Removal

REMOVAL

1. Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
a. Position the hoist arm supporting the corner of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood placed on the body sill as shown (Figure 1).
b. Position the remaining hoist arms at each corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion.
c. Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working level.




Figure 1 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT






2. Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmission jack under rear axle toward the side needing spring replacement. Jack pad should just contact axle.
3. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt (Figure 2).

NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward during removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If shock absorber bolt deflects downward during removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by pulling on axle).




Figure 2 Rear Shock Mounting Bolt


1 - SHOCK BOLT

4. Using 2 jack stands positioned under the outer ends of the axle, raise the axle enough to remove the weight of the axle from the rear springs.
5. Loosen and remove the spring plate bolts from the rear axle (Figure 3).




Figure 3 Spring Plate Bolts


1 - SPRING PLATE

6. Remove the spring plate from the rear axle and the leaf spring (Figure 4).




Figure 4 Spring Plate


1 - SPRING PLATE

7. Using the jack stands slowly lower the rear axle, permitting the rear springs to hang free.
8. Loosen and remove the 4 bolts securing the front mount of the leaf spring to the vehicle (Figure 1).
9. Loosen and remove the nuts from the spring shackle (Figure 5).




Figure 5 Rear Spring Hanger/Shackle






10. Remove the shackle plate from the hanger and remove the spring from the spring hanger (Figure 5).
11. Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
12. Loosen and remove the pivot bolt from the front mount of the rear leaf spring. Remove mount.