Leaf Spring: Installation

NOTE: In order to achieve the proper seating and the proper attachment of the anchor plate over both the spring and the axle, the following procedure must be used.

Install the spring to the hanger.
Loosely install the hanger bolt and the nut.
Install the spring to the shackle.
Loosely install the shackle bolt and the nut.
Install the axle to the spring. Raise the axle so that the axle butts against the spring.
Install the anchor plate to the top of the spring. Apply rubber lubricant to the isolator on the spring in order to aid in installation of the anchor plate to the spring.
Install the lower plate and the U-bolt around the axle and through the anchor plate.

NOTE: After tightening the fasteners to the specified torque, see TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS , ensure that there is no gap between the anchor plate, axle tube bracket and the lower plate. The contact should be metal to metal.

Install the 4 nuts to the lower plate and the U-bolt.
Starting with the inner (lower plate side) nuts, gradually tighten the four nuts so that the anchor plate moves uniformly, side to side, over the spring. Tighten the anchor plate nuts to 45 ft. lbs. (61 N.m).
For a stabilizer shaft, install the clamps, washers and nuts.
Install the axle bumper.
Install the axle bumper nut. Tighten the axle bumper nut to 33 ft. lbs. (45 N.m). Tighten the hanger nut and the hanger bolt to 74 ft. lbs. (100 N.m). Tighten the shackle nut and the shackle bolt to 74 ft. lbs. (100 N.m).
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the body protection hoist adapter set if necessary.
Adjust the trim height of the vehicle. See TRIM HEIGHT under ADJUSTMENTS.