GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2009 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C4/C5 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Leaf Spring Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 202137 Size: LH
  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.

    4. 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:
    6. • The rebound nut
    • The washer
    • The bolt (6)
  6. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
  7. Remove the U-bolt nuts and washers.
  8. Remove the following components:
    9. • The U-bolt anchor plate
    • The shock absorber bracket
  9. Remove the U-bolts (1).
  10. Remove the seat.
  11. Lower the axle slightly.
  12. Remove the following components:
    13. • 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.

    14. Support the frame forward of the rear axle.

  14. Remove the following components:
    15. • The auxiliary spring bolt
    • The spacer
    • U-bolt spacer
  15. Remove the spring assembly (7) using a suitable hoist.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 202329 Size: SH
  1. Install the spring assembly onto the axle pad or axle stabilizer/spring seat, if equipped, using a suitable hoist.

    2. Note: Always install NEW U-bolts when loosened or removed.

  2. Install the following components:
    3. • 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.

    7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

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

  7. On 4500 and 5500 series axles, install the 20 mm (0.787 in) U-bolts, nuts (2), and washers:

    8. 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 300 N·m (220 lb ft) in sequence.
  8. On 6500, 7500, and 8500 series axles, install proper U-bolt, nuts (2), and washers:

    9. 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. On 6500, 7500, and 8500 series, 20 mm (0.787) U-bolt nuts, tighten the nuts to 330 N·m (243 lb ft) in sequence.
    4. On 6500, 7500, and 8500 series, 22 mm (0.866 in) U-bolt nuts, tighten the nuts to 415 N·m (308 lb ft) in sequence.
  9. Install the following components:
    10. • 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.

    11. 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. Object Number: 202137 Size: LH
  12. For tapered leaf springs, install the following components:
    13. • 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 eye bolt.

    14. Tighten

        • On 6500, 7500, and 8500 series, tighten the spring eye bolt to 485 N·m (358 lb ft).
        • On 4500 and 5500 series, tighten the spring eye bolt to 415 N·m (305 lb ft).