91 dak 4x4 318 add-a-leaf install
#1
91 dak 4x4 318 add-a-leaf install
I ordered a rough country add-a-leaf kit for my dakota today. Im pretty sure of the install as it seems to be pretty straight forward.
But my question is does anyone know what size u-bolts i will need. Can i use the stock size still? If so what are the stock dimensions.
Or will i need longer ones?
any help is greatly appreciated.
But my question is does anyone know what size u-bolts i will need. Can i use the stock size still? If so what are the stock dimensions.
Or will i need longer ones?
any help is greatly appreciated.
#2
#3
okay thanks, im still going to purchase new U-bolts as well tho. Which is my biggest reason i am concerned about the dimensions.
The parts store here says their computer doesnt tell them "vehicle specific dimension of U-bolts"
I guess i havent looked yet, but is there enough room to accurately measure them under the truck? Should i be more concerned aboput inside dimensions, or outside dimensions?
The parts store here says their computer doesnt tell them "vehicle specific dimension of U-bolts"
I guess i havent looked yet, but is there enough room to accurately measure them under the truck? Should i be more concerned aboput inside dimensions, or outside dimensions?
#4
I got the same AAL and used my existing u bolts so stock size will be fine. I have been meaning to replace mine but havent gotten around too it. I know the stores around here just have a selection to choose from but again don't say what size you need. Best to measure or take one in to compare
#5
I got the same AAL and used my existing u bolts so stock size will be fine. I have been meaning to replace mine but havent gotten around too it. I know the stores around here just have a selection to choose from but again don't say what size you need. Best to measure or take one in to compare
#7
But i do have a question about the c-clamp method of keeping pressure on the springs, if i do that wont it interfere with the installation of the new add-a-leaf?
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#8
From my understanding its pretty straight forward, Un-Bolt the U-Bolts you drop the axle down, use a c-clamp to hold the spring pressure, un-do the center pin, Loosen the C-Clamp to loosen the spring tension and remove the C-Clamp once it is all looseand add the add-a-leaf in beneath it unless its longer than the bottom in the pack, then you put it the next to bottom in the pack and then of course do this all backwards to finish up. Use the C-Clamp to close up the gaps in the leaf springs then install the center pin
#9
It is very basic. Unbolt the shocks and u bolts and drop the axle a few inches. I kept the jack under mine so that I did not have to disconnect any brake lines
The c clamps are only to keep the springs from flying apart. Once the bolt is removed the c clamps can be taken off. Since most of the springs are long only one will come off. You want the AAL to be just above the bottom one. They should be in order smallest to largest in length.
The center pin was a pain for me. the nut on top was completely shot so after snapping it off I had to use a punch to get the bolt out. It had snapped off flush with the top of the springs. Once it is out you can take the clamps off, put in the new leaf and bolt them back together. Nut on top then cut off the excess bolt.
There are think pieces of plastic in between the stock springs, do not throw these out.
My c-clamp set up before removing the center pin
The dreaded center pin.
The completed install
The c clamps are only to keep the springs from flying apart. Once the bolt is removed the c clamps can be taken off. Since most of the springs are long only one will come off. You want the AAL to be just above the bottom one. They should be in order smallest to largest in length.
The center pin was a pain for me. the nut on top was completely shot so after snapping it off I had to use a punch to get the bolt out. It had snapped off flush with the top of the springs. Once it is out you can take the clamps off, put in the new leaf and bolt them back together. Nut on top then cut off the excess bolt.
There are think pieces of plastic in between the stock springs, do not throw these out.
My c-clamp set up before removing the center pin
The dreaded center pin.
The completed install