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Axle Shim Question

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Red_03Taco, Jun 8, 2023.

  1. Jun 8, 2023 at 10:47 AM
    #1
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just got some custom Alcan leaf springs in, and plan to install them tomorrow. They're designed to provide 2" of lift, along with new 1" lift shackles (for a total of 3" lift in the rear). My current leafs are an unidentified AAL (4 leaves + overload spring), and the truck sits pretty level, unloaded, despite me having Toytech 3" lift coils up front.

    So if I'm vibration free now, should I get axle shims to have on hand, just in case (was thinking of ordering a set of 2 degree and a set of 3 degree ones)? Or just wait until I install and see if I even have a vibration? Anyone with a similar amount of rear lift that can share what (if any) shims they used, would be very helpful. TIA

    Edit: should add that I have no vibrations currently with my current config with no shims. Only changing leafs, because they're getting clunky, due to the leaves sliding around inside the rebound clips (making an annoying and slightly unnerving noise from the rear).
     
  2. Jun 8, 2023 at 10:50 AM
    #2
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    with 3" lift I would do the shims while you have everything apart, I have the 3˚ ones (if I remember right) under my Alcans which are also giving me about 3" of lift.

    These are the kind of shims that the bolt goes through and not the kind you slide into the bolt right? The ones that slide in can work themselves out
     
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  3. Jun 8, 2023 at 10:52 AM
    #3
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yea I had the bolt-through ones in my cart on Summit's website. Will pull the trigger on the 3 degree ones now
     
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  4. Jun 8, 2023 at 10:53 AM
    #4
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    And the best width is 2.5" wide shims right? Or 2.0"? Not near my truck, so can't confirm right now
     
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  5. Jun 8, 2023 at 10:54 AM
    #5
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    I don't recall seeing any options for width when I got mine, but 2.5" sounds better than 2"...seems that would be pretty narrow but I can't verify at the moment either
     
  6. Jun 8, 2023 at 10:59 AM
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    ToyRyd04

    ToyRyd04 Taco Transformer

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    Toyota leaf springs are 2 3/8" so almost 2.5". Best to measure the slope of the driveshaft angle with the current leaf springs, and then you can measure with the new springs + shim. If you can purchase steel shims vs cast aluminum helps as well. The cast aluminum are known for cracking under pressure.
     
  7. Jun 8, 2023 at 11:12 AM
    #7
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    I think it would be good to have the shims on hand, but if you don't need them, don't install them. To that, I suggest that when you replace the springs, do not go to the full torque spec on the u bolts. Get them tight and go for a test drive on some surface streets and see what you get.

    I've been lifted in the back for 20 years, and when I installed new springs at the same height I got a vibration. Went down the shim / angle rabbit hole. I hope you don't have to.
     
  8. Jun 8, 2023 at 11:22 AM
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    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yea I read through that thread and it got me really dreading that possibility lol. Good suggestion on not going full torque on the Ubolts, until I know everything is working vibration free.
     
  9. Jun 8, 2023 at 11:23 AM
    #9
    Red_03Taco

    Red_03Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you and noted. I'd noticed both options available and was leaning towards steel for that reason.
     

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