Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair

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. Disconnect the rear park brake cable. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side (Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side) or to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side (Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side) .
4. Remove the absorber lower mounting nut and bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (Shock Absorber Replacement) .
5. Remove the trailer hitch if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Service and Repair) .




6. Remove the U-bolt nuts (5) and washers (4).
7. Remove the anchor plate (3).
8. Remove the U-bolts (1).




9. Remove the rear spring hanger bracket nut and bolt.




10. Remove the front spring bracket bolt.




11. Remove the leaf spring assembly (1) from the vehicle.



Installation Procedure





1. Install the leaf spring assembly (1) to the vehicle.




2. Install the front spring hanger bracket bolt.
3. Install the front spring hanger bracket nut.




4. Install the rear spring hanger bracket bolt.
5. Install the rear spring hanger bracket nut.





Important: Do not reuse the U-bolts.


6. Install the new U-bolts (1).
7. Install the anchor plate (3).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

8. Install the U-bolt washers (4) and nuts (5).

Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 76 N.m (56 lb ft).

9. Install the absorber lower mounting nut and bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (Shock Absorber Replacement) .
10. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Service and Repair) .
11. Connect the rear park brake cable. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side (Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side) or to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side (Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side) .
12. Remove the rear axle support.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. With the vehicle at trim height, tighten the front leaf spring to frame nut and the rear leaf spring shackle nuts.

* Tighten the front leaf spring nut to 125 N.m (92 lb ft).
* Tighten the rear leaf spring shackle nuts to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).