GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2009 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C6/C7/C8 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Leaf Springs Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Set the parking brake.
  2. Block the vehicle rear wheels.
  3. Raise the frame until the front tires clear the floor.
  4. Support the axle with a jack. Raise the axle high enough in order to allow the spring to clear the brackets when you remove the spring.
  5. Support the frame using suitable safety stands.

    6. Object Number: 201719 Size: SH
  6. Remove the following components from the lower mounting brackets (7):
    7. • The nuts (10)
    • The washers (9)
    • The insulators (8)
  7. Remove the shock absorbers (5) from the lower mounting brackets (7). Push the shock absorbers into the fully retracted position.
  8. Remove the insulators (13) and the washers (6) from the shock absorber lower stem.

    9. Object Number: 201852 Size: SH
  9. Remove the nuts from the front and rear eye bolts. Loosen the upper rear shackle bolt so that the hanger can pivot.
  10. Remove the nuts (6) and the U-bolts (1). Lower the axle and the tie rod (5) far enough to relieve the tension on the spring (2).
  11. Remove the front eye bolt.
  12. Remove the rear eye bolt.
  13. Remove the following components from the vehicle:
    14. • The spring (2)
    • The spring spacers (7)
    • The spacers (8)

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 201852 Size: SH
  1. Install the spring (2).
  2. Install the rear eye bolt and nut.
    3. 2.1. Raise the axle and the tie rod (5) in order to support the spring (2).
    2.2. Align the spring center bolt to the axle.
  3. Install the front eye bolt and nut.

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

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

  4. Install the U-bolts (1) and the nuts (6).

    5. Tighten

        • For 8,100 pound axles, tighten the U-bolt nut to 330 N·m (243 lb ft).
        • Tighten the eye bolts to 330 N·m (243 lb ft).

    Object Number: 201719 Size: SH
  5. Install the flat washer (6) and the insulator (13) onto the shock absorber lower stem.
  6. Install the shock absorber (5) into the lower mounting bracket (7).
  7. Install the following components:
    8. • The insulators (8)
    • The flat washers (9)
    • The nut (10)

    Tighten
    Tighten the lower shock absorber nut to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

  8. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.