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Installed Wheeler's Add-a-Leaf Kit

8.8K views 16 replies 6 participants last post by  Antipas  
#1 ·
I just installed the Wheeler's progressive AAL kit today ($159.95), and at least for my Tundra (2000 SR5), I needed to remove the stock leaf-spring clamps.

To do this, I used a grinder to grind down the exposed rivets, and then I used a big screwdriver and some big pliers to pull off the stock clamps. Otherwise, I would not have been able to get the Wheeler's AAL kit to sit flush against the stock spring---the bolts for the Wheeler's AAL kit clamps would not have gone on without removing the stock clamps.

So be prepared with an electric grinder, for example, to remove the stock clamps.

I used the stock overload leaf, too, for the extra height. Unfortunately, I didn't measure my truck before the install, but it looks as if the rear is sitting two inches higher now.
 
#4 ·
What clamps did you use when you put it back together?
At the ends of the AAL kit, there are "clamps." You'll need to get the AAL kit fairly flush with the stock leafspring so that you can fit a bolt through. That bolt essentially clamps the AAL kit to the stock leafspring.

All of the bolts and nuts and washers are provided.

Have a grinder handy---as well as a cut off tool to cut down the center pin so that the pin fits underneath the bumpstop.
 
#6 ·
#10 ·
Someone should get on the horn with Wheelers and have them measure the specs (length from center pin to both ends, etc) and compare them between the regular AALs and their "HD" version.
I ordered the HD Add-a-Leaf set and some other goodies over the weekend, and just called and spoke with Wheelers about this.
They claim there are differences in the assembly of the Toyota OEM leaf packs that is causing some buyers to have to grind off the original clamps.
They have not noticed a pattern to it so far, different years, models, and trim levels are all affected.
They also said their AAL packs are all the same size.
I will let everyone know about my set after they arrive.

Jim
 
#11 ·
Does anyone know the specific ft/lbs the nuts on the leafspring U-bolts should be torqued to?
Per the factory repair manual on page SA-149 of volume 2: the U-bolt nuts should be tightened to 133 N-m / 1,150 kgf-cm / 83 ft-lbs.
It also states HINT: Tighten the U-bolts so that the lengths of all the U-bolts under the spring seat are the same.

I hope that helps!

Jim
 
#13 ·
Thank you for the numbers. Mine U-bolt nuts got loose after a while, and I just re-tightened them. I'll torque them properly tomorrow.

The U-bolts got a little loose and the bottom piece slid around slightly. No big deal except for the noise.

Do you guys know where I can get new plastic insulators or pads that are placed in between the stock leaf springs? Mine were tattered and cracked, and I think that because they're no longer there, a little noise results from the leaf springs touching.
 
#16 ·
Per the factory repair manual on page SA-149 of volume 2: the U-bolt nuts should be tightened to 133 N-m / 1,150 kgf-cm / 83 ft-lbs.
It also states HINT: Tighten the U-bolts so that the lengths of all the U-bolts under the spring seat are the same.

I hope that helps!

Jim
I'd run them to 85-89 ft/lbs, drive on them for about 500 miles, then re-torque to the specced 98 ft/lbs (final).
Good catch Remmy. You are good! :tu:

Antipas, I screwed up. :wallbang:
I should have typed:

"Per the factory repair manual on page SA-149 of volume 2: the U-bolt nuts should be tightened to 133 N-m / 1,350 kgf-cm / 98 ft-lbs."

The incorrect torque values I listed for kgf-cm and ft-lbs initially were for installing the rear wheel, listed right after torquing the U-bolts, on the same page.

I am sorry about the mistake.



Jim
 
#17 ·
Just wondering, are their AALs uni-directional, ie. are they equal from center pin-to-either end, or is there a front and rear?... ie the stock packs are longer on the front half, than the rear half
The Wheeler AAL is not equi-distant from the center pin, no. I believe the longer side goes to the front of the truck, and the instructions that come with the AAL kit explains this well.