Rear Suspension Leaf Spring

Leaf Spring Replacement (1500/2500)

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 (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 gal) Tank + E85) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 Gal) Tank + E85))Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 4.35L (11.5 gal) Tank Rear) (Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 4.35L (11.5 Gal) Tank Rear))Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 gal) Tank + E85) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 Gal) Tank + E85))Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 98.4L (26 gal) Tank Front) (Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 98.4L (26 Gal) Tank Front))Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 gal) Tank ) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 Gal) Tank))Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 gal) Tank) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 Gal) Tank)).




5. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
6. Remove the U-bolts.
7. Remove the spring spacer, if equipped.
8. Remove the anchor plate.




9. Remove the rear spring bracket nut and bolt.




10. Remove the front spring bracket nut and bolt.
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 items.

12. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle, if needed. Refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (2500) (Service and Repair).

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.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

4. Install the rear leaf spring front nut and tighten to 170 Nm (125 lb ft) plus 48 degrees.
5. Tighten the rear leaf spring hanger nut and bolt to 95 Nm (70 lb ft).





Note: Do not reuse the U-bolts.

6. Install the spring spacer, if equipped.
7. Install the U-bolts.
8. Raise the rear axle until it touches the leaf spring and applies light compression to the leaf spring.
9. Install the anchor plate.
10. Install and tighten the U-bolts in a criss-cross sequence to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) for the 1500 and 160 Nm (1184 lb ft) for the 2500.
11. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 gal) Tank + E85) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 Gal) Tank + E85))Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 4.35L (11.5 gal) Tank Rear) (Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 4.35L (11.5 Gal) Tank Rear))Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 gal) Tank + E85) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 Gal) Tank + E85))Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 98.4L (26 gal) Tank Front) (Fuel Tank Replacement (2500 LWB - 98.4L (26 Gal) Tank Front))Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 gal) Tank ) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 LWB - 117.3L (31 Gal) Tank))Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 gal) Tank) (Fuel Tank Replacement (1500 SWB - 98.4L (26 Gal) Tank)).
12. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Service and Repair).
13. Remove the rear axle support.
14. Remove the safety stands.
15. Lower the vehicle.