Yeah I used flat big vice grips and just cycled the impact in and out until they eventually came out. It really beat the heck out of the pics but I didn't care because we didn't re-use them.

 

Thanks, I figured that might be the case. I'll have to jack up the truck a little bit more so I have more room to lower the axle to create more space for the vice grips.

 

Removing the wheels will let you drop the axle pretty far. Just watch your brake lines.

I used big vice grips (with big sharp teeth), a breaker bar, PB blaster, and lots of cursing. If I had an air powered impact gun it'd be easier. I don't though.

 

Anybody have any issues with alignment afterwards? My truck seems to be a bit out now.

 

Well the rear axle is located by the main leaf springs. I don't think there is any alignment adjustments that can be done on the rear axle.

But there may be a possibility.

You have the two center bolts, which hold the leaf pack together. Those also have a bracket on top of the leaf pack that locates the U-Bolts for and aft on the main leaf.
If you left this bracket off you MAY be able to assemble it with the U-bolts off a bit.

Additionally I noticed that those two bolts that were included in the kit were slightly smaller diameter than the stock bolts. I ended up re-using the stock bolts.

The holes for those bolt heads in the axle are very large, so it's possible you misaligned it when you put it together.
Most alignment shops don't mess with rear axles though. If your sure it's in the rear, you might want to check those brackets.
And loosen everything to re-align it.

But my guess is it's in your front end.
Good luck.

 

I finally got mine installed 2 weeks ago. I took it on an 8hr round-trip fishing trip last weekend and I too noticed that my alignment appears to be a tad off. The truck tracks true, but the steering wheel is slightly turned towards the right. I thought fighting the stiff head-wind coupled with an uneven highway may have been the issue, but not quite sure yet. It was driving me nuts. I am going on another, but longer at 13hr round-trip, fishing trip this weekend. We shall see.



I noticed the smaller bolts with the new kit too, but didn't have the forethought to reuse the old bolts- arghhh. I believe I still have them though.


On a good note, I had several hundred pounds of fishing/camping gear, beer, food etc and towed the driftboat without issue. The new springs kept the rear-end from sagging and the truck road really well. Averaged 15.2mpg for the whole trip carrying/towing all that weight while driving 75ish on the highway, and over a few mountain passes. Couldn't be happier.

 

Yeah, I didn't even remove the main leaf. Figured it should bolt right back up the same way.....I'll see what I can come up with tonight. Have a peek and see if something is mis-aligned. There's not much to mess up or move though. My wheel is to the right as well. Let me know what you come up with too, Thanks.

 

I didn't remove the main spring either. I used a 14" pipe wrench to bend the clips just enough to remove the springs. It was a huge PITA. In hind sight I should've just cut them off as I was unable to bend them back in to place anyway because there is such little room to get leverage on them, plus the plastic insulator wouldn't allow them to bend over the top of the main spring properly. I cut off the stock clips with an angle grinder after the fact, installed the kwikclips that came with the add-a-leafs on the rear and installed a set of heavy duty clamps I found at Autozone on the front- so far so good. I will likely replace the kwikclips that came with the add-a-leaf kit with another set of the heavier duty clamps. Here is a link to the clamps. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=541729_0_0_



Will do, thanks.

 

So those that added a General Spring AAL http://www.generalspringkc.com/Add_a...012_s/1995.htm , which capacity are you running? And how do they ride? (empty and loaded)

 

I got the 802 lb ones. The ride is a bit firmer but you can't really notice it. They have settled in a little bit and I'm sitting at about 3/4" of rake empty. Perfect. I removed the spacer leaf though (as shown in one of the posts above). Towed an enclosed 7x16 trailer on weekend and the truck sat level and handled it perfect. Very happy with it.

Haven't had a huge load in the bed yet. 2 dirtbikes and some gear the other day but that isn't much more that 700lbs. Either way sat level or better with that in it. Can't wait to load it up with another load of wood to see how she fairs. I don't tow or haul alot but when I do I like it to not be dragging the bumper. The little bit of a firmer ride plus the slight rake is the perfect setup to me.

Can't imagine the 1200 lb ones with the spacer still in! it would be 2" of lift I bet.