| Step No. 1 |
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| This 99 Tacoma was already bagged with dearched leaf springs and a 2 inch notch and it was time for major reconstruction of the rear suspension. To start the project off, the bed was removed along with the rims, shocks, bags, tanks, compressors, airlines, and electrical lines. For safety as well as maneuverability, the gas tank was removed and the gas lines were disconnected and sealed off. This is always a good idea when ever your torching, grinding, and welding around the gas tank. |
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| Step No. 2 |
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| With the truck axle securely on jack stands and all the miscellaneous stuff out of the way the real work was ready to begin. The u-bolts were removed from the axle on the side started with. Leaving the u-bolts in place on the opposite side helps keep the axle stabilized. It was decided that the best way to mount the 4-link was to have the parallel bars run forward and the stabilizer bars run reverse. Two tab mounts and a heim were bolted together then tack welded to the axle just outside of the frame. Make sure to take measurements for tire and rim clearance as well as parallel bar travel. |
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| Step No. 3 |
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| The parallel bar was bolted up to the tacked heim joint. A heim joint was bolted on to the opposite end of the parallel bar. With measurements taken for clearance, a grade 8 bolt was drilled through the frame. The head of the bolt was welded to the frame. |
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| Step No. 4 |
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| To keep the parallel bar from binding and moving up and down fluently, a piece of pipe was welded to the frame over the bolt to act as a spacer. Further more hangers were fabricated and welded to the frame for the heim joint to bolt securely to. |
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| Step No. 5 |
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| Tabs and heim joints were mounted to the ends a stabilizer bar. Measurements were taken to locate the center point on the axle, to make sure that the stabilizer bar will be mounted with an equal distance on each side. With the center point located the tab mounts were tack welded to the differential housing. The stabilizer bar was angled out to the frame and the rest of the tab mounts were tack welded. |
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| Step No. 6 |
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| The same steps were taken to mount the parallel and stabilizer bars to the other side. Make sure to measure to keep the all mounts at the same distances and equal to the side already set up. |
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| Step No. 7 |
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| With measurements taken for clearance, the C-Notch pieces were tack welded together. Then tack welded to each side of the frame. |
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| Step No. 8 |
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| With all the pieces in place and all the measurements looking good, the C-Notch pieces were welded together then welded to the frame. The frame was cut out and the inside C-Notch piece welded into place. |
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| Step No. 9 |
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| With the C-Notches installed and the 4-link tacked into place, measurements were taken and the axle was lifted up and down. This insures that all the 4-link bars were mounted correctly, had plenty of clearance, would move smoothly. With all looking good, everything was welded into place to finish the 4-link install. The rims and tires were bolted back up and the 4-link was adjusted for proper drive shaft pinion angle and alignment. |
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| Step No. 10 |
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| Next measurements were taken and the upper airbag mounts were tack welded to the inside of the C-Notch and the lower mounts tacked to the axle. Making sure that there was plenty of clearance and travel for the airbags to give maximum lift/drop, the mounts were welded into place. Keep in mind that if you want to lay frame the airbags shouldn't bottom out when the truck sits down. Also remember that the rim and tire size you choose for your ride will have an impact on were you should mount the airbag brackets. |
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| Step No. 11 |
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| The cross members were also notched and reinforced for drive shaft clearance. All the airbags, valves, lines, compressors and tanks were bolted up. The gas tank was bolted back up and all the lines replaced. |
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| Step No. 12 |
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| Measurements were now taken to cut through the bed. With the bed cut through, the bed was bolted back up on the truck and all the miscellaneous put back into place. |
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| Step No. 13 |
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| With the install completely done, a test drive was taken to make final adjustments to the 4-links. This Toyota Tacoma finally got the rear end suspension it deserved and gave it more than 2 extra inches of drop. Not to mention the difference in the drive was like night and day in comparison to the de-arched leaf springs.
Installation provided by JPC Customs in Fallbrook, California (760) 468-3529. |
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