Leaf Spring Shackle

Replace the rear leaf spring shackle assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, restoring proper suspension function and ride height.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring shackle kit × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar 68067991AA
• Shackle bushings × 2 — Included in shackle kit or sold separately
• Shackle bolts and nuts × 2 — Included in shackle kit

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Spray penetrating oil on all shackle bolt nuts and threads, allow to soak at least 30 minutes (overnight preferred)
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle at frame rails using floor jack
6. Support frame rails with jack stands rated for at least 3 tons each, positioned ahead of rear axle
7. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle tube directly below the leaf spring being serviced. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle but does not lift it. This will support the axle weight once shackle is removed and prevent sudden dropping.
2. 2

   Remove lower shackle bolt
   Locate the lower shackle bolt that connects the shackle to the rear spring eye. Using an 18mm socket on the nut side and 18mm wrench on the bolt head, remove the nut while holding the bolt stationary. If bolt spins, use penetrating oil and allow more soak time. Tap bolt out with hammer if needed. Remove bolt completely.
   ⚠Bolt may be severely corroded. Do not force to prevent breaking bolt off in frame.
3. 3

   Remove upper shackle bolt
   Locate the upper shackle bolt that connects the shackle to the frame bracket. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove the nut and bolt in the same manner as the lower bolt. Support the shackle as you remove the bolt, as it will become free once removed.
4. 4

   Remove old shackle
   With both bolts removed, pull the shackle away from the spring eye and frame bracket. Inspect the shackle for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear. Remove old bushings from shackle if they did not come out with the bolts.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use wire brush to thoroughly clean the frame bracket mounting hole and rear spring eye mounting hole. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. Clean the bolt holes completely to ensure new bolts seat properly. Inspect frame bracket for cracks or damage.
6. 6

   Install new bushings
   If bushings are separate from shackle, press or drive new bushings into the shackle eyes. Ensure bushings are fully seated and oriented correctly per manufacturer instructions. Some bushings may require lubrication during installation per kit instructions.
7. 7

   Position new shackle
   Position the new shackle between the frame bracket and rear spring eye. Align the shackle so the bolt holes line up with both mounting points. You may need to use the floor jack to slightly raise or lower the axle to align holes. Use a pry bar if needed to align mounting holes.
8. 8

   Install upper shackle bolt
   Insert the new upper shackle bolt through the frame bracket and shackle. Install the nut on the bolt finger tight. Do not torque at this time. Ensure bolt passes through bushings correctly and is not cross-threaded.
9. 9

   Install lower shackle bolt
   Insert the new lower shackle bolt through the shackle and rear spring eye. Install the nut on the bolt finger tight. Do not torque at this time. Verify both bolts move freely and shackle can pivot slightly.
10. 10

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    With both bolts installed finger tight, carefully remove jack stands and lower the vehicle until the full weight is on the suspension. This loads the leaf springs to their normal operating position. Keep the floor jack under the axle for support but do not lift.
    ℹ️Leaf spring suspension bolts must be torqued with vehicle at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
11. 11

    Torque shackle bolts
    With vehicle weight on suspension, torque both upper and lower shackle bolts to manufacturer specification, typically 120-135 lb-ft (163-183 Nm) for Ram 2500. Verify specification in service manual or shackle kit instructions. Hold bolt head stationary while torquing nut.
    ℹ️Factory torque specification for leaf spring shackle bolts not provided in database. Consult factory service manual or aftermarket kit instructions for exact specification.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Raise vehicle slightly if needed, reinstall the rear wheel, and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle completely to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing both sides, repeat procedure for opposite side
2. Perform visual inspection of all suspension components while vehicle is raised
3. Check for any fluid leaks from differential or brake components
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed to verify proper suspension function and listen for any unusual noises

Verification

• Verify all shackle bolts are properly torqued with vehicle at ride height
• Check that shackle can pivot freely without binding
• Inspect for proper clearance between shackle and frame, no contact points
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal handling with no clunking or rattling from rear suspension
• Re-check bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle