Check Your U-Bolts

O.K. thanks. I figured it was for the lowering mechanism for the spare. Just thought it odd the chain hangs loose to flop around under the spare. This will be my 1st Toyota pick-up also. Always had either a Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota for the last 30+ years. (And a 15' Colorado for the last 6 months)

Still think I'll wire tie it to the spare.

 

So that when you have a flat and you're pissed and tired and don't have time for this shit you'll need to climb under the truck to undo some useless wire tie that's preventing you from lowering the spare?

 

Something like that. I always carry a razor sharp knife so just touching it to the plastic wire tie will turn it loose. If it is a "Toyota thing" having a swinging chain under your truck I may just join the club. Let er' swing!

On the trucks I have owned in the past they had cable instead of a chain so stepping over to Toyota is new to me.

 

Wait a minute. These trucks have leaf springs?

 

Toyota uses cables on vans and smaller vehicles, but for trucks they use a stronger chain instead.

Jeff

 

So has anyone heard of failures due to being torqued to 37 ft-lb?

 

Well a lot of leafs broke on the 2005-2015 trucks. Whether that is due to low bolt torque exclusively, I couldn't say for sure.

Jeff

 

OK. Full disclosure. I don't have a 3rd gen. 2014 2nd gen. However, I tightened my u bolts, last week, to "about" 45 foot pounds. Old Sears analog T wrench. My rear tires no longer squeal going around corners (at reasonable speeds). Likewise my tires don't seem to break loose anymore from a standing start. Truck feels more "planted". I was rapping sh-t on the stock Bridgestones. It wasn't totally the tires fault.

 

Pardon me if I missed it, but what is the proper torque setting for the U-bolts on the 2016?

 

Toyota states 52 ft/lbs.

 

Thanks. I'll be checking mine upon delivery.

 

Good to check after about 500 miles as well. Let's things get settled in.

 

Thanks again.

 

would this issue contribute to creaking? if I hit a good bump at an angle that causes the truck to rock side-to-side hard, I get some LOUD creaking from somewhere in the rear end. scared the shit out of me the first time.

 

Yes.

 

Dealer wants my truck back in to check for loose bolts in 6 months.

 

It's not a bad idea to check all new suspension components after it's had a chance to settle.
Most leaf places recommend 500 miles after install.
It's a 5,000 mile/6 mo. maintenance requirement if used under certain conditions.

 

Just checked my 2016 SR U-Bolts yesterday and i put the torque wrench up to 52# and it took about a half turn on each bolt to get it up to 52#.......

 

19mm

 

Subd