Axle Wrap/New Rear Leaf Setup

First time poster here,

Ive got a 2011 TRD and am getting some good axle wrap with annoyingly squeaky OEM leafs. Not eligible for the recall. I know that the search function is my friend but I'm having trouble deciding what replacement is best for me. I don't haul much weight in the bed, however do plan to pull a small boat in the near future. Money is tight right now so all I'm looking for is a solid replacement for the shit OEM leafs I've got. Ideally I'm not trying to change ride height or front suspension at all, just trying to do away with the shitty axle wrap and loud squeaky problem I currently have. Called the guys at wheelers and they recommend the OME CS047R Dakar leafs and recommend I remove a leaf for reduced ride height so the rake isn't too bad. Anyone have this setup? Essentially just swapping out leafs and nothing else? Any other recommendations? Thanks guys!

 

I have the Dakars and I love them. I left in the second overload, but wish I had taken it out - I will eventually because it sits higher than I'd like. I also have the OME AAL for the Dakars. I roll with a lot if weight and tow regularly.

The Dakars are awesome, and I have no more axle wrap, but you will get lift. You might be able to get away with removing the second overload and another leaf, then add one or both back in if you ever lift the truck - money only spent once. I really like the guys at Wheeler's, but headstrong has better pricing once you figure in shipping last I checked. I just bought $1500 worth of stuff last month.

 

Welcome to TW. If you are not looking for any lift, the Dakars don't seem like the best route. Even with a spring removed I think they still net something like 2" lift in the rear. It seems like the Deavers or Wheelers leafs (on wheelers site) with a spring removed would be more inline with what you desire, although more expensive.

When I had my leafs apart to install my 3 leaf progressive AAL I liberally sprayed Fluid Film in-between each leaf to prevent any squeaks and corrosion. My leaf packs are totally silent.

Another cheap option would be to scan the FS section on craigslist for a 3 leaf pack that someone took off for a lift. Not as good as aftermarket for sure, but better than the 2 leaf.

 

Update to original post:
Looking at going with the wheelers 5 leaf hd pack with bilstein 5100's all around and OME 2883 coils in the front. Anyone have this setup? Do I need to do a driveline carrier bearing drop in the rear to avoid shimmy? Or will this bolt on not require that? Any help would be great...

 

You should be good. make sure your wheels are balanced before install so you don't mistake an unbalanced wheel for driveline vibes. If you get vibes, get a solid understanding of driveline angles before just throwing spacers and shims at it. CB spacer is a 5 minute install - even if you're not mechanically inclined.

 

and dont bother buying a CB spacer.

install the lift, see if you have vibes, if you do. go to the hardware store and grab a few bigger washers, that way you can fine tune the spacing as well as save $$... washers are CHEAP.

 

Great post. I just added the Wheelers add a leaf and 5100s all the way around. Lifted the truck about 1.5 inches. I had lots of axle wrap before with a good amount of shimmy at 55-65 mph. New CB actually made it worse because the sloppy bearing absorbed the vibration. Still have some shimmy and plan to put new u joints and balance the drive shaft. I will also try the washer trick to line up the drive line.

Had the truck aligned after the new coil overs were put on. The bolt that adjusts the upper control arm on the drivers side is locked up and now my truck pulls to the right because of the lift. Any suggestions on how to break it free would be awesome.

 

I just installed the 1.5" icon progressive 3 leaf. I absolutely couldnt believe how nice these ride. Ive had single aals before and didnt like how stiff they were and made the back of my truck hop around on bumps. The icons are great and ride very well.

 

I'm currently selling a set of ICON AAL that I ran for about 10 months.