couple nonTSB AAL insall questions

today my buddy and I are about to install the AALs on a my 2011 tacoma. Just have a couple questions before we start.

1) there were no U-bolts provided. The vehicle has 10,000 miles on it. Do I need to pick up new U-bolts or longer U-bolts?

2) I was told previously that rear end work doesn't affect alignment. However; reading through the AAL install thread I noticed some people stating the opposite. Do I need to get re-aligned after the install?

 

You will use the factory u-bolts. It should have came with new center leaf pins. I wouldn't worry about getting it alligned.

 

I lifted the rear of the truck from the differential.

do I take the shocks off while the load is still on the jack or do I let the jack stands take the load before removing the shocks?

 

I promise you that if you touch the rear end it Will change your thrust and you Will need to align your wheels. there is such a small chance it wont but Id always check out. My new leafs pushed my LR toe out and my RR toe in, I had to loosen it on the rack to correct it. and after doing the springs I would of bet you the alignment was fine. but the Alignment rack said otherwise.

 

thanks. I still dont really understand how this shock would come off nicely if it's under pressure...

 

why do the bolt threads also rotate while the top nut is being removed from the shock?

 

op..here is a sticky that covers what you are doing.

The shaft turns because it is not attached to the shock tube...it is like a piston inside the tube. use a wrench to hold the shaft at top while you loosen the retaining nut.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/54186-aal-install-second-gen.html

 

yeah i'm using that sticky....

I understand why it's turning. I just cant find a place to put a wrench on the other side to prevent it from turning. vice grips is what I was considering...

 

is there not a flattened part of the very top of the bolt? above the threads?

 

no there isnt

i'm thinking it's likely under the boot. I guess the boots need to be lowered...

 

well once you get the nut off. you should be able to compress the shocks by hand to get them below the mount and remove. It takes a bit to get it moving but once it starts it should start compressing relatively easily

 

i am not sure what shocks the sport uses....it might take an allen wrench in the top of the shaft

 

sorry. these are bilstein 5100s

 

yeah, then it takes an allen wrench

Good luck with install

 

oh i see now. thanks. i never would have figured that out

 

from the picture i'm not exaclty sure which bolt needs to be removed that's holding the brake lines to the axel. If it's the one i think then there's only one bolt on the driver's side...

 

im not sure if the axel should be as loose as it is right now. this is sketchy business...

does the long side of the AAL go towards the front or back?

 

Long end towards the rear.

Here's another tutorial from RelentlessTaco:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/31118-how-install-add-leaf-w-pics.html