Rear Suspension Leaf Spring

Leaf Spring Replacement

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 (Light Duty))Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty)).

Note: For the 3500 Cab chassis vehicles, the auxiliary fuel tank must be removed to service the left or right rear shackle bolts.

4. Remove the fuel tank assembly.

* For the fuel tank, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (Pickup) (Removal and Replacement)Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Front) (Removal and Replacement)Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Rear) (Removal and Replacement).
* For the auxiliary fuel tank, refer to Auxiliary Fuel Tank Replacement (Removal and Replacement).




5. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
6. Remove the U-bolts and discard.
7. Remove the spring spacer.
8. Remove the anchor plate.
9. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and nuts. Refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (1500 Series) ().




10. Remove the front bolt and nuts.
11. 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.

12. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle, if needed. Refer to 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) for the 1500 and 140 Nm + 180° (103 lb ft) + 180° for the 2500.
9. Tighten the front rear spring mounting nut to 170 Nm+ 48° (125 lb ft) + 48° .
10. Tighten the rear leaf spring hanger to shackle nut and bolt to 90 Nm (70 lb ft).
11. Install the fuel tank assembly.

* For the fuel tank, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (Pickup) (Removal and Replacement)Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Front) (Removal and Replacement)Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Rear) (Removal and Replacement).
* For the auxiliary fuel tank, refer to Auxiliary Fuel Tank Replacement (Removal and Replacement).

12. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty))Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty)).
13. Remove the rear axle support.
14. Remove the safety stands.
15. Lower the vehicle.