Shims and Center Pins

So you have to replace the center pin that came with the Dekars with a longer pin and collar combo? Can that be done with the leafs on the truck or do you have to take the leafs off?

 

Perfect.

 

Can be done on the truck. Just get some good C clamps to keep they together.
Be aware of brake lines as well. You may need to get the truck up high to get the pins out. But it is possible.

 

Think i have to colpletely remove the ubolts?

 

@DrFunker So at that point is there an advantage to going with the slide in type shim with collars? Seems if you have to replace the pin you might as well go with a longer pin and a solid shim like the Toytec ones.

 

You may. Can't remember if I did or not. Going to say that I did have to.

 

I really like and prefer the slide in type. Easy to swap when making changes. With the solid ones you have to take the pin out every time.
The way the slotted ones are designed, they aren't going to go anywhere anyway.

 

@DrFunker That makes since. I'm just wondering. I installed the slide in type that i got from a buddy this weekend on my HD Dekars but i didn't have a longer pin or collars. So currently my leafs are only seated 1/4" in the axle, scary. I figured if there was an advantage i would buy the solid ones since i have to get back under there and redo it this week.

 

Nah, slotted are good. It really doesn't take much to seat the pin in the perch. It will snap in. The thing that keeps it in place are those U bolts. Be sure those are torqued down well or bad things can happen fast.

 

Yeah i torqued the Ubolts to spec (87lbs if i remember correct). Do you think I'm good with only 1/4" of seat? I assumed I wasn't.

 

Did you put your slotted ones in durring lift install or after?

 

I little more would be nice, but I think you are okay. (Just my opinion, of course). The only thing that would make them come "unperched" is the U bolts failing. And if that happens, you have bigger issues. Zipties and duct tape won't cut it.
The U bolts I am putting in specify 70 ft-lbs. 1/2"-20, grade 5
1/2"-20, grade 8 specify 87 ft-lbs. So you are more than likely correct.

 

@sorgon82 I did them after. I wanted to wait and see if i had vibs or not. I've talked to members running the same kit that did need them. I'm running the OME kit btw.

 

Goddamn....the Haynes manual states for U bolts:
05-14 model Tacomas - 37 ft-lbs.

That can't be correct

 

Ya buddy im in the same possition right now. Bought the slotted ones incase i needed them. Same ome kit. I got a slight vibe now so ill slide them on in.
Did you have to remove your ubolts completely or just losen enough to create enough space

 

More info:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/u-bolt-torque.87093/

 

Good luck fellas.
report back with how you did and make out with the vibes.

 

@sorgon82 So i have the Ubolt flip kit and my ubolts were pretty long (in-case i ever want to add an extra leaf) But I just loosed the Ubolts as much as i could, then put a bottle jack under the leaf and slowly jacked up the leaf, separating it from the axle. Once i had enough room, I slid in the shims and then lowered the leafs back into place. I needed a second set of hands to lower the jack while i guided the leaf pack into the axle hole. Here a pic before the shims went in. Ignore the arrow.

 

Yeah! Right on i was hoping i could just do it this way. Thin end toward the front correct?
I messed up and cut off the extra center pin on my extended one, luckily i put the collar on it but if I ever want to aal Id need another center pin again lol

 

Yes, pointy end forward.