GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Chevy Suburban - 2WD 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Leaf Spring Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Support the rear axle independently in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
  3. Disconnect the Real Time Damping (RTD) sensors (25 series utilities if equipped). Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side or Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side in Real Time Damping (RTD).
  4. Remove the trailer hitch if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  5. Remove the fuel tank for left side applications. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8 L, 5.3 L, 6.0 L, or Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3 L

    6. Object Number: 348393 Size: SH
  6. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
  7. Remove the U-bolts.
  8. Remove the spring spacer.
  9. Remove the anchor plate.

    10. Object Number: 361791 Size: SH
  10. Remove the shackle to the frame bracket nut and the bolt.

    11. Object Number: 361767 Size: SH
  11. Remove the front spring bracket bolt.
  12. Remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.

    13. Object Number: 361791 Size: SH
  13. Remove the shackle from the spring.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 361791 Size: SH
  1. Loosely assemble the spring shackle bracket to the frame.
  2. Install the shackle bolt.
  3. Install the shackle nut.

    4. Object Number: 361767 Size: SH
  4. Install the leaf spring assembly to the vehicle.
  5. Loosely assemble the spring to the front hanger bracket.
  6. Install the front spring hanger bracket bolt.
  7. Install the front spring hanger bracket nut.

    8. Object Number: 361791 Size: SH
  8. Install the shackle to the spring bolt.
  9. Install the shackle to the spring nut.

    10. Important: Do not reuse the U-bolts.


    Object Number: 348393 Size: SH
  10. Install the spring spacer.
  11. Install the U-bolts.
  12. Install the anchor plate.

    13. 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.

  13. Install the U-bolt nuts.

    14. Tighten

        • Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 80 N·m (59 lb ft) (14 mm /0.55 in bolts).
        • Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft) (16 mm /0.63 in bolts).
        • Tighten the front hanger bracket nut to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).
        • Tighten the shackle to the frame nut to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).
        • Tighten the shackle to the spring nut to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).
  14. Install the fuel tank for left side applications. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8 L, 5.3 L, 6.0 L, or Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3 L.
  15. Install the trailer hitch if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  16. Connect the RTD sensors (25 series utilities if equipped). Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side or Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side in Real Time Damping (RTD).
  17. Remove the rear axle support.
  18. Remove the safety stands.
  19. Lower the vehicle.