This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear leaf spring assembly on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RWD with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for correct load rating
• Leaf spring U-bolts × 2 — Replace if corroded or stretched
• U-bolt nuts × 4 — Replace with new hardware
• Shackle bushings × 2 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Front eye bushings × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts on the rear wheel where spring is being replaced (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at frame rail
5. Support vehicle with jack stands placed under frame rails on both sides
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts, U-bolt nuts, and shackle bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack or hydraulic jack under the rear axle tube near the spring being replaced. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle and provides slight support, but does not lift the vehicle. The axle must be independently supported before removing U-bolts to prevent it from dropping.
2. 2

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   If the shock absorber interferes with spring removal, remove the lower shock mounting bolt. Support the shock to prevent it from hanging on the upper mount. The shock does not need to be completely removed on most configurations.
3. 3

   Remove U-bolt nuts and plates
   Remove the four nuts securing the U-bolts to the spring mounting plate. The U-bolts clamp the axle to the leaf spring. Once nuts are removed, remove the U-bolts and the upper mounting plate. Keep track of any spacer blocks between the axle and spring. Lower the jack slightly to create clearance between axle and spring.
4. 4

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   Locate the rear shackle assembly that connects the rear eye of the leaf spring to the frame bracket. Remove the bolt securing the shackle to the frame bracket. Support the spring as you work. You may need to use a pry bar to relieve tension on the bolt.
5. 5

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   Remove the bolt passing through the front eye of the leaf spring where it mounts to the frame bracket. This is typically a large bolt that may require significant force to remove. The spring may drop slightly when this bolt is removed, so maintain hand support on the spring assembly.
6. 6

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   With both mounting points disconnected, carefully lower and remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. You may need to manipulate the spring and shackle to clear the frame and axle. Inspect the removed spring for cracks, broken leaves, or severe corrosion.
7. 7

   Inspect and replace bushings
   Inspect the front eye bushing and rear shackle bushings in the removed spring. If worn, cracked, or deteriorated, press out old bushings and press in new ones using a hydraulic press or appropriate bushing tool. Clean the spring eye bores with a wire brush before installing new bushings.
8. 8

   Install new leaf spring front mount
   Position the new or refurbished leaf spring assembly into place. Insert the front eye bolt through the frame bracket and spring eye bushing, but do not fully torque at this time. Thread the nut on finger-tight to hold the spring in position.
9. 9

   Install rear shackle
   Align the rear eye of the spring with the shackle assembly and install the shackle-to-spring bolt. Then connect the shackle to the frame bracket with the upper bolt. Install nuts finger-tight. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align bolt holes.
10. 10

    Position axle on spring
    Raise the rear axle using the floor jack until it sits properly on the leaf spring center section. Ensure any centering pin on the spring aligns with the hole in the axle spring pad. Verify the axle is centered on the spring before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install U-bolts and mounting plate
    Place the U-bolts over the axle tube and through the mounting plate. Install the spacer block if equipped between the spring and axle. Thread all four U-bolt nuts on finger-tight. Tighten nuts in a cross pattern gradually to ensure even clamping force. Since specific torque for U-bolts is not provided in the database, follow manufacturer specifications (typically 110-120 lb-ft for this application).
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber
    If the shock absorber lower mount was removed, extend the shock and align it with the lower mounting bracket. Install the lower shock bolt and tighten to specification per service manual.
13. 13

    Torque spring mounting bolts
    Lower the vehicle until the full weight is on the suspension (wheels should be near ground level but vehicle still on jack stands for safety). This loads the bushings in their normal operating position. Torque the front spring eye bolt and rear shackle bolts to manufacturer specification (typically 70-90 lb-ft for front eye and shackle bolts on this vehicle).
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All spring mounting bolts must be torqued with the vehicle weight on the suspension to prevent bushing bind and premature wear
2. If both springs are being replaced, complete one side entirely before starting the other side to maintain vehicle stability
3. New U-bolts should always be used and should not be reused if removed

Verification

• Verify all mounting hardware is tight and properly torqued
• Check that the axle is centered on the spring and the vehicle sits level when viewed from behind
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Re-torque U-bolt nuts after 50-100 miles of driving as they may settle
• Inspect for any fluid leaks from the rear differential that may have been disturbed during the procedure

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