GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Service Kit

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Support the rear axle.
  3. Remove spare tire on pickups and 4 door utility models, if necessary.
  4. Disconnect rear exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system, if necessary.
  5. Remove the fuel tank on 2 door utility models. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
  6. Remove the EVAP canister on 2 door utility models, if necessary. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.

  7. Object Number: 3243  Size: SH
  8. Remove the following parts:
  9. • The frame to spring shackle nut
    • The washers
    • The frame to spring shackle bolt
  10. Loosen the lower spring shackle bolt at the leaf spring.
  11. Leave the bolt attached.

  12. Lower the axle until there is enough clearance to remove the spring shackle bushing.
  13. Use a blunt punch to straighten out the bushing flange that comes through the inner frame.
  14. Important: Replace both of the spring shackle bushings while the fuel tank is removed from the vehicle.

  15. Remove the spring shackle bushing using J 21474-01 .
  16. Repeat steps 7 through 11 for other spring shackle bushing.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Service Kit


    Object Number: 228361  Size: SH
  1. Install the new spring shackle bushing using J 21474-01 .
  2. Pull the bushing into the frame rail until the flanged portion of the bushing is flush with the rail.
  3. Stake the spring shackle bushing inner flange.
  4. Raise the axle into position.

  5. Object Number: 3243  Size: SH
  6. Install the following parts:
  7. • The frame to the spring shackle bolt
    • The washers
    • The frame to the spring shackle nut
    • Do not tighten the nut.
  8. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the other spring shackle bushing.

  9. Object Number: 3248  Size: SH

    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.

  10. Support the axle 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).
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the rear spring shackle nuts to 122 N·m (89 lb ft).

  12. Install the EVAP canister on 2 door utility models, if necessary. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
  13. Install the fuel tank on 2 door utility models. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.
  14. Raise the exhaust system and connect the rear exhaust hangers, if necessary
  15. Install the spare tire on pickups and 4 door utility models, if necessary.
  16. Remove the rear axle support.
  17. Lower the vehicle.