Replace worn leaf spring bushings on the rear suspension to restore proper suspension geometry and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring eye bushings (front) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent polyurethane
• Leaf spring shackle bushings (rear) × 4 — Use OEM specification or equivalent polyurethane
• Shackle pins/bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts, shackle pins, and U-bolt nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight (truck weight approximately 7,000+ lbs)
6. Remove rear wheels

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the differential to support the axle weight. Raise jack just enough to take slight tension off the leaf springs but not to lift the vehicle higher. This maintains suspension geometry while allowing spring movement.
2. 2

   Remove U-bolts
   Remove the four nuts securing the two U-bolts that clamp the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove U-bolts and the lower spring plate. Keep hardware organized as U-bolts may need replacement if threads are damaged.
   ⚠U-bolt nuts may be severely corroded. Use penetrating oil and allow extra time for removal.
3. 3

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   Remove the bolt or pin securing the rear shackle to the frame bracket. Then remove the bolt securing the shackle to the rear spring eye. The shackle will come free with the old bushings inside. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
   ℹ️Shackle pins may be seized in bushings. You may need to cut them out if severely corroded.
4. 4

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   Remove the bolt passing through the front spring eye and frame bracket. Support the leaf spring assembly as you remove this bolt. Lower the spring assembly carefully using the floor jack to control descent.
5. 5

   Remove old front eye bushing
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press tool, press out the old bushing from the front spring eye. The bushing consists of an inner and outer sleeve with rubber bonded between them. Apply force evenly and support the spring eye properly to avoid distortion. Clean the eye bore thoroughly with a wire brush.
   ⚠Ensure spring eye is properly supported in press to prevent bending or damage to leaf pack.
6. 6

   Remove old shackle bushings
   Press out the four bushings from the shackle (two bushings per shackle end). If shackles are damaged or excessively worn, replace entire shackle assembly. Clean all bores with wire brush and inspect for cracks or damage.
7. 7

   Install new front eye bushing
   Apply light coating of soapy water or bushing lubricant to new bushing outer diameter. Using hydraulic press, carefully press new bushing into front spring eye until fully seated and flush with both sides of the eye. Ensure bushing is pressed in straight to avoid binding.
8. 8

   Install new shackle bushings
   Press new bushings into both ends of the shackle assembly. Ensure bushings are fully seated and oriented correctly per manufacturer specifications. Some bushings have voids or slots that must align properly for articulation.
9. 9

   Reinstall leaf spring assembly
   Using floor jack to support spring, position front eye into frame bracket and install bolt finger-tight. Do not fully torque at this time. Attach rear shackle to spring eye with bolt finger-tight, then attach shackle to frame bracket with bolt finger-tight.
   ℹ️All bushing bolts must be torqued with vehicle at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
10. 10

    Reinstall U-bolts and spring plate
    Raise axle with floor jack to align spring centering pin with axle pad. Position spring plate over U-bolts and install nuts. Torque U-bolt nuts in a criss-cross pattern to manufacturer specification (typically 110-120 lb-ft, though not listed in provided specs). Verify spring is centered on axle.
11. 11

    Torque leaf spring mounting bolts
    With vehicle still on jack stands, remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground so full weight is on suspension. Torque front eye bolt and both shackle bolts to manufacturer specification (typically 155-175 lb-ft for this application, though specific values not provided in database). This ensures bushings are torqued at ride height to prevent binding.
    ⚠Failure to torque bushings at ride height will cause premature bushing failure and squeaking.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Install rear wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side leaf spring
2. Inspect all suspension components for additional wear while accessibility is available
3. Test drive vehicle and listen for any abnormal noises
4. Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

Verification

• Verify no clunking or squeaking noises from rear suspension over bumps
• Confirm rear axle tracking is straight with no dog-tracking
• Check that all fasteners are properly torqued
• Inspect for any fluid leaks that may have occurred during service
• Verify ride height is equal side-to-side

More procedures for this vehicle