Leaf Spring Bushing

Replace worn leaf spring bushings on the rear suspension to restore proper alignment and handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring bushing set (front and rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog K200747
• Leaf spring shackle bushings × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog K200748
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — Use copper-based anti-seize

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Apply penetrating oil to all leaf spring mounting bolts and allow to soak
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame with jack stands on both sides
6. Remove rear wheels
7. Place hydraulic jack under rear axle differential to support axle weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position hydraulic jack under the rear differential pumpkin. Raise just enough to take slight pressure off the leaf springs while keeping most weight on the jack stands under the frame. The axle must remain supported throughout this procedure.
2. 2

   Remove U-bolts
   Remove the four U-bolt nuts securing the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove the U-bolts and set aside the spring plate. Lower the axle slightly with the hydraulic jack to create clearance between the spring and axle, but do not allow the axle to hang on the brake lines or shock absorbers.
   ⚠U-bolts are typically very tight and may require significant force to break free.
3. 3

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   Remove the nuts from the rear shackle bolts connecting the spring to the shackle bracket on the frame. Drive out the bolts using a hammer and punch if necessary. The rear of the spring is now free.
   ⚠Bolts may be seized in the bushings. Use penetrating oil and heat if necessary, but avoid damaging brake lines.
4. 4

   Remove front spring mount bolt
   Remove the nut from the front spring eye bolt that mounts to the frame hanger bracket. Drive out the bolt. The entire leaf spring assembly can now be lowered and removed from the vehicle. You may need to use a pry bar to separate components.
5. 5

   Press out old front bushing
   Using a ball joint press, C-clamp bushing tool, or hydraulic press, remove the old bushing from the front spring eye. Press from the center outward to avoid damaging the spring eye. Clean the spring eye bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for cracks or damage.
6. 6

   Install new front bushing
   Apply a thin coat of dish soap or bushing installation lubricant to the new bushing outer sleeve. Press the new bushing into the front spring eye, ensuring it is centered and fully seated. The bushing should be flush on both sides of the spring eye.
   ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based lubricants as they can damage rubber bushings.
7. 7

   Replace shackle bushings
   If replacing shackle bushings, press out old bushings from both the spring rear eye and shackle bracket using the same method. Install new bushings ensuring proper orientation and full seating. Some bushings have directional installation requirements.
8. 8

   Reinstall leaf spring assembly
   Position the leaf spring back into the front hanger bracket. Insert the front spring eye bolt and thread on the nut finger-tight. Do not torque yet. Align the rear spring eye with the shackle and install the shackle bolts finger-tight.
9. 9

   Reattach spring to axle
   Raise the rear axle with the hydraulic jack until the spring seats properly against the axle spring perch. Install the spring plate and U-bolts. Thread nuts onto U-bolts and tighten in a criss-cross pattern gradually to seat the spring evenly on the perch.
10. 10

    Torque U-bolts and mounting bolts
    Torque U-bolt nuts to specification per factory service manual for your specific year (verify exact value; do not rely on a generic figure). Install front spring eye bolt and shackle bolts with clean, dry threads unless the factory service manual specifies lubrication; if anti-seize is used, reduce torque per lubricated-fastener guidelines. Torque front spring eye bolt nut and rear shackle nuts to specification per factory service manual for your specific year (verify exact value; do not rely on a generic figure).
    ℹ️Leaf spring mounting bolts should be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension for proper bushing preload.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels
    Install rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tires just touch the ground but frame is still supported by jack stands.
12. 12

    Final torque with weight on suspension
    With vehicle weight on the ground but still partially supported by jack stands, re-torque the front spring eye bolt nut and rear shackle nuts to final specification. This ensures proper bushing preload. Remove jack stands completely and lower vehicle to ground.
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both sides
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued before test driving
3. Check that brake lines and ABS wiring have adequate clearance and are not stretched

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper ride height and level stance
• Re-torque U-bolt nuts after 50-100 miles of driving as springs may settle
• Verify rear axle alignment is within specification - alignment shop visit recommended after leaf spring work

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