Leaf Spring Shackle Polyurethane Bushings *Solved*

Hey all,

I am currently installing some OME Dakar (EL096R) HD leaf springs. I believe the bushing kit is from Energy Suspension. Like most without a press, I had a difficult time getting the old bushings out. It was also a bitch to get these new polyurethane bushings to be fitted in the leaf spring shackles. I managed to press the sleeve and bushings using the bottle jack and the weight of the truck. However, after fully pressing the bushings in, they tend to bulge out to a point where I cant seat them back on the truck.

My wife had the idea to use the leaf spring bolt with several washers to tighten the bushings onto the shackle. After initially doing this, the bushing seems to sit right. However, after loosening the bolt, the bushings want to bulge out slightly again.

We re-tightened the bolt back onto the bushings to "press" it for a longer period of time, hoping the bushings will remain fully seated.

What are good ways to keep the bushings seated so I can fit the shackle back in place?

 

I think you are supposed to remove that metal sleeve, that is likely why they aren't sitting right

 

I'm not quite sure what you are referencing in the picture. To clarify what is going on, I used the leaf spring bolt with some washers to press the bushings and metal sleeve (not pictured) into the shackle. However, the bushings immediately start bulging out as soon as I relieve pressure from the bolt.

 

The outer metal sleeves from the old bushings needed to be removed from the shackles prior to installing the new bushings.

 

If the idea of starting over makes sense for you at this point:

There is an alternative: part number 04005-65104 is a bare shackle with no bushings.

$68 Energy Suspension- 8.2116G LEAF SPRING BSHING SET - REAR

Energy 8.2116G bushings are the correct bushings for the naked shackles.

 

Now that you mentioned it, I dont remember taking out an outer sleeve after I took out the bushings and inner sleeves. Although, I didnt see anything unusual in the shackle eyelet. Is there a special way to them out?

 

That metal sleeve has to be chopped out. I just bought the naked shackles I posted above.

 

Thanks for that input! I just assumed that these bushings were plug and play.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/energy-rear-shackle-bushing-solved.440578/

 

@gotblika thanks for that post! For some reason, I have seen this post a while before conducting my install. Everything seemed gibberish to me, until I've actually worked with the part. Looks to me that @EDDO helped me figure this out by looking at a stock shackle and compared mine with it.

Getting that flange out looks like it sucks. Either I haven't done enough research, failed to comprehend the instructions, or both.

Anyways, thanks all!

 

@EDDO That shackles come in a pair right? For ~$20 I think that’s the way to go.

 

They’re $20 each. Sold individually.

 

Ahh ok... by them calling it a kit I thought it’d be a pair.

 

according to the recall, should be 2 shackles in the kit.

 

I know this is an old thread but I jut ordered these. I put quantity as “2” and I got 4 shackles. So yea they come as a kit for anyone else that stumbles across this thread

 

Hey guys, reviving this thread if anyone can clarify that would be cool.

In the process of putting Dakar’s on my 2013 TRD Sport and want to get new shackles on there but some Toyota dealer sites are stating that PN 04005-65104 does not fit my Taco. Can anyone confirm? From the image @EDDO provided they look the same as the ones on my taco.

thanks in advance!

 

That’s the part number I have on my 2013. Should be fine.

 

kickass, just ordered mine. Thanks!!