Removal Procedure
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
in General Information.
- Remove the fuel tank. Refer to
Fuel Tank Replacement
in Engine Controls - 2.2L or
Fuel Tank Replacement
in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
- Remove the spare tire, if necessary.
- Disconnect rear exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system, if necessary.
- Support the rear axle in order to relieve the tension on the leaf
springs.
- Remove the leaf spring
U-bolt nuts and washers.
- Remove the leaf spring U-bolts.
- Rotate anchor plate out of way.
- Remove the spring shackle
to leaf spring mounting nut and bolt.
- Remove the leaf spring
to front bracket mounting nut and bolt
- Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Install the leaf spring
to the vehicle.
- Install the leaf spring to front bracket mounting bolt and nut
Do not tighten the nut.
- Install the leaf spring
to shackle mounting bolt and nut.
Do not tighten the nut.
- Rotate the anchor plate
to the proper position.
- Install the leaf spring U-bolts
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Install the leaf
spring U-bolt retaining nuts.
Tighten
- Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt retaining nuts to 25 N·m
(18 lb ft) in the sequence shown.
- Then tighten the leaf spring U-bolt retaining nuts to 100 N·m
(73 lb ft) in the sequence shown.
- Raise the axle support
so that there is a distance of 164 mm to 176 mm (6.46 in to
6.94 in) between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper
bracket (1).
- Tighten the leaf spring to front bracket mounting nut.
Tighten
Tighten the leaf spring to front bracket mounting nut to 122 N·m
(89 lb ft).
- Tighten the leaf spring to spring shackle mounting nut.
Tighten
Tighten the leaf spring to spring shackle mounting nut to 122 N·m
(89 lb ft).
- Remove axle support.
- Raise exhaust system and connect rear exhaust hangers, if necessary.
- Install the spare tire, if necessary.
- Install the fuel tank. Refer to
Fuel Tank Replacement
in Engine Controls - 2.2L or
Fuel Tank Replacement
in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
- Lower the Vehicle.