Inverted U-bolt kit

I’m installing saf-T-caps from the cab back in a couple weeks and I figure while I’m at it I’ll replace rear leaf springs and shocks. I came across this u-bolt “flip kit” and was wondering if anyone has experience with it (or just an educated opinion on it). I can obviously get new u-bolts, but can’t seem to find that square-ish plate that’s on the underside of the axle that they bolt/clamp to, and both sides are pretty rusty. So considering this option. Thanks

 

^If you do this, you'll have to fabricate/buy new shock mounts and weld them to your axle tube.

 

mmm What do you mean you can't find the plate? You are LOOKING at the page the sells them.

 

here is another option: As mentioned, you'll have to add new lower shock mounts with a flip kit.

These flip kits are intended to increase the clearance under the axle by flipping the u-bolts. Usually, folks that are looking for that are pretty far down the wheeling rabbit hole and are either doing a rear shock relocation or already have.

The Toyota plates are part numbers: 48046-35210 x2 (RH & LH) for reference.

 

Well I’m glad I asked before buying! I didn’t even consider the shock mount. I’m new to all this, I got a little hosed on this truck because I didn’t know what to look for. I’m in it now, and I absolutely love this truck so I’m trying to salvage it as best I can within my budget. Thanks for the replies and the part numbers! Sometimes I don’t even know what to call the parts I’m searching for. Thanks again!

 

Leaf spring plate lol! I’m searching U-bolt bracket, axle shock bracket, etc and comin up empty.

 

Searching for parts can be tricky. Here is my suggestion:
Grab your vin, head over to parts.toyota.com, there should be a vehicle selector you can enter that into and confirm the model. Easy so far.

Now the fun part- finding what you need. They have things broken in categories.. so for the bottom plates, the are in brakes and suspension. Each category has a bunch of diagrams in it. Scroll through the diagrams until you find one that starts to line up with the area of the truck you're after, and open it. The plates were in the rear spring and shock absorber diagram.

Here's the hard part- once you open that, you're presented with four different diagrams, some of which are not for your truck (even though you've entered your vin). Selecting the right diagram can be hard, and does require some intermediate level of knowledge about the Tacoma, and YOUR Tacoma. For me, there are four diagrams in there- three different sets of springs, and one with the shocks and attachments. Two of the springs are the same (minus what looks like a shim of some sort), and other is different. The two that are the same are 3+overload, and the other is a 2+overload. Basically the 3+overload is the 6lug pack, and the 2+overload is the 5lug pack. It does look like it only displayed the 6 lug diagram for the shocks and plates and stuff...

The more you learn about your truck, the easier it is to understand the diagrams and pick the right ones. Most dealerships you buy parts from will also run a vin check on those parts before you buy them.

It's worth mentioning- once I find the part number I am after, I shop around at all the dealership online sites, and the online wholesale sites (toyota parts deal, etc) to get the best price. EVEN if you order of a local dealer site, its usually cheaper than if you call and order from a person. I often order parts from the local dealer and then pick up in person to negate the high shipping cost on small items (bolts, etc..). If you have a lot of parts to order, then the wholesale sites tend to be cheaper. Stay away from ebay or Amazon parts unless you can confirm the seller is a legit entity, and not some dude hawking counterfit parts from his parents basement.

 

https://www.toyodiy.com/ is also good for looking up part numbers

 

I wouldn't bother unless you're planning on wheeling the truck.

I'm sure there's plenty of people on here that have done the flip and would sell you a set of the factory plates for a reasonable price. I think I threw mine away.

 

Thanks Andy that’s a great resource. Now I can find stuff without pulling my hair out. I’m grateful for the help.

 

I've got two I removed from my truck when I flipped my ubolts and built new shock mounts, lemme know if you want em

 

I’m definitely interested speedytech. Let me know what I need to do thanks

 

Okay, I'll dig em off the parts shelf tonight for ya and send some pictures. They have some surface rust but they're solid, I can sand blast em before I send em and you can paint em if you want.

 

Free sand blaster service to top it off! That's a hell of a deal! The underside of those plates are a nightmare to wire wheel and prep for repaint.

 

@a7scenario I found em! These are what you need right?

 

Yes sir! What do you want for them?

 

High speed rated 3" wire wheel on a die grinder works wonders .

I use mine very often it would make quick work of the bottom side of those.

 

Sent you a PM