In desperate need of help!

That's my point actually.

 

Maybe you just need new bushings? The problem is clearly the springs moving on the bushings. That is either the cause or a symptom. If it's a symptom, then there's a lot of force coming from somewhere. You said the axle is properly mounted, which would be my first guess. Actually, that's my only guess...

 

C'mon guys, do we really have to over think this, it's not rocket science!

flyhigh said he put new rear springs on, that's when the problems started, so lets go with the KISS principle.

First jack the truck up and put on jackstands, remove tires (to make it easier),
now measure from the center of the front hubs to the center of the rear axle on both sides,
if this measurement is the same that's good.

Next measure from the front spring eye to the front side of the axle, both sides.

I might be a complete idiot, (have been told so many times) but from what I've read and the pics, it sounds like 1 leaf spring was installed backwards.

Just cause it's called the center pin doesn't mean that it's centered on the spring,,, and the center pin does not fit real tight in the spring pad hole.

Get the rear axle centered in the frame and then go for an alignment.

 

Will do exactly that! As soon as I get a chance, my most reasonable thoughts are maybe a defective leaf spring, a broken or loose center pin. Defective because shouldn't the bushing that is pre installed not move at all, I mean isn't it pressed in to stay in place permanent, can I just pop in new bushings in the front of the leaf springs?


As for what the second shop said about the control arm bushings being worn out. Could it be true? It's only got 27k babied miles I did notice that if I brake somewhat hard without holding the steering wheel it jerks to the left or right

 

Defective leaf spring? not likely unless one side is much lower than the other.
A broken center pin? only if you wrenched on it or did something that would break it.
Bushings are just pressed into the eye of the spring, which allows the spring to move meaning that the bushing moves too, your problem is that something is side loading the spring deforming the bushing.


Control bushings being worn out at 27k,, I highly doubt it, they might be starting to seize, (bolt to bushing) which is normal according what I've read on here, but not impossible to adjust at your mileage, (sounds like a lazy mechanic).

Wheel jerking left or right on braking has more to do with the surface your braking on than the alignment.

 

Did you torque the leaf pack front and back while the truck was jacked up or did you loosely tighten them, then drop the truck so the bushings would settle then torque them to the appropriate specs? If you cranked them up to 180 ft/lbs or whatever when it was still suspended, you will cause the bushings to bind when the truck drops.

Also, were the +, -, or 0 symbols facing forward when installed on both sides?

 

hasn't anyone noticed the brackets are bent to shit ? they look it to me

 

Ok here's what I plan on doing , feedback is highly encouraged.

Option 1. take the dakar leafs completely out for a thorough inspection. Put old stock leafs back on and take it for a thorough test ride.

Option 2. Switch the dakars over and see what happens, I read somewhere on an ome pdf. That I can't find that if the pre installed bushing is loose it can cause issues and that it's ok to tack weld it in place and if welding is not an option to place a thick washer on both sides to keep it in place

Option 2.5 let 4wheel parts deal with it $$$$

Option 3. Remove all this shit from my truck take it to toyota once it's all stock and have them align it and then sell all the shit I got for it, yep its bugging me that much.

If all else fails, anyone wanna come watch me set the truck on fire?

 

That's a long flight for a bonfire!!! I will bring the smores!!!

 

Sorry, but I agree with the looking bent out of shape post as well.

 

There is no reason for them to be bent I mean I got the truck brand new and the issues started after the dakars

 

Maybe its just the picture angle hopefully.

 

Here's what it looks like