AAL Install. (second gen)

I've just read through the 17 pages of this thread. The question I didn't see answered is:

Will factory length U-bolts work with tsb springs and a 1.5 inch AAL?

The reason I ask is I've heard some sites you can buy U-bolts from are cheap quality steel. If that's the case I'd rather order new ones from the dealership.
Could you recommend any sites to order quality bolts from?

 

Ok thanks. I won't be reusing the old ones, I will buy new from the dealership. Unless I can source out good quality ones. Which ones are you guys using?

Chris just looking for your thoughts on this... Based on the design of the AAL having more of a curve it seems that it will eventually wear through the rubber pads and then start cutting into the stock leaf pack. Seems that it would need to be replaced after some time.

EDIT: Just doing some reading on ubolt grades and found this about re-using them. I didn't know the nuts had slightly different threads to reduce the chance of them backing off. Taken from www.truckcomponentsonline.com

Do Not Reuse U-bolts​

​

• Used U-bolts will have rusted and damaged threads from the previous installation​
• A previously torqued U-bolt will suffer from distored threads from the engagement of the deep nut. Deep nuts should be tighened once and retorqued, never loosened and retightened.​
• A used U-bolt may have suffered from fatigue as well excessive stress since achieving accurate torque with commonly used impact wrenches is very difficult. ​

Removed U-Bolts should NEVER be placed back onto the vehicle, they should be thrown away. Suspension U-Bolts are manufactured with a smooth rolled thread, while the mating Hi-Nuts are manufactured with sharp cut threads. When a U-Bolt is tightened to it's recommended torque level, the U-Bolt threads stretch as they mate with the Hi-Nuts. Although, not always visible to the naked eye, this damages the threads. Removing the Hi-Nuts from the U-Bolt will cause a cross-threading that will not allow the U-Bolt to be adequately re-torqued. A common practice in most maintenance facilities is to use a impact wrench to tighten U-Bolts. Consistent, accurate torque is next to impossible to obtain with a impact wrench, and in most cases an over-torqued fastener is the result. We recommend using a torque wrench when installing U-Bolts. New U-Bolts should be torqued after 2 weeks of usage. ​

As previously explained the primary function of the U-bolt is to maintain the clamping force on the spring assembly and related parts. Since clamping force is a function of the condition of the U-bolt, the damaged threads of the used U-bolt will make reaching this force very difficult. Considering that reusing U-bolts can lead to premature spring failure and other suspension damage it is clear that U-bolts should never be reused.
​

 

Am I the only person that never got the TSB springs put in mine? I bought it in 2006 (it's an 06), and although I worked at a dealership at the time, and although my springs creaked when I had about 2k miles... I never got it done

By the time I realized that I could get a new set of springs, I had already moved on to another job, and I was out of warranty.

Is this going to make it harder to find AAL for my truck? Should I just get some replacement springs from general spring?

 

You don't need the TSB to run an AAL

 

I need some help here.
I am installing a 4 leaf tsb spring set, with a aal.
I would like to install a set of energy suspension poly bushings on the leaf ends before installation. Energy only makes gen 1 products until years end. The company will not answer my question. Does anyone know if gen 1 & gen 2 leafs spring ends are the same?
Thx.

 

quick question as i really need this truck monday for work

Im attempting the aal from wheelers. I have the new leaf in and all the leafs bolted up and when i went to raise the axle to get the pin in its off about 3/4 of an inch. I was thinking that since the other side has not been done that this could be the cause of my misalignment? I figured you guys have seen this movie so ... hoping you guys had the answer.
I did however manage to get the bilsteins in by myself in the front and was super stoked ...kinda thought the rear leaf would have been easier ...

 

I didn't do an AAL but I did install new leaf packs on my truck. So that being said, I would recommend raising both wheels off the ground, put jack stands under the frame, then let the axel drop to full droop. Keep the axle supported with a jack or more jack stands. Add the new Leaf into each side before tightening things up. Now everythng is in its place and just needs to be tightend up, so if the center pins are off by a little, the axle is just hanging there so you can shift it a little to get the center pins ligned up on boths sides.

I had some of the same issues your having when adding the new leaf packs so I did it as stated above. You'll get it

 

Thanks! I did that jerked it over and had a neighbor raise the axle! worked! Thanks a lot!

Thanks Mainemoe02 also!

 

Thinking about ordering an 1.5' / 2.0' AAL to compliment the OEM Baja that was just installed on my 2013 TRD Sport. (Baja lifts front 2' but no lift in rear)

My truck currently has 3,600KM's (2,200miles) and came stock with the 4 leaf pack.

Quesiton, given that it's basically brand new, can I re-use the stock U bolts?

And, will they be long enough with a 1.5 or 2.0' AAL?

I really should have just put this in when I had the suspension installed on Friday but oh well...

Thanks for the help!

Cheers,

Jay

 

Thank you chris and everyone who comment on this post. I had the laptop right next to me with pandora playing and this thread to keep me sane. Not that it was that hard. Much easier than changing the coil overs and adding 2.5 blocks to the front. All said and done, I think it took me 5 hours. I worked slow making sure I took everyone's advice. The 3in aal looks awesome.

Thanks again all!

 

so I also used another source too. It was from skyjackers. Does anyone know if they are a company that is uber christain?

Take a look at this PDF I found online. Page two to be specific...

http://skyjacker.com/Instructions/ADD-A-LEAFS/F46D.pdf

 

Over the past few years I have been using this site to take advantage of the DIY info and save $ from the dealers. I've wanted a bit more aggressive look so naturally I chose to do the AAL for the rear.

Today I installed the 1.5" AAL from Wheelers on my 2007 Tacoma which has the Toyota TSB leaf package. The job was fairly straight forward but had a few hardships since I was working alone. I believe everything is good to go but had 2 questions...

1. With the tools I had I was unable to get the nut completely tight on the top of the centering pin. There is about an 1/8" space. As long as the centering pin is through all the leafs and the Ubolts are cranked down, could this be an issue?

2. I noticed that the nuts which screw onto the bottom of the Ubolts don't have thread all the way through them due to me using the original Ubolts and less thread left due to the AAL taking up some room. They're on there at the 73# torque and all appears fine...but should I go get new longer Ubolts so that they have more thread to lock on to?

Thanks!

 

Thanks Chief!

 

Now thats' phunny...