Icon Progressive AAL HELP??

So Ive been trying to install the Icon progressive aal (3 leaf pack that replaces the overload leaf) and Ive been have some issues. Its probably me but maybe it's Icon. I dont know. First off, the finish was really bad. Like chipped all around and all the hardware was basically naked once it was in.

Now for the real issues, the nuts were not holding down the leafs, as they were stripping and slipping upward on the center pin provided by Icon. I had to use a C clamp to compress all the leafs while screwing down the nut, but that was after I had already stripped one from not doing that before (so now I'm missing one of the centerpins and its nut)

My biggest concern is that the bottom of the center pin is not lining up with the seat in the axle. I dont know if it matters but it seems like it should because the stock centerpin sat in there.


Please tell me what I'm doing wrong. This is obviously my first big mod and it did not go as planned at all.

Thanks

 

In the pic above, the bottom of the center pin is in between the leaf pack and the axle, and its like a 1/4" from being seated in the hole where the bottom of the stock center pin was sitting.

 

I don't think its a huge issue. It looks like you just need to shift your axle forward more. Anytime you install something that changes stock suspension geometry, nothing is going to line up perfectly. Right now the weight of the front of the pumpkin and the drive shaft is pulling down and forward on the axle. You simply need to man handle the axle back into place while someone else lowers the lift or jack you're using.

 

Pretty sure it says in the instructions to clamp the leafs down before tightening the nut, to prevent stripping. ICON might not mention that, but the other companies that sell the same pack do/did.

 

Icon did not mention that, and I really wish they did

 

I did try man handling it forward but not while someone else lifted the axle. I'm not sure what to do about replacing the center pin and nut

 

Find local or order new center pins if they really are stripped out beyond use. Grab up two heavy duty clamps and clamp on both sides of the bolt as close to the center pin as possible, put the new pin in, put a little blue or red loctite on the bolt, tighten down the nut, and have a buddy help you maneuver the pin into the hole.

 

Thank you

 

I'm pretty sure they can be ran with the overload leaf. Most people do. Gives a little more lift and overload leaf ability. I would run them. Go to napa and tell them u need center pin bolts for your taco leaf pack. They are cut to fit after installing. Also, use c clamps and loctite

 

I also forgot, the AAL came with longer pins, you need to make sure you get extended length ones, not stock length ones or they'll be too short for the pack.

 

I ran into the same issue not lining up so the pin drops into the plate. A 3000 lb ratchet strap pulled it into place. Jack the axle up to put a little tension on the pin so it'll drop in when lined up.

I don't have the instructions anymore but I could have sworn they said to use clamps on the leafs when tightening the pin/bolt.

Good luck

 

So I found a perfect fitting hex bolt (3/8" x 4") and when I put it all back together and lifted the axle, it actually sat perfectly into axle. Today is going 1000x better than yesterday.

Thanks to everyone for the help

 

When I assembled my RXT leafpack it did specifically tell me to clamp it. Weird that they would forget it in the AAL. As for the pin not aligning, I used ratchet straps to pull the axle forward ( or back ) on the frame. Make sure the frame is on jack stands before you do this though (as it should be from the beginning)

 

So I re read the instructions and I think they implied it as they said to clamp down the leaves for taking off the center pin but not for putting it back on. So it was definitely my fault

 

Having 2 sets of Jack stands was very helpful doing this job. That freed up the Jack for lowering one side at a time.

I also pulled from the frame with a sling wrapped around the housing.

I actually think it was easier doing this with the springs still mounted.

 

I have the Icon set that I have not installed as of yet. On advice of where I got them I went online and looked at the installation video. The clamps have to be used or the nuts will strip.
Here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXUZ4ebO394

As mentioned the overload can be left in and that is what I have planned to do. You get a 2" lift with the overload left in and only a 1 1/2" lift without it. You also don't lose any load capacity if you keep the overload.

Good luck.

 

For anybody reading this in the future.. removing the overload is a 10% loss of payload per the manufacturer.

 

Looks like I'll be buying some pins.
That might be too much rake...

 

To be fair, the instructions I received were difficult to decipher as well.

 

Get some ratchet straps to pull the axle forward.