Q: How to remove the rear leaf spring on Toyota Tacoma?
A: Begin by removing the rear wheel and spare tire that belongs to 4WD and Pre-Runner models before you start with the rear leaf spring removal process. You need to support the rear axle housing before you detach the rear shock absorber by removing its bolt together with the washer and nut; 2WD models require the shock to separate from the rear spring seat yet 4WD and Pre-Runner models need shock removal from the rear axle housing. You must start by disconnecting the parking brake cable assembly No. 3 after unbolt its attachment. The 2WD requires removal of rear spring bumper No. 1 by detaching both nuts and bumper components. First detach the rear spring U bolt from 2WD by removing 4 nuts and 4 washers before removing the spring seat along with its 2 U-bolts. When working on the rear spring U bolt for 4WD and Pre-Runner models you should detach the 4 nuts and 4 washers before removing the spring seat and 2 U-bolts and the spring bumper. The leaf spring removal process begins by doubling up on the washer and through bolt removal from the nut to prevent spring dropping. Complete the leaf spring removal by taking off the nut, washer, through bolt and shackle of the rear spring shackle sub-assembly No. 2.
Q: How to service and repair a leaf spring on Toyota Tundra?
A: The repair and servicing of leaf spring begins by using safety stands to support the body while jack-up lifts the axle housing enough to eliminate leaf spring tension. The leaf spring service requires you to remove the rear wheel followed by removing 4 U-bolt mounting nuts accompanied by washers and next remove spring seat with 2 U-bolts then end with removing spring bumper. The necessary procedure for leaf spring removal starts with nut and bolt detachment, after which the 2 nuts, washers, bolts, shackle, and leaf spring need to be extracted. The bushing tabs require cutting using a saw prior to using Special Service Tool: 09950-60010 (09951-00350) 09950-70010 (09951-07150) and a press to remove the inner tubes and rubber components from the bushings followed by tapping out the outer tubes with a chisel and hammer. Press in two new bushings using Special Service Tool: 09710-28012 (09710-07062), 09710-30041 (09710-03211) together with a hydraulic press. The spring clips need opening using a chisel and hammer while you take out the center bolt and nut by holding the spring in a vise. You can install the new spring clip after drilling off the rivet head and driving it out with a press. After aligning the vise-held leaf spring holes establish the spring center bolt and nut in place before torquing it to 44 Nm (450 kgf-cm, 33 ft. lbs.) then return the spring clips to their original position. When installing the system position the leaf spring and shackle together by applying 3 bolts and nuts and washers before stabilizing the suspension to reach a torque of 170 Nm (1,735 kgf-cm, 125 ft. lbs.). The installation of spring bumper and spring seat together with 2 U-bolts and 4 washers and nuts should be performed at 133 Nm (1,350 kgf-cm, 98 ft. lbs.) torque setting but maintaining equal U-bolt lengths beneath the spring seat. End the process by installing the rear wheel before removing safety stands while torquing it to 110 Nm (1,150 kgf-cm, 83 ft. lbs.).