Leaf Springs Replacement
Leaf Springs Replacement
Removal Procedure
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Block the vehicle's rear wheels.
3. Raise the frame until the front tires clear the floor.
4. Support the axle with a jack. Raise the axle high enough in order to allow the spring to clear the brackets when you remove the spring.
Notice: Do not use the front crossmember to support the vehicle or the crossmember may buckle.
5. Support the frame using suitable safety stands.
6. Remove the following components from the lower mounting brackets (7):
* The nuts (10)
* The washers (9)
* The insulators (8)
7. Remove the shock absorbers (5) from the lower mounting brackets (7). Push the shock absorbers into the fully retracted position.
8. Remove the insulators (13) and the washers (6) from the shock absorber lower stem.
9. Remove the nuts from the front and rear eye bolts. Loosen the upper rear shackle bolt so that the hanger can pivot.
10. Remove the nuts (6) and the U-bolts (1). Lower the axle and the tie rod (5) far enough to relieve the tension on the spring (2).
11. Remove the front eye bolt.
12. Remove the rear eye bolt.
13. Remove the following components from the vehicle:
* The spring (2)
* The spring spacers (7)
* The spacers (8)
Installation Procedure
1. Install the spring (2).
2. Install the rear eye bolt and nut.
1. Raise the axle and the tie rod (5) in order to support the spring (2).
2. Align the spring center bolt to the axle.
3. Install the front eye bolt and nut.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
4. Install the U-bolts (1) and the nuts (6).
* For 8,100-pound axles, tighten the U-bolt nut to 225 Nm (166 lb ft).
* For all axles except 8,100-pound axles, tighten the U-bolt nut to 425 Nm (314 lb ft).
* Tighten the eye bolts to 330 Nm (243 lb ft).
5. Install the flat washer (6) and the insulator (13) onto the shock absorber lower stem.
6. Install the shock absorber (5) into the lower mounting bracket (7).
7. Install the following components:
* The insulators (8)
* The flat washers (9)
* The nut (10)
Tighten the lower shock absorber nut to 84 Nm (62 lb ft).
8. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.