Rear Suspension Leaf Spring

Leaf Spring Replacement

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. Remove the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) .
4. Remove the fuel tank, left side only. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Reg Cab w/26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (25 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15/25 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (35 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 gal Tank) .




5. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
6. Remove the U-bolts and discard.
7. Remove the spring spacer.
8. Remove the anchor plate.
9. Remove the front and rear leaf spring shackle bolts and nuts. Refer to Spring Shackle Replacement (Service and Repair) .
10. Remove the front bolt and nuts.
11. Remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.



Installation Procedure






Important: Loosely assemble the spring to the front hanger bracket.


1. Install the leaf spring assembly to the vehicle.
2. Install the front bolt and nuts but do not tighten.
3. Install the front and rear leaf spring shackle bolts and nuts. Refer to Spring Shackle Replacement (Service and Repair)

Important: Do not reuse the U-bolts.


4. Install the spring spacer.
5. Install the U-bolts.
6. Install the anchor plate.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .

7. Install the U-bolt nuts.

* For the 1500, tighten the nut to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
* For the 2500/3500, tighten the U-bolt nut to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
* Tighten the front bolt/nut to 200 N.m (148 lb ft).


8. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Reg Cab w/26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (25 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15/25 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (35 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 gal Tank) .
9. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) .
10. Remove the rear axle support.
11. Remove the safety stands.
12. Lower the vehicle.