectly even side to side

 

Any top plate spacer in the front?

 

Yes 1/4 driver side

 

I have a 3/8" poly in now that was great when it was new. It is starting to give up on me. Ordered 2, 3/8" aluminum. I will have one extra for sale, if you are in need.

 

Hmmm. Maybe I need a bigger spacer for some reason . Will that raise the ass end too ?

 

I think the spacer I have is aluminum got it from Wheelers off road when I got the 6112s

 

Think I recall Marie from HS telling me that if you are off by an inch, side to side....a half inch spacer will even it.
I am going to try conservative and go with a 3/8" even though I am off about an inch, side to side.
I do have a 1/2" spacer waiting though.

 

So the spacer in the coilover will level up the rear ? Makes sense ,that must be my issue. Something with the new frame thru it off so probably just need the bigger spacer

 

The spacer will help some.
Yeah, strange how the frame swap did that, but these are quirky vehicles.

 

I did get new LCAs free with frame and I paid for a new rack and power steering lines and added Energy Suspension body bushings . I wonder if it’s one of the body bushings . I’m gonna get on the creeper tomorrow and do an inspection!

 

@lynyrd3 , did you go with the 5125 for the rear?

Did you replaced the brakes lines? If you did what length?

I dont wheeled it but am afraid when lift it on a lift rack to snap the brakes lines.

Thanks.

 

Yes 5125s and extended brake lines + 4”

 

Thanks, I need to invest on the brakes lines.

 

@Taco Mark86 years later just did this on my 2003 and probably couldn't have done it without your writeup. I know different gen, and I had a video that I could refer to for 1st gens, but couldn't find it spelled out step by step like you did anywhere else. Not even the guy on the youtube videos with most views really gives you the step by step like that. Talking about your text, not the video you mentioned wasn't yours. Thanks!

 

Did anyone have issues with the ubolts not being long enough? I found it odd that the stock ubolts are 8.5” and the new ubolts are only 7.5”. I wasn’t able to get the threads to come all the way through the nuts.