How to fix this?

Posted this in the third Gen forum, but I think it'll be more helpful to have it here. I'm sure you can tell the issue from the pictures, is there any way to fix this without taking my u bolts out?

 

Is the leaf hitting the shackle hanger?

 

Yes I don't know how it ended up wedged like that.

 

What leaf pack? Was it installed ass backwards?

 

It is a Dakar pack and is installed in the correct orientation. I'll check the arrows but I'm 99% sure.

 

Remove the shackle bolt

 

I haven't had my coffee yet, but if you jack the side its on up into the wheel well or find somewhere to flex. I would think the lower leafs will move past the hanger as the springs cycle. Lower it slowly while watching, ensure it doesnt get caught again. Go to toyota for new leaf pack/ rebuild on the house. Convince them on a free tank of gas and a car wash for the trouble.

Edit: didnt see it was dakars. Scratch the dealer bit.

 

^^^^this

 

So flexing the wheel will pull that leaf back, no need to loosen bolts?

 

i just looked at mine... I don't see how that could even happen...

Are the u-bolt centering pins still installed?

 

Looks like you're missing the leaf retainer on the side. If so, the problem will continue until it's replaced. Luckily they sell leaf retainers at auto parts stores, you'll need some for 2.5" wide leaf springs.

 

If you jack up the driver side(problem side) and can get the springs to droop/flex enough I think you'll be able to get that spring to realign itself with the pack. As Mr Zoggs said, slowly lower the truck and watch to make sure it doesn't splay out of the pack and hit the shackle hangar again. If that doesn't work, remove shackle bolt as stated by Anthony and you shouldn't have to remove your u bolts with either of these methods. Good luck and keep us posted

 

The other side does not have another retainer?

 

Really appreciating the advice. Love this forum.

 

Can't really tell, but looks like problem side is missing the retainer and the other side is intact. Just compare sides and see what is different. Maybe your pic just isn't showing enough of the leaf pack and I can't see the retainer that is there.

 

So you can see in this pic, where the leaf retainer is supposed to be.


And you can see in his two pictures that both leaf retainers are where they are supposed to be.




Maybe one of them is loose?

 

I hadn't considered that.. How do you tighten them, just the bolt?

 

Yeah. I'd droop that side down to get it all realigned, and tighten everything down.

 

I may have gotten ahead of myself. I realized in the first picture I posted, I'm pointing at the shackle hanger aimed towards the front of the truck. It appears there are two retainers that face rearwards, but I'm trying to confirm this.

Also I'm fairly certain your two bolts are installed backwards (not like it really matters)

 

It's not hard.....jack the truck up and if that doesn't work either remove the shackle or remove the leaf pack