Rear Suspension Leaf Spring(s) - Installation

LEAF SPRING

NOTE:
Two types of shackles are used for different vehicle applications. There are tension shackles and compression shackles. A tension shackle sits on its frame mounting bracket (spring above), and a compression shackle hangs from its mounting bracket (spring below. The tension type shackle must be removed with the spring.

NOTE:
All views are typical.





1. Position spring (1) on axle shaft tube so spring center bolt is inserted into the locating hole in the axle tube.

2. Align the front of the spring with the bolt hole in the front bracket. Install the eye pivot bolt and nut (4). Do not tighten.





3. For a compression type shackle (2) only, align the spring (5) to the shackle (2) and install the spring eye to shackle bolt and nut (3). Do not tighten.





4. For a tension type shackle (3) only, align the shackle (3) to the mounting bracket and install the shackle to mounting bracket bolt (4) and flag nut (5). Do not tighten.





5. Install the spring clamp bolts (1), plate (3) and the retaining nuts (2).

6. Remove the holding fixture for the rear axle.

7. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle so that the weight is being supported by the tires.

8. Tighten the spring clamp retaining nuts, spring front and rear pivot nuts, and the shackle nut/bolts to specifications Rear Suspension Specifications.