Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

Caution: To help avoid personal Injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle at the opposite end from which components are being removed. This will reduce the possibility of the vehicle falling off the hoist.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the retainers from the lower control arms.





3. Remove the brake pipes from the lower control arms. The brake system will remain closed.





4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link bolts.
5. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arms.





6. Remove the exhaust system rubber insulators from the hangers. This will allow the exhaust to drop out of the way.
7. Support the exhaust system. DO NOT allow the exhaust system to hang freely or pipe and/or gasket damage may occur.
8. Remove the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connections.

Important: Support each lower control arm when removing the shock absorber lower mount bolt to compensate for the pressure on the shock absorber mount from the spring.





9. Remove the shock absorber lower mount bolts.





10. Remove the support from the lower control arms.
11. Using a transmission jack support the rear differential.
12. Remove the rear axle cradle mounts to the vehicle body bolts.





13. Lower the rear differential until the springs can be removed.
14. Remove the rear springs with the spring seats attached.





15. Remove the spring seats from the springs.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the spring seats to the spring.

Important: Be sure that the spring leg is properly installed within the spring seats or noises may occur.





2. Install the rear springs to the lower control arm and body.
3. Raise the rear differential into place.
4. Align and place the protective shields.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





5. Secure the rear differential with the cradle mount bolts.
- Tighten the rear axle cradle mounts to the vehicle body bolts to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.).
6. Lower the support.





7. Place the support under the left side lower control arm.
8. Raise the support to allow for alignment of the lower shock absorber mount bolt.
9. Install the shock absorber lower mount bolt.
- Tighten the shock absorber lower mount bolt to 110 Nm (81 ft. lbs.).
10. Lower the support.
11. Place the support under the right side lower control arm.
12. Raise the support to allow for alignment of the lower shock absorber mount bolt.
13. Install the lower shock absorber mount bolt.
- Tighten the lower shock absorber mount bolt to 110 Nm (81 ft. lbs.).





14. Install the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connections.





15. Support the exhaust system with rubber insulators to the hangers.
16. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arms.
17. Install the stabilizer shaft link bolts.
- Tighten the stabilizer shaft link bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).





18. Install the brake pipes to the lower control arms.
19. Secure the brake pipes with the retainers.
20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Adjust the rear toe specifications. Refer to Rear Toe Adjustment.