GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2004 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C4/C5 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Tandem Axle/Suspension Removal and Installation

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 202575 Size: LH

    Caution: To prevent injury, use jacks and other equipment to block the vehicle securely to prevent the axle assemblies from rolling or pivoting at the equalizer beam ends when the torque rods are disconnected.

    Important: Remove the tandem axle suspension either as a complete suspension unit or as individual components. Refer to Torque Rod Replacement or to Leaf Spring Replacement or to Equalizing Beam Replacement .

  1. Set the parking brake.
  2. Block the front wheels.
  3. Cage the spring brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber .
  4. Drain the air system. Refer to Air Brake Reservoir Draining .
  5. Raise the vehicle frame using a suitable lifting device.
  6. Support the frame forward of the rear axle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  7. Remove the brake lines.
  8. Remove the wiring.
  9. Remove the propeller shaft from between the axles. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
    10. •  One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  10. Remove the differential lock lines.
  11. Remove the nut and washer.
  12. Remove the rebound bolt.
  13. Remove the following components from the spring brackets:
    14. • The nuts
    • The washers
    • The bolts

    Caution: To avoid the possibility of injury, have an assistant remove the spacers (when used), and pivot the forward spring mounting brackets to the rear, letting them rest on the top of the spring assembly.

  14. Remove the propeller shaft from the forward rear axle. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
    15. •  One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  15. Remove the suspension assembly and the frame spacers, if used.
    16. 15.1. Raise the frame and roll out the axles.
    15.2. Secure the spring mounting bracket to the top of the spring assembly.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 202575 Size: LH
  1. Install the suspension assembly.
    2. 1.1. Raise the frame and roll the axles into place.
    1.2. Lower the frame in order to line up the brackets.
  2. Install the frame spacers, if used.

    3. 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.

  3. Install the following components to the spring brackets:
    4. • The bracket nuts
    • The washers
    • The bracket bolts

    Tighten

       • 

    Tighten the front spring bracket nut to 200 N·m (149 lb ft).

       • 

    Tighten the rear spring bracket nut to 175 N·m (130 lb ft).

  4. Install the following components:
    5. • The rebound bolts
    • The washers
    • The nuts

    Tighten
    Tighten the rebound nut to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

  5. Install the propeller shafts. Refer to the appropriate procedure:
    6. •  One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    •  Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  6. Install the wiring.
  7. Install the differential lock lines.
  8. Install the brake lines.
  9. Uncage the spring brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber .