Squeaky Dakars : Any advice from others with the Dakars ?

I'm just stoked that ARB really stands behind their stuff. And free stuff is always awesome.
And this thread details everything you can do to eliminate all squeaks

 

Psssst, those are gonna squeak too.

 

Those are their anti squeak pads or whatever they're called. They should have a opening on the bottom side so you can insert a grease gun needle and grease them.

 

Cool. Did not know that. Fortunately have a grease gun with needle.

 

sub'd

 

Does anyone have a picture of the hole to grease, I try finding it on my dakars and nothing. They are grey

 

I just contacted them because of this. See if they give me something to help with the squeak. Honestly, I don't need new springs, but won't complain at all. I would just like something to deal with that noise. I honestly like the ride, but not sure my next set will be dakars simply because of this.

 

Hows the non squeak holding up with that grease ? I believe I have the updated dakars ...there are holes in front and back up through the isolater pads ,i took my grease gone and pumped some grease in until it was gooshing out between the leafs ...noise gone for now

 

How's this holding up, still no squeak
squeak? Also did you take the leaf pack apart to install or just pry them while still on the truck?
Thanks man.

 

Squeak is gone!

I just removed the two overload springs and re-installed my 1.5” block to improve ride quality. It’s perfect and no more noise.

 

I know.
The leaves were worn to bare metal on the contact surfaces as were the leaf retainers.
For ride quality, I am of the opinion that the truck is just not heavy enough to compress the overload(s) and therefore it’s like hitting a bump stop any time they are engaged.
For the squeak, I’m not quite sure but don’t care because it’s now gone.

Without the overloads, the truck can actually use all 10.1 inches of travel rather easily and my Fox DSC clickers can do their job properly.

 

I too pulled the top OL leaf out.


How do you have your shocks mounted?

 

Stock mounts.

I went with a custom Fox rear shock build from @AccuTune Offroad.

They are for a FJ, but built with the sleeves and eyes for a Tacoma. 15.2” compressed and 25.3” extended.

Part number FOX-985-24-108.

 

So, are you guys saying that when you remove one of the overload leads from the Dakar pack that the ride will be smoother?

I usually don’t have any extra weight in the back so, I’m looking to soften the ride a bit.

 

Yep. If you look at the design the overload springs are engaged when the leaf pack makes contact. The idea is that this interaction will then distribute the force to the overload spring(s) in order to minimize the negative arch created by the downward force upon the leaf pack.
The Tacoma does not weigh enough to do so.
I had a full pallet of sod in my truck a few weeks ago when the overload springs were still installed. It rode GREAT! Without the extra weight, it rode like a kid’s wagon.

 

Removing an overload changes the height (lift), not the ride. Removing a leaf changes the ride.

 

Got it. Thank you for clarifying.