Goodbye Axle Wrap Mod

Hell yes! Long live Dukes of Hazzard!!!

 

GD U-bolts fixed the thing! I cannot believe I've had these things in the garage for a year and never put them on! Truck drives soooooo much better. My axle wrap was as bad as you could imagine.

 

Ok, so i did this mod a few days ago, and have not noticed any more axle wrap. Though mine wasn't too bad from the sounds of it. My question to those in the know is this. In the second pic labeled passenger side, where the 4th (fattest) leaf starts to separate from the rest of the pack is where i clamped mine. Basically right before the taper, or bevel, or whatever you want to call it. Definitely makes the back end "feel" stiffer when going over bumps. Is this going to hurt anything? Add stress where its not designed to be stressed? I placed it there cause that was the easiest place for me to get to with minimul effort.

 

Man, those shocks look ancient. Might be time to part with $30.

 

I should have mentioned those pics arent MY truck

 

It's not going to hurt anything, but the ride is most definetly harsher due to the overload spring (fatter) one being compressed. I had to move mine around and retighten as they do loosen up over time. This is still a temporary fix in my opinion, the springs continue to weaken over time making the ubolt ineffective.

 

I spoke too soon. The U-bolts diminished the clunk, but the springs now creak a lot, more than I can stand.

 

It may need some of those teflon pads. Or some bushing grease if they're still intact.

 

So I did the awesome DIY axle wrap fix (BTW new Tacoma owner of 2 months 2011 DCLB Sport). I placed the clamps 5 inch forward of the axle. It took care of 90% of the axle wrap I still get a little bump stopping. Any thoughts as how to clean up the rest? Am I in the market for new leaf springs? I've got 92K on the truck.

 

I replaced mine with leafs from General Spring and the clunk is still there.

 

So I just did this mod, and it is amazing! Feels like a while new truck! Thanks OP!!!

 

Hey everyone...newbie to TW and new owner of my first Tacoma. I bought a used 2012 taco. Drove it for a month a was certain they tranny was messed up. I found this fourm and not only did I learn about the consistent problem, I learned of a mod.

Stopped by a local auto parts store last night and purchased some U bolts. I mounted them as others had said...in front of the axel butted up to the spring clamp. Took me about 30 minutes (I took the time to hack off the end of the bolts) and I slowly tighten the nuts until I heard the springs "creak". I took it for a ride around the block last night and no wrap! Drove it to work this morning (25 miles) and nothing! What a great, simple fix/mod. I'll check the nuts tonight and if they're tight (I doubt they loosen up) I'll prolly zap it with a rattle can, just to make it blend in. I'll re check the nuts at each oil change.

Now, I clearly realize this is a band-aid, but it works for me. No more second guessing tje purchase because of a "clunk".

Thanks to all the posts...this mod put a smile back on the drive!

 

Hello all

I have symptoms that are similar to axle wrap, but the u-bolt mod didn't do anything for me. I tried placing them in all different places in front and behind the axle, but no noticeable difference. I am wondering what else can cause axle wrap-like symptoms?

I raised the rear end off the ground and had someone open the throttle and saw for myself that the differential is definitely moving up when torque is applied, and then it moves back down when the throttle is released. I don't get any "thunk" when applying or releasing the brake. only get a "thunk" when hitting and releasing the accelerator pedal. Its getting worse every day.

My rear driver side shock is blown. Could that cause the diff to move/thunk? or do you think that weak springs and axle wrap killed the shock? I don't want to replace the shock if its just gonna blow again because of some suspension systemic problem.

Also, it seems like the rev limiter is kicking in around 3000rpm in first and second gear. But I am not sure its actually the rev limiter, cuz its been getting worse at the same rate that the thunk has been getting worse. You think there is any connection there?

Thanks if y'all have any thoughts.

 

My 15 OR 6sp (700 miles)has the clunking symptoms described in this thread.
Mechanic at the dealer spread the leafs to check for the friction bushings (in place,aligned correct). He greased the springs & ordered a replacement left rear spring.

I hope it will take care of the 1st to 2nd clunking!

 

Any updates? I'm experiencing same on my 15 trd dbl cab off road.

 

That sounds like wheel hop to me, something different than I'm understanding axle wrap to be.

Wheel hop is something folks who launch hard (drag racers, autox racers, etc.) often suffer from, both on leaf and coil springs.

 

They changed out my left rear leaf & the noise is gone!

 

I took the big spring off the bottom of the leaf pack and flipped it over on my 97'.....took care of everything....and gave me a couple inches of lift

 

Let me explain my issue, maybe you guys can assist me in identifying if this is axle wrap since I was leaning more towards a transmission problem....

I get a hard thump when I do 1 of 2 things:

1. When I am coming to a stop, traveling about 2-3 mph thumps pretty hard like my transmission had issues shifting back to 1st gear, or when I ease to a complete stop, it will thump when the truck stops fully.

2. If it doesn't thump as described in #1, it will thump immediately when I let off the brake and the truck starts to roll forward without applying throttle.

I've been thinking this is a transmission problem mainly because the thump acts like i said before, like its shifting down hard, or having issues going from 2nd back to 1st gear, and it shakes the tranny gear shift lever inside the cab of the truck, which I have also noticed moves and wiggles around a lot when going over bumps and such.

What are your thoughts?

 

That's the Tacoma thump. Caused by axle wrap.