Leaf Spring Replace

Fig. 5 Rear suspension (left side):

REMOVAL

1. Raise vehicle and place jack stands under frame side rails to relieve spring load. Support axle assembly.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, spring to shackle attaching nut, Fig. 5.
3. Remove U-bolt attaching nuts, then the U-bolts. Rotate anchor plate on shock absorber lower mount to clear the leaf spring assembly.
4. Remove shackle to frame attaching nut and bolt. After removal of shackle to frame attaching nut and bolt, spring is free to rotate on front hanger bolt. Use suitable restraining device to prevent rotation.
5. Remove front spring hanger nut and bolt, then the spring.




BUSHING, REPLACE

1. Straighten or remove bushing flares.
2. Place spring in suitable press and press out bushing.
3. Press in new bushing using suitable tool that presses on steel outer shell of bushing.
4. Flare bushing outer sleeve to spring.

INSTALLATION

1. Clean axle spring pad, then position spring at front hanger and install through bolt and nut. Do not tighten nut at this time.
2. Position spring shackle at rear mount and install through bolt and nut. Do not tighten at this time. Prior to installing rear mount through bolt and nut, ensure shackle is loosely attached to spring rear eye, open end of shackle is facing forward and axle is in position above spring.
3. Position axle spring pad onto spring, ensuring spring center bolt head is seated in spring pad seat pilot hole.
4. Rotate anchor plate on shock absorber to bring anchor plate into proper position, then install U-bolts and nuts. Using a diagonal tightening sequence, tighten U-bolt nuts snugly.
5. Lower vehicle so suspension components are supporting vehicle, then torque U-bolt nuts to 85 ft. lbs. and spring mounting nuts to 88 ft. lbs.