Leaf Spring Replacement Single Axle

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Block the front wheels.
3. Raise the vehicle frame using a suitable lifting device in order to remove the weight of the vehicle from the spring assembly.

Support the frame forward of the rear axle.

4. Remove the rear dual wheel assembly, if necessary. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
5. Remove the following components:

•	The rebound nut

•	The washer

•

The bolt

6. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
7. Remove the U-bolt nuts and washers.
8. Remove the following components:

•	The U-bolt anchor plate

•	The shock absorber bracket

9. Remove the U-bolts.
10. Remove the seat
11. Lower the axle slightly.
12. Remove the following components:

•	The eye bolt nut

•	The washer

•	The eye bolt

13. Support and raise the vehicle using a suitable lifting device in order to provide clearance between the spring assembly and the hanger bracket.

Support the frame forward of the rear axle.

14. Remove the following components:

•	The auxiliary spring bolt

•	The spacer

•	U-bolt spacer

15. Remove the spring assembly using a suitable hoist.

1. Install the spring assembly onto the axle pad or axle stabilizer/spring seat, if equipped, using a suitable hoist.
2. Install the following components:

•	The auxiliary spring

•	The U-bolt spacer

•	The spacers

•

The bolt

3. Install the U-bolt spacer over the center bolt.
4. Install the U-bolts into the spacer grooves.
5. Install the U-bolt anchor plate (1) and seat.
6. Install the shock absorber bracket or stabilizer shaft/spring seat, if equipped.

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.

Important: In order to properly tighten the U-bolt nuts, torque the nuts progressively as outlined below.

7. On 15,000 lb axles, install the 20 mm U-bolt nuts (2) and the washers.

Tighten

1. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) in sequence.
2. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 250 N·m (184 lb ft) in sequence.
3. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 388 N·m (287 lb ft) in sequence.
8. On 19,000-26,000 lb axles, install the 20 mm U-bolt nuts (2) and the washers.

Tighten

1. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 150 N·m (111 lb ft) in sequence.
2. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 275 N·m (203 lb ft) in sequence.
3. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 437 N·m (344 lb ft) in sequence.
9. Install the following components:

•	The spring eye bolt nut

•	The washer

•	The eye bolt

Tighten
Tighten the spring front eye bolt to 415 N·m (305 lb ft).

10. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

Tighten
Tighten the lower shock absorber nut to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).

11. Lower the frame until the hangers touch the surface of the spring eye.



12. For tapered leaf springs, install the following components:

•	The rear spring hanger rebound bolt

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 415 N·m (305 lb ft).

•	The washer

•

The nut

13. For multileaf springs, install the rear spring hanger bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt. Ensure that a minimum of 84.07 mm (3.36 in) is between the ears (1) of the rear spring hanger.