Leaf Spring Replacement (1500)

Leaf Spring Replacement (1500)

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Support the rear axle independently in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement)Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement).




4. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
5. Remove the U-bolts and discard. Replace with NEW only.
6. Remove the spring spacer.
7. Remove the anchor plate.
8. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and nuts. Refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (2500/3500 Series) (Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (2500/3500 Series))Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (1500 Series) (Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (1500 Series)).




9. Remove the front bolt and nuts.
10. Remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.

Note: The following step is for replacement the shackle only. The shackle does not have to be replaced if removing the rear leaf to service other chassis or suspension components items.

11. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle, if needed. Refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (2500/3500 Series) (Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (2500/3500 Series))Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (1500 Series) (Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (1500 Series)).

Installation Procedure

1. Install the leaf spring assembly to the vehicle.




2. Install the front bolt and nuts but do not tighten.
3. Install the rear leaf spring hanger to shackle nut and bolt.





Note: Do not reuse the U-bolts.

4. Install the spring spacer, if equipped.
5. Install the U-bolts.
6. Raise the rear axle until it touches the leaf spring and applies light compression to the leaf spring.
7. Install the anchor plate.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

8. Install the U-bolt nuts and tighten the U-bolts in a criss-cross sequence to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
9. Tighten the front rear spring mounting nut to:

* First Pass, 170 Nm (125 lb ft)
* Final Pass, additional 48 degrees

10. Tighten the rear leaf spring hanger to shackle nut and bolt to 90 Nm (70 lb ft).
11. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement)Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement).
12. Remove the rear axle support.
13. Remove the safety stands.
14. Lower the vehicle.