Leaf Springs

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Pickups

1. Raise and support the rear of the truck on jackstands under the frame.

   CAUTION
   The rear leaf springs are under considerable tension. Be very careful when removing and installing them, they can exert enough force to cause serious injuries.

2. Place a floor jack under the rear axle to take up its weight.
3. Disconnect the lower end of the shock absorbers.
4. Remove the spring U-bolts and plate.
5. Remove the spring front bolt.
6. Remove the rear shackle nuts and the shackle.
7. Lift the spring from the truck.
8. Place the leaf spring in position and install the rear shackle and front mount bolt. Install the spring U bolts. Secure all fasteners snugly and lower the truck. When the truck is on its wheels, torque the nuts and bolts. Observe the following torques:
   • Spring rear shackle nuts: 58 ft. lbs.
   • 2-wheel drive U-bolt nuts: 58 ft. lbs.
   • 4-wheel drive U-bolt nuts: 101 ft. lbs.
   • Front spring pin nut: 72 ft. lbs.
   • Shock absorber: 58 ft. lbs.

Navajo

1. Raise the vehicle and install jackstands under the frame. The vehicle must be supported in such a way that the rear axle hangs free with the tires still touching the ground.
2. Remove the nuts from the spring U-bolts and drive the U-bolts from the U-bolt plate.
3. Remove the spring to bracket nut and bolt at the front of the spring.
4. Remove the shackle upper and lower nuts and bolts at the rear of the spring.
5. Remove the spring and shackle assembly from the rear shackle bracket.

   To install:

6. Position the spring in the shackle. Install the upper shackle spring bolt and nut with the bolt head facing outward.
7. Position the front end of the spring in the bracket and install the bolt and nut.
8. Position the shackle in the rear bracket and install the nut and bolt.
9. Position the spring on top of the axle with the spring tie bolt centered in the hole provided in the seat.
10. Lower the vehicle to the floor. Torque the spring U-bolt nuts to 65–75 ft. lbs. Torque the front spring bolt to 75–115 ft. lbs. Torque the rear shackle nuts and bolts to 75–115 ft. lbs.