Rear Suspension Leaf Spring

Leaf Spring Replacement

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
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 Park Brake Cable Replacement - Left Rear or to - Right Rear.
4. Remove the absorber lower mounting nut and bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
5. Remove the trailer hitch if equipped.




6. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
7. Remove the anchor plate.
8. Remove the U-bolts. Discard the U-bolts, nuts, and washers.




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




10. Remove the front spring bracket bolt.




11. Remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the leaf spring assembly 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.
7. Install the anchor plate.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

8. Install new U-bolt washers and nuts.
^ Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 76 N.m (56 lb ft).
^ Tighten the front hanger bracket nut on the first pass to 80 N.m (59 lb ft).
^ Tighten the front hanger bracket nut on the second pass to 80 degrees using J 36660-A
^ Tighten the rear shackle nut to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).
9. Install the absorber lower mounting nut and bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
10. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped.
11. Connect the rear park brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Left Rear or - Right Rear.
12. Remove the rear axle support.
13. Lower the vehicle.