Leaf Spring Replacement
Leaf Spring Replacement (1500)
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. Remove the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) .
4. If servicing the left side left spring, remove the fuel tank.
* For those vehicle equipped with the 4.3L, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/26 Gal Tank)Fuel Tank Replacement (Extended Cab w/26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Extended Cab w/26 Gal Tank)Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/34 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/34 Gal Tank).
* For those vehicles equipped with the 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L/6.2L/7.0L, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (35 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab With 34 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Ext/Crew Cab With 26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15/25 Reg/Ext/Crw Cab With 34 Gal Tnk) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Rec Cab With 26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (25 Ext/Crew Cab With 26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Rear) Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Front) .
5. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
6. Remove the U-bolts and discard. Replace with NEW only.
7. Remove the spring spacer.
8. Remove the anchor plate.
9. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and nuts. Refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (2500/3500 Series) Service and RepairRear Spring Shackle Replacement (1500 Series) Service and Repair.
10. Remove the front bolt and nuts.
11. Remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.
Note: The following step is for replacement the shackle only. The shackle does not have to be replaced if removing the rear leaf to service other chassis or suspension components items.
12. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle, if needed. Refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement (2500/3500 Series) Service and RepairRear Spring Shackle Replacement (1500 Series) Service and Repair.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the leaf spring assembly to the vehicle.
2. Install the front bolt and nuts but do not tighten.
3. Install the rear leaf spring hanger to shackle nut and bolt.
Note: Do not reuse the U-bolts.
4. Install the spring spacer, if equipped.
5. Install the U-bolts.
6. Raise the rear axle until it touches the leaf spring and applies light compression to the leaf spring.
7. Install the anchor plate.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.
8. Install the U-bolt nuts and tighten the U-bolts in a criss-cross sequence to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
9. Tighten the front rear spring mounting nut to:
* First Pass, 170 Nm (125 lb ft)
* Final Pass, plus 48 degrees
10. Tighten the rear leaf spring hanger to shackle nut and bolt to 90 Nm (70 lb ft).
11. If left side left spring was serviced, install the fuel tank.
* For those vehicle equipped with the 4.3L, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/26 Gal Tank)Fuel Tank Replacement (Extended Cab w/26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Extended Cab w/26 Gal Tank)Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/34 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Regular Cab w/34 Gal Tank).
* For those vehicles equipped with the 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L/6.2L/7.0L, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (35 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab With 34 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Ext/Crew Cab With 26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15/25 Reg/Ext/Crw Cab With 34 Gal Tnk) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Rec Cab With 26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (25 Ext/Crew Cab With 26 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 Gal Tank) Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Rear) Fuel Tank Replacement (Cab/Chassis - Front) .
12. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) .
13. Remove the rear axle support.
14. Remove the safety stands.
15. Lower the vehicle.