Correcting Thrust Angle
2. CORRECTING THRUST ANGLEa. If thrust angle is incorrect, raise the vehicle on an appropriate frame support style lift (rear axle must be allowed to extend fully).
b. Support the axle to remove all weight from springs and yet not support any weight of the vehicle.
c. Inspect the part number of both leaf springs. If both springs have the same part number, proceed to the next step. If the part numbers are different from side to side, then incorrect thrust angle could be caused by having springs of different lengths. Verify that the springs are of the same length by measuring the springs from the front spring eye to the rear spring eye (service part numbers may have different part numbers then production part numbers). If springs are of different lengths, install the correct springs and recheck thrust angle. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for information regarding rear spring service.
d. Loosen the nuts from the spring clamp bolts that attach the spring to the axle (Figure 3).
e. Using a prybar, reposition the rear axle to obtain a 0.0° +/- 0.2° of thrust angle.
NOTE:
MAKE SURE THE LEAF SPRING CENTERBOLT IS BEING LOCATED IN THE ALIGNMENT HOLE IN THE SPRING SPACER SEAT, NOT IN THE VOID OF THE SPRING SEAT.
f. Tighten the spring clamp nuts until they force the plate flush against the axle tube.
g. Remove axle supports and lower the vehicle so that the weight of the vehicle is supported by the tires.
h. Tighten the spring clamp retaining nuts to 163 Nm (120 ft. lbs.) of torque.
CAUTION:
DO NOT OVER TORQUE THE SPRING CLAMP RETAINING NUTS. EXCEEDING 163 Nm (120 FT. LBS) OF TORQUE WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SPRING CLAMP BOLTS
i. Verify rear thrust angle. Repeat steps a through I until rear thrust angle is within specifications.