Rear Suspension Leaf Spring

Leaf Spring Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair) .
2. Support the rear axle independently in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty))Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty)) .
4. Remove the fuel tank, left side only. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (35 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (15/25 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Rec Cab w/26 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (25 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair) .




5. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
6. Remove the U-bolts and discard.
7. Remove the spring spacer.
8. Remove the anchor plate.
9. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle bolts and nuts. Refer to Spring Shackle Replacement () .




10. Remove the front bolt and nuts.
11. Remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.


Note

The following step is for replacement the shackle only. The shackle does not have to be replaced if removing the rear leaf to service other chassis or suspension components items.

12. Remove the rear leaf spring shackle, if needed. Refer to Spring Shackle Replacement () .



Installation Procedure

1. Install the leaf spring assembly to the vehicle.




2. Install the front bolt and nuts but do not tighten.
3. Install the rear leaf spring hanger to shackle nut and bolt.






Note

Do not reuse the U-bolts.

4. Install the spring spacer.
5. Install the U-bolts.
6. Install the anchor plate.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution) .
7. Install the U-bolt nuts.

* For the 1500, tighten the nut to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) .
* For the 2500/3500, tighten the U-bolt nut to 140 Nm + 180° (103 lb ft) + 180° .

8. Tighten the front rear spring mounting nut to 170 Nm+ 48° (125 lb ft) + 48° .
9. Tighten the rear leaf spring hanger to shackle nut and bolt to 90 Nm (70 lb ft) .
10. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement (35 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (15/25 Reg/Ext/Crew Cab w/34 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (15 Rec Cab w/26 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)Fuel Tank Replacement (25 Ext/Crew Cab w/26 Gal Tank) (Service and Repair)
11. Install the trailer hitch, if equipped. Refer to Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement (Light Duty))Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty) (Trailer Hitch Replacement (Heavy Duty)) .
12. Remove the rear axle support.
13. Remove the safety stands.
14. Lower the vehicle.