Rear Leaf Spring Damper Installation Procedure

Use Damper Kit, Rear Spring Vib., P/N 15042486, for this procedure.

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the rear axle. Refer to the General Information subsection of the appropriate Service Manual for lifting and jacking information.

2. Remove the leaf spring. Refer to the Rear Suspension subsection of the appropriate Service Manual for leaf spring replacement procedures.

3. Locate the rear spring clip closest to the shackle. This clip maintains the alignment of the rear spring plates # 1 and # 2.

Notice:
Do not damage the top surfaces of the # 1 and # 2 spring plates. Damage may cause premature spring breakage.

4. Insert a wood wedge, no metal or sharp objects, between rear spring plates # 1 and # 2, located forward of the clip. Allow enough clearance to work around. This should maximize the gap between spring plates # 1 and # 2.

5. Grind off or, using an 11 mm (0.44 in) drill bit, drill out the rivet head holding the clip to the # 2 spring plate.

6. Remove the clip and the plastic clip liner from the spring assembly. Discard the spring clip only.

7. Knock out any remaining rivet residue from spring plate # 2.





8. Insert the stud bolt (2), P/N 15042491, from the top of spring plate # 2 (3) so that the bolt head sits into the hole's counter sink.

9. Place the spring clip (1), P/N 15042492, over the stud so that the clip is in a similar position as the original clip removed previously. Do not close the clip at this time.

10. Install the damper (8), P/N 15042487, onto the stud. Install the damper completely onto the stud so that the clip is securely trapped between the # 2 spring plate (bottom) and the damper inner sleeve.

Tighten

Tighten the damper to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) while holding the stud.

11. Install the jam nut (6), P/N 11508189, onto the stud until the nut is against the inner sleeve of the damper.

Tighten

Tighten the nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).

Notice: Do not break the clip liner or damage the top surface of the # 1 spring plate.

12. Install the plastic clip liner in the same orientation as when removed. The bolt head may stick up above the top surface of the spring plate.

13. Remove the wood wedge.

14. Using a press or a vise, close the clip to the same position as the removed clip. The maximum width of the installed clip is 91.5 mm (3.6 in) and the maximum height is 46.5 mm (1.8 in). This ensures proper clearance to the body rails.

15. Install the leaf spring onto the vehicle. Refer to the Rear Suspension subsection of the appropriate Service Manual for leaf spring replacement procedures.

16. Repeat steps 2-15 for the other spring.