Replacing rear axle u-bolts

I will be replacing the u-bolts on the rear axle of my 2017 TRD Sport as I am removing my Firestone airbags and re-installing OEM rear jounce bump stops. Thanks so much 4x4yotaphan for sending the bump stops to me! My question is if there is a recommended method for removing and installing the u-bolts. Is there a risk of the axle shifting slightly when I remove the stock u-bolts? The rear axle will be on jack stands and I will do one at a time. Would the axle be free to adjust itself with the u-bolts undone? And what about torque value for the re-install? I realize that it is very important to do this right. Any advice, anyone?

 

Support the truck not the axle.

Think about it for a second. YOU want to support the axle and then unattach the springs (and truck) from the axle.

 

Glad you got the bumpstops. You’re ok to take off u bolts on level ground with no support. Be sure to chock your tires. Just do one side at a time and you should be fine. The torque is 76lbs I believe. I just did it but with the u bolt flip kit.

 

The axle has a locator hole into which the pin that hold together the leafs seats in so no worries about the axle shifting in reassembly but if you keep weight on the axles anyways it certainly won't go anywhere.Should replace the ubolts once they have had nuts torqued down on them, but many members have different opinions on that... torque to 73 ftlbs

 

You have several options here. You can leave the truck on level ground, chocked, parking brake engaged, perform one side at a time. Or you can jack her up, use jack stands on the axles, NOT THE FRAME. You want to prevent the axle from drooping, so using the frame is a bad idea. Once your jacks stands are in place, remove nuts from one side, pull U-Bolts, replace bump stops and U-Bolts, tighten then torque. Try to keep an equal amount of threads showing on each bolt until finished, tighten in a crisscross pattern.

 

Why taking the bags off?

 

Sorry I don’t speak meme. If you have something to say use your words.

 

You are correct sir. That's basically what I was trying to say with the Clown DUH!

 

I see that you do. Smart man.

 

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. I just finished removing the air bags Silentshredr because of a low back condition that I reinjured and which is not likely going to get much better. The Firestone Ride Right air bags only need 5 lbs minimum pressure but this still stiffens the suspension (much more than I expected). I had air bags on my previous truck, a 2007 Colorado Z71 and I had no issues. I ran those at about 15 lbs all the time. But the springs on that truck were soft compared to the Tacoma.
The ride with the air bags reminds me of the years I was trucking. Sometimes you'd have a load that was heavy on the driving axles and even with an air ride seat you would really feel that in the low back. In that case I would move the fifth wheel forward to transfer weight to the steering axle, as much as legally permissible. Now I will be getting a weight distribution hitch in order to achieve the same result. I just have to get the A frame on our Aliner trailer strengthened as it is not designed for a WD hitch. I found a WD hitch where the brackets just fit between the battery tray and the propane tanks.
I will be getting new u-bolts on Monday and install the jounce bump stops then. Pacific Springs in Langley makes them to order for a very reasonable price ($8 CDN = $5.50 USD). I am sure the stock ones could be re-used but why take a risk? Thanks again for your replies!

 

If you are only reinstalling your factory bump stops, your original u-bolts will be fine. But it never hurts to upgrade. Good luck, and hope your lower back issues get better. Been there with low back injury and it's NO FUN. It sucks to have to ask the wife to pull up your underwear for you, or tie your shoes. Take care man.

 

Thankfully it's not quite that bad Badcow, but before it gets that far. We actually had planned to be on a long road trip following the I-5 through Washington. Hwy 31 through Oregon and the amazing 395 down into the Owen's Valley. From Lone Pine into Death Valley and eventually through Death Valley to Northern Arizona, Southern Colorado and Eastern Utah. Much of this is familiar territory for us. One of the most amazing places along the way is near Mammoth Lakes, where you can camp in the Long Valley Caldera and see Hot Creek as is winds its way through the rift in the Resurgent Dome (the active part of what remains of the volcano). Hot springs throughout the region (also in the Owens Valley). These are usable hot springs; sometimes you can have them all to yourselves.
British Columbia is one of the most beautiful and rugged places on earth and the Coast Mountains are just north of where we live, but the incredible diversity of the high desert keeps drawing us south. And then there is the freedom of camping in the BLM lands. If you have never camped in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine...you would want to add it to your list of paces to visit. Otherworldly rock formations and hard packed sand roads throughout. Pick your spot and you'll have an amazing camping experience. Lone Pine is 8 minutes away and fresh water at the Portagee Joe campground between Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills. The hills are named after a ship...nothing to do (I think) with the State of Alabama.
Now you know why it is so important for me to have suspension that works well; these trips are over 5,000 miles each.
Now that I am done rambling, if anyone would like to know more about the Owens Valley or the Long Valley Caldera or any of the geology/seismology around, drop me a line. There are amazing things to see there.

Cheers