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-4.3 L.
- 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 retaining nuts.
- Rotate the anchor plate out of the way.
- Remove the leaf spring
to spring shackle 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 the front bracket mounting bolt and
nut.
Do not tighten the nut.
- Install the leaf spring
to spring shackle mounting bolt and nuts.
Do not tighten the nut.
- Reposition the anchor
plate to the proper location.
- 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 U-bolt nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft)
in the sequence shown.
- Then tighten the U-bolt nuts to 100 N·m (73 lb ft)
in the sequence shown.
- Raise the axle support
so that there is a distance of 164-176 mm (6.46-6.94 in)
between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper bracket (1).
- Tighten the leaf spring mounting nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the leaf spring mounting nuts to 122 N·m (89 lb ft).
- Remove the 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 4.3L.
- Lower the vehicle.