Rear Suspension Leaf Spring

Fig. 11 Leaf Spring Assembly. 1989-93:

1. Raise the vehicle and support at the frame rails. Support the rear axle separately to relieve the load on rear springs.
2. Remove shock absorbers, Fig. 11.
3. Remove the U-bolt and lower plate nuts, then the flat washers. On models equipped with a stabilizer bar, it will be necessary to remove the lower nuts, washers and anchor blocks, then swing the stabilizer bar down to obtain clearance.
4. Loosen, but do not remove the shackle nuts.
5. Remove the anchor plate, then lower the axle away from the spring. Do not let the axle hang by the brake hose or damage may occur.
6. Remove the retainer nuts and washers, then the retainer.
7. Remove the spring-to-shackle nut, washers and bolt.
8. Remove the spring from vehicle.
9. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Tighten retainer nuts, U-bolt nuts and lower plate nuts to specifications.
b. Adjust the rear suspension trim height by raising the rear axle until the top of the axle is 5.5-6.3 inches from the bottom of the frame. Damage to the spring and axle could result if the axle supports are not in complete contact with the axle and resting firmly on the floor.
c. After trim height has been adjusted, tighten leaf spring rear anchor nuts and front anchor nuts to specifications.
d. Install shock absorbers, then lower vehicle.