Lift install advice needed (OME leaf spings)

Okay so, I’m installing the Dakar mediums and have run into a snag, looking for some advice

I’ve removed the factory leaf spring and am trying to align the new leaf pack with no luck.

I was able to get the front eye the spring aligned but couldnt get the centering pin aligned. Next I aligned the center pin but could align either the front or rear. With my axel lowered it is sitting at an angle which i think is the problem. I’ve tried to raise it a bit but that did’t help either.

Any tips on getting this aligned would be very much appreciated

Thanks guys!!
here’s some pics

 

Bump

 

Get the spring attached to the truck first. I would do front , then mount the rear on the shackle. Once the spring is in, use a jack to bring the axle up to the centering pin on the spring, and install your u-bolts.

Also, for the rear shock, i would install the bottom bolt first, then pull down on the top of the shock to where you can fit it in the upper mount, then let it pop back up.

 

Do this^^

 

I would get the front bolt attached first (can just put the bolt through), then use the stock bottle jack in between the leaf and the frame (towards the back, like where the shock is), to push the leaf down to where you can put the bolt through the shackle. You basically need to drop the axle all the way to the ground. The Dakars have many more leafs than stock, so more room is needed. Dont worry about the centering pin just yet. Just worry about the front and rear bolts on the leafs on both sides.

Also get both sides to that point, and then you might need to shove the axle to make the centering pin and the leaf line up. Shove/kick to get into place. Then do your u-bolts

 

Thanks guys, i’ll get to it after breakfast

 

Also, run the bolt thru the front mount first, it’s much easier to line up the shackle side 2nd since it pivots

 

Ive got the two ends of the spring loosely bolted in but cant seem to get the center pin aligned

 

The axle wandered off. Need to push it in. May need to strap it to the front and ratchet it until aligned

 

Do the other side, then do a donkey kick or get a ratchet strap and make it get back into place

 

Okay i’ll take my gf’s car to hardware store and go get a ratchet strap

thanks guys

 

I second the donkey kick. Worked for me. Or just muscle it over.

 

If he dropped the axle all the way to the ground and moved the floor jack out, then first he'd need to get it back on. But I just did this with a friend a couple weeks ago, and that donkey kick is key or a few of them

 

Well im using ratchet strap now and the axel still is not aligning

starting to wonder if i’ll even be able to get my stock spring back in place

 

How are you raising and lowering the axle? Make sure it’s on the diff so you can move the axle around and have the truck sitting on jack stands. Sometimes you just have to kick the axle into place. I had to raise and lower the axle up and down until the eyes lined up.

 

It is a 2 men job at this point. Make sure to remove shocks on both sides, loose u bolts on the other side and slightly drop the axle.
You'll get it, but need some man power.

 

Your center pin will line up easier if there isn’t a bunch of droop in the axle, jack it up under the diff until you slightly put pressure on the leaf spring and then donkey kick/ratchet strap it until it pops into the socket.

 

Yeah ive been trying to change the angle by raising the axel up and down, rachet strapping it to move it forward. Employed several donkey kicks at this point. Hopefully i can have a friend come over later.
I think if i take the other tire off i’d be able to move the axel but i like having 2 jack stands over here where im working, one is in the frame, the other on my rock slider. But i could remove the other rear tire and i’d prob have better luck...right?

 

Yes. You want the axle to be lighter and easier to move. I always remove both tires.

 

That's your problem.
Take wheel, shock, loose u bolts, but don't remove.
Set a stand under u bolt plate. Support axle under the pumpkin.
Watch the brake , you need to deattach it from the frame