Rear Leaf Spring Replacement

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J 41602 Body Protection Hoist Adapter Set





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lift Points. Use the J 41602 in order to lift at the pinch welds if necessary.
2. Support the axle separately.
3. If necessary to gain access to the lower plate front nut, remove the axle bumper and the nut.





4. With a stabilizer shaft, it will be necessary to remove the following parts:
- The lower nuts
- The washers
- The clamps





5. Remove the U-bolt and the lower plate to the anchor plate nuts.

NOTICE: Do not let the axle hang by the brake hose. Damage to the hose may occur. Always support the axle and the body separately.

6. Remove the U-bolt.
7. Remove the lower plate.





8. Remove the anchor plate.
9. Lower the axle away from the spring.





10. Remove the shackle nut and the bolt.
11. Remove the spring from the shackle.





12. Remove the hanger nut and the bolt.
13. Remove the spring from the hanger.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: In order to achieve the proper seating and the proper attachment of the anchor plate over both the spring and the axle, the following procedure must be used.





1. Install the spring to the hanger.
2. Loosely install the hanger bolt and the nut.





3. Install the spring to the shackle.
4. Loosely install the shackle bolt and the nut.
5. Install the axle to the spring. Raise the axle so that the axle butts against the spring.





6. Install the anchor plate to the top of the spring. Apply the rubber lubricant (GM P/N 12345884 or equivalent) to the isolator on the spring in order to aid in installation of the anchor plate to the spring.





7. Install the lower plate and the U-bolt around the axle and through the anchor plate.

IMPORTANT: After tightening the fasteners to the specified torque, ensure that there is no gap between the anchor plate, the axle tube bracket, and the lower plate. The contact should be metal to metal.

8. Install the 4 nuts to the lower plate and the U-bolt.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

9. Starting with the inner (lower plate side) nuts, gradually tighten the four nuts so that the anchor plate moves uniformly, side to side, over the spring.
- Tighten the anchor plate nuts to 62 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).





10. For a stabilizer shaft, install the following parts:
- The clamps
- The washers
- The nuts





11. Install the axle bumper.
12. Install the axle bumper nut.
- Tighten the axle bumper nut to 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the hanger nut and the hanger bolt to 105 Nm (77 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the shackle nut and the shackle bolt to 105 Nm (77 ft. lbs.).

13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Remove the J 41602 if necessary.
15. Adjust the trim height of the vehicle. Refer to Trim Height Inspection Procedure.