| Subject: | Unnecessary Leaf Spring Clip Replacement |
| Models: | 1989-2002 Chevrolet C-Series, H Model Conventional Medium Duty Models |
| 1997-2002 Chevrolet T-Series, C Model Medium Duty Tilt Cabs |
| 2003-2009 Chevrolet T-Series, C Model Medium Duty Tilt Cabs (New Style) |
| 2003-2009 Chevrolet Kodiak C4500-C8500 Series |
| 2000-2009 Chevrolet Express 2500/3500 Series Vans |
| 1989-2002 GMC C-Series, H Model Conventional Medium Duty Models |
| 1997-2002 GMC T-Series, C Model Medium Duty Tilt Cabs |
| 2003-2009 GMC T-Series, C Model Medium Duty Tilt Cabs (New Style) |
| 2003-2009 GMC TopKick C4500-C8500 Series |
| 2000-2009 GMC Savana 2500/3500 Series Vans |
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 and 2009 model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-08-011C (Section 03 -- Suspension).
On some leaf spring applications, metal clips (1) are used to hold the spring leafs in alignment. "Per GM Engineering, the clips used on the springs are provided for assembly purposes. Once the springs are installed in the vehicle, these clips
are not necessary. It is the function of the U-bolts to maintain the spring integrity - relative to splaying."
If this clip becomes damaged or is even removed from the leaf spring after assembly, it will NOT affect the spring in any way. It is not necessary to replace this clip or the leaf spring assembly for this type of condition.
If a leaf spring clip is damaged and may be at risk of falling from the vehicle, simply remove it. More importantly, if the clip looks bent or distorted, it could be caused by loose U-bolts that hold the springs in place to the axle. If this is the
case, realign the spring stack and re-tighten the U-bolts according to the torque specification in Service Information (SI). If proper U-bolt torque is maintained, the leafs should not move out of alignment in their stack.
