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Removing a Leaf from Dakar Leaf Pack

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ayoung, Aug 13, 2017.

  1. Aug 13, 2017 at 5:57 PM
    #1
    ayoung

    ayoung [OP] Member

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    I'm going to replace the sagging stock leaf springs on my 2004 Double-Cab Tacoma soon. I'm trying to figure out which spring to remove, but the information on this forum is mixed. Here are the two responses I've found:
    • 3rd leaf from the top
    • 2nd leaf from the bottom
    Which is the correct leaf to remove? There are 7 leafs in total, including two overload leafs on the bottom. I'm specifically looking for input on 1st generation leaf packs only. Thanks!
     
  2. Aug 13, 2017 at 6:00 PM
    #2
    JJ Customs

    JJ Customs Supreme Leader!

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    A few additions to make me feel cool.
    Remove the longer overload.
     
  3. Aug 30, 2017 at 12:59 AM
    #3
    Aaronlammm

    Aaronlammm Well-Known Member

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    How do you remove the overload spring?
     
  4. Aug 30, 2017 at 7:16 AM
    #4
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    late to the party but why would you buy them if you're removing a leaf?

    just buy a different leaf pack if you don't want the lift. www.generalspringkc.com has HD leafs for the Tacoma that handle extra weight and are stock height. just my 2¢
     
  5. Aug 30, 2017 at 9:27 AM
    #5
    JJ Customs

    JJ Customs Supreme Leader!

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    A few additions to make me feel cool.
    Clamp the leaf pack together with c-clams or quick adjusting clams. Whatever you have. Remove the leaf center pin then remove the long overload and put the center pin (bolt) back in. Be sure not to use the bolt to try and draw the leaf back together as that can strip the bolt. Use the clamps for that. You might have to remove the retaining guides on the springs. I can't remember. If so you just put them back on after you have removed the leaf of your choosing.
     
  6. Aug 1, 2022 at 3:29 PM
    #6
    tgibello

    tgibello Member

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    Is this the same for 1st gen tacoma packs?
     
  7. Aug 1, 2022 at 3:32 PM
    #7
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Well-Known Member Vendor

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    4 run, 2 don't
    You're in the 1st Gen section.

    If you have a Dakar leaf pack, yes.

    Unless you're referring to a non-Dakar leaf pack. Then you're asking a different question.
     
  8. Aug 1, 2022 at 3:36 PM
    #8
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    2nd from bottom, the longer overload is the correct to remove.

    They will still ride quite rough without weight, the dakars are known for this on 1st gens in my experiences.

    What are your plans?

    A standard HD pack may be all you need and it will save you cash, frizzman made a good suggestion.
     
  9. Aug 1, 2022 at 3:36 PM
    #9
    tgibello

    tgibello Member

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    Oh my bad I didn't see that. Yeah, I'm talking about 1st gen dakar's. The reason I was asking is because when I called ARB about removing leafs from the pack they said I could only remove the 3rd leaf down and not the larger overload as well.
     
  10. Aug 1, 2022 at 3:37 PM
    #10
    tgibello

    tgibello Member

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    I've had them on my truck since about November but I'm trying to lower the ride height in the back cause I'm lowering the front of my truck a little to stop having to replace CV boots
     
  11. Aug 2, 2022 at 5:52 AM
    #11
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    this is a 5 year old post reborn but I'll reiterate, why have them if you don't want the lift?

    buy a different leaf pack and sell the Dakars, I'm sure someone on this forum would want a set.

    I've had them on for almost 7 years now, my right rear shock is leaking but the leafs were never harsh, in fact they were soft out the gate. I keep a cap/top/camper on for about half the year and an Undercover tonneau for the other half.

    my front (881) have only dropped about 1/2" total (could be wrong but my eye calculator is OK) but the rear dropped about an inch at least (2" lift over STOCK height) so it's mostly level

    @tgibello do you have a single cab by chance? what front springs are you running?
     
  12. Aug 2, 2022 at 7:55 AM
    #12
    tgibello

    tgibello Member

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    @frizzman I actually have an access cab and a V6. I’m running 5100’s with eibach coils in the front and I’ve loved the full leaf pack in the rear with this set up. The only issue is that I’m tired of blowing through CV boots so I’m dropping the front down a little and need the near to match. That’s why I wanna remove a leaf or two
     
  13. Aug 2, 2022 at 12:32 PM
    #13
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    yeah I hear ya, those 620lb coils are no joke. how are you lowering the front though? different coils or did you preload the 5100s?
     
  14. Aug 2, 2022 at 1:31 PM
    #14
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I’ll jump in on this thread.

    I still have to buy rear springs for my suspension lift but I really want to keep it to 2” of lift. I know Dakars claim to give 2.25” of lift but on my ‘98 it was closer to 3” (yes I’m accounting for the sag before the lift).

    I wonder if the Dakars won’t lift as much on my ‘04 because it’s a double cab?
     

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