Goodbye Axle Wrap Mod

I saw this thread so I went to my local AutoZone and picked up some U-bolts for 16 bux. Popped those babies on and the axle rap seems almost unnoticeable now.

 

Just another vouch for this mod (u-bolts only). Solved my axle wrap problems.

 

So glad I found this thread because it confirms pretty much what I was suspecting would be the fix. I figured it would have something to do with clamping the springs. I'm going to do this mod but I want to make sure I do it the best.

I'm going to use front and rear U-bolt clamps. My question is where exactly to put each clamp? I read where the front clamps should be half way between the front mounts and the axle. The rear can't be moved to far behind the axle or the spring will bind. Is that correct?

Edit to add that I want to fix the clunk and also firm the rear some. I'm getting firmer bilsteins for the front.


Thanks

 

I did both front and back clamps too. Basically I positioned the clamps as far from the axel as possible, but still so the clamp was grabbing all three leafs. There's probably 2 inches sticking out beyond the clamps on the shortest of the three leafs.

 

Hi Jason,

How did that affect the ride? Do you think it makes the leafs bind? Are the leafs supposed to slide when flexing? If they can't slide can they break?

 

Definitely made the ride stiffer, but not too bad. The truck feels a little sportier and corners better, but now rides more like my IS 300 than a luxury SUV. I guess it's just what you prefer or are willing to tolerate.

Regarding your question about the leaf springs binding, I had the exact same question. I was told that leaf springs don't slide against each other but rather fan out from each other when under stress (in the front of the spring when braking, in the back of the spring when accelerating). Too much fanning from weak springs causes the axel wrap. I've asked two engineers at work (who aren't mechanics, but seem to know a h*ll of a lot about cars) and neither one thought the clamps put undue stress on the springs such that they might break. I guess time will tell.

I'm still trying to get my local Toyota dealer to give me new springs! As far as I'm concerned, axel wrap is caused by a defect in the springs.

 

I've heard that if you are still under the factory warranty (36k) you can tell the dealer the truck is bottoming out when you tow and they will install TSB springs (4 leaf) and Bilsteins all around for free.

I have read that the TSB springs do not fix the axle wrap though. You still have to clamp them but maybe not as much needs to be clamped.

 

I did my clamps yesterday. I did front and rear about 2 inches from the axle. Torqued the clamp bolts to 50 ft/lb with lock washers and double nuts. I now see what you mean about the cornering and it riding more like a sporty car than a luxury suv. Even though the back end is much firmer, I still like it. Except for the occasional bump it's much smother of a ride. Not bouncing and bounding all over the place any more. The axle wrap clunk is gone. At least I could not get it to do it.

 

Follow up post.

After loosening my adjustable Rancho shock one notch the ride is incredible. It's better than brand new. It's solid, corners without much lean and rides so plush. I really think this mod is better than replacing the leafs springs because a) it's adjustable and b) it only costs $30 for the clamps!

Next step, install Bilsteins up the front.

 

will this do anything for the ride on my 11 tacoma with a 6 inch lift kit ??

Im curious cause im looking to do the squeaky leaf mod this weekend and if this will help at all ill do it to

 

Depends. I clamped the stock leafs on my '07 DC which are weak and getting weaker. Are you running the stock leafs? What issues are you having? Axle wrap? Too soft, bouncy and leans too much? New leafs may be a better fix but the cost was too much for me to subtantiate so I did this clamp mod.

 

Has this been nominated to the free/cheap sticky mods? It needs to be!

 

Great Mod!! Did the trick got rid of the axle wrap! I did notice the ride is smoother and braking was better. I did have a slight hint of axle wrap bump though, very slight. Not sure if this is because I over torqued the bolts. I didn't have a 19mm deep sock, had to use a crescent wrench. Also I mounted upside down from what the OP had done. My u-bolts were pretty long and I didn't want the legs of the u bolt to bump the frame when the suspension bottomed out.

 

I've tried this both with and w/o the helper springs, and I'm back to the helper springs. The ubolts by themselves did work, but the helper spring full mod made things feel better for me, definitely a noticable difference in stiffness from just bolts alone. ymmv

 

I guess this makes me glad I installed AirLift airbags in my truck almost from day 1. Hopefully they've helped my leaf springs last a little longer.

 

Awesome write up! Will be doin this next week!

 

Randomly when I am releasing the clutch starting off in first gear, my truck bounces around. Sometimes at a ridiculous magnitude. I've been driving manuals all my life, and this truck for 13 years, so I know it's not my driving. Plus like I said it only happens randomly.

I tired diagnosing it to see if it only happened when the tires are super cold in winter... or humid, or arid, or hot... Climate has no bearing on this. Nor does the temp of the engine. It happens when the engine is cold, or operating at normal temps.

Is this bouncing around a symptom of axle wrap? My truck has been doing this for years.

 

Mine kinda did the something. Just did this mod yesterday and it stopped 85% of all the shuttering IT WORKS

 

Did mine exactly like this tonight and it works perfectly...no more axle wrap.

 

Oh, and thats the same kit i used.