Leaf Spring Bushing: Service and Repair
- Tools Required- J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Service Kit
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle.
3. Remove spare tire on pickups and 4 door utility models, if necessary.
4. Disconnect rear exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system, if necessary.
5. Remove the fuel tank on 2 door utility models. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (Pickup) or Fuel Tank Replacement (2-Door Utility) or Fuel Tank Replacement (4-Door Utility) in Engine Controls-4.3L.
6. Remove the EVAP canister on 2 door utility models, if necessary. Refer to Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Replacement (Pickup) or Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Replacement (Utility) in Powertrain Management
7. Remove the following parts:
- The frame to spring shackle nut
- The washers
- The frame to spring shackle bolt
8. Loosen the lower spring shackle bolt at the leaf spring. Leave the bolt attached.
9. Lower the axle until there is enough clearance to remove the spring shackle bushing.
10. Use a blunt punch to straighten out the bushing flange that comes through the inner frame.
Important: Replace both of the spring shackle bushings while the fuel tank is removed from the vehicle.
11. Remove the spring shackle bushing using J21474-01.
12. Repeat steps 7 through 11 for other spring shackle bushing.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the new spring shackle bushing using J21474-01.
2. Pull the bushing into the frame rail until the flanged portion of the bushing is flush with the rail.
3. Stake the spring shackle bushing inner flange.
4. Raise the axle into position.
5. Install the following parts:
- The frame to the spring shackle bolt
- The washers
- The frame to the spring shackle nut
Do not tighten the nut.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the other spring shackle bushing.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
7. Support the axle so that there is a distance of 164 mm to 176 mm (6.46 inch to 6.94 inch) between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper bracket (1).
- Tighten the rear spring shackle nuts to 122 Nm (89 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the EVAP canister on 2 door utility models, if necessary. Refer to Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Replacement (Pickup) or Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Replacement (Utility) in Powertrain Management
9. Install the fuel tank on 2 door utility models. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (Pickup) or Fuel Tank Replacement (2-Door Utility) or Fuel Tank Replacement (4-Door Utility) in Engine Controls-43L.
10. Raise the exhaust system and connect the rear exhaust hangers, if necessary
11. Install the spare tire on pickups and 4 door utility models, if necessary.
12. Remove the rear axle support.
13. Lower the vehicle.