GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2001 🢒 Sonoma Pickup - 4WD 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Leaf Spring Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the fuel tank except crew cab and ZR2 models. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement , or to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls.
  3. Remove the EVAP canister 2-door utilities only, except ZR2 models. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3 L.
  4. Remove the spare tire, if necessary.
  5. Remove the muffler, if necessary. Refer to Muffler Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  6. Support the rear axle in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.

    7. Object Number: 3251 Size: SH
  7. Remove the leaf spring U-bolt retaining nuts.
  8. Remove the leaf spring U-bolts.
  9. Rotate anchor plate out of way.

    10. Object Number: 3254 Size: SH
  10. Remove the spring shackle to leaf spring mounting nut and bolt.

    11. Object Number: 3253 Size: SH
  11. Remove the leaf spring to front bracket mounting nut and bolt.
  12. Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 3257 Size: SH
  1. Install the leaf spring to the vehicle.

    2. Important: Do not tighten the nut.

  2. Install the leaf spring to front bracket mounting bolt and nut.

    3. Object Number: 3254 Size: SH

    Important: Do not tighten the nut.

  3. Install the leaf spring to shackle mounting bolt and nut.

    4. Object Number: 3259 Size: SH
  4. Rotate the anchor plate to the proper position.
  5. Install the leaf spring U-bolts.

    6. 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.

  6. Install the leaf spring U-bolt retaining nuts.

    7. Tighten

    1. Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt retaining nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) in the sequence shown.
    2. Then tighten the leaf spring U-bolt retaining nuts to 100 N·m (73 lb ft) in the sequence shown.

    Object Number: 497445 Size: SH
  7. 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).
  8. Tighten the leaf spring to front bracket mounting nut.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the leaf spring to front bracket mounting nut to 122 N·m (89 lb ft).

  9. Tighten the leaf spring to spring shackle mounting nut.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the leaf spring to spring shackle mounting nut to 122 N·m (89 lb ft).

  10. Remove axle support.
  11. Install the muffler, if necessary. Refer to Muffler Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  12. Install the spare tire, if necessary.
  13. Install the EVAP canister 2-door utilities only, except ZR2 models. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3 L.
  14. Install the fuel tank except crew cab and ZR2 models. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement , or to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls.
  15. Lower the vehicle.