Leaf Spring U-Bolt Kit

Replace the rear leaf spring U-bolt kit, which secures the axle to the leaf springs on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins Diesel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring U-bolt kit × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket kit
• U-bolt top plate (if not included in kit) × 1 — Included with most U-bolt kits

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Spray penetrating oil on all U-bolt nuts and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Use a floor jack at the rear differential to raise the vehicle. Place jack stands under the frame rails behind the rear axle, ensuring stands are on solid frame mounting points. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Remove rear wheels completely.
   ⚠️Ensure jack stands are positioned on frame rails, not on axle or suspension components.
2. 2

   Support the rear axle
   Position a hydraulic axle jack or transmission jack under the center of the rear differential. Raise the jack just enough to contact the differential and provide light support, but do not lift the axle. The axle must remain free to move slightly during U-bolt removal.
   ⚠Do not raise the axle high enough to lift the vehicle off jack stands. The jack should only prevent the axle from dropping when U-bolts are removed.
3. 3

   Remove U-bolt nuts
   Locate the four U-bolt nuts on the side you are servicing (two per U-bolt). Using a 19mm socket and breaker bar, remove all four nuts from the U-bolts. Remove the U-bolt top plate that sits between the nuts and the spring perch. Note the orientation of the plate for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove old U-bolts
   Carefully pull the U-bolts downward out of the spring perch and axle mount. If U-bolts are seized, tap gently with a hammer while pulling. Lower the axle jack slightly (1-2 inches) to create clearance if needed. Inspect the leaf spring perch pad for damage or deterioration.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the top of the axle spring perch, the bottom of the leaf spring, and the U-bolt mounting holes. Remove all rust, dirt, and debris. Inspect the leaf spring center bolt for tightness and condition.
6. 6

   Position new U-bolts
   Raise the axle jack to align the axle spring perch with the leaf spring. The spring should seat fully into the perch. Insert the new U-bolts from below, threading them up through the spring perch and around the axle. Ensure U-bolts are fully seated and threads extend evenly above the perch.
   ⚠Verify the leaf spring is centered on the axle perch before installing U-bolts. Misalignment can cause handling issues and premature wear.
7. 7

   Install top plate and nuts
   Place the U-bolt top plate over the U-bolt threads in the correct orientation. Thread all four nuts onto the U-bolts by hand. Tighten nuts in a criss-cross pattern gradually, alternating between bolts to ensure even clamping. Initially snug nuts to approximately 30 lb-ft, then proceed to final torque.
8. 8

   Torque U-bolt nuts to specification
   Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten U-bolt nuts to manufacturer specification in a criss-cross pattern. For 2014 Ram 2500, typical specification is 110-125 lb-ft (verify with kit instructions or service manual). Make multiple passes, increasing torque gradually until final specification is reached on all four nuts.
   ℹ️U-bolt torque specifications vary by kit manufacturer. Use the specification provided with your U-bolt kit if different from factory spec.
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   If replacing U-bolts on both sides of the axle, repeat steps 3 through 8 for the opposite side. Ensure both sides are torqued to the same specification for balanced clamping force.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the axle jack and remove it from under the differential. Raise the vehicle slightly off jack stands using the floor jack, remove jack stands, and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. U-bolt nuts must be re-torqued after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure proper clamping force as components settle
2. Check U-bolt torque again after 500 miles and periodically during routine maintenance
3. Inspect leaf springs for proper alignment and ensure no rubbing occurs against frame or axle components

Verification

• Verify all U-bolt nuts are torqued to specification and no threads are stripped or damaged
• Confirm leaf springs are centered on axle perch with equal overhang on both sides
• Check that axle moves smoothly through suspension travel with no binding or interference
• After test drive, inspect U-bolt nuts for any looseness and re-torque if necessary
• Verify vehicle rides level and handling is normal with no unusual noises from rear suspension

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