Replacement of rear leaf spring assembly on 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel, including removal of U-bolts, shackles, and spring mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear leaf spring assembly × 1 — OEM or heavy-duty aftermarket specific to 2500 4WD
• U-bolt kit (includes 4 U-bolts and nuts) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front spring eye bushing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear shackle bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bolts and nuts × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely on both sides
3. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts, U-bolt nuts, and shackle hardware with penetrating oil
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack at the rear axle differential, raise the rear of the vehicle. Place jack stands under the frame rails behind the cab, ensuring they are on solid frame sections. Lower vehicle onto jack stands so frame is supported but axle can move freely. Remove the wheel and tire on the side being serviced.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a transmission jack or secondary floor jack directly under the axle tube near the leaf spring being replaced. Raise jack just enough to make light contact with axle, taking minimal load. This prevents the axle from dropping suddenly when spring is removed.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the rear shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove the lower shock bolt and nut. Push shock absorber upward out of the way. Note: Do not allow shock to hang by upper mount only.
4. 4

   Remove U-bolts
   Using a 19mm socket, remove the four nuts from the two U-bolts securing the leaf spring to the axle. Remove the U-bolts, keeper plate, and any spacer blocks. Note the orientation of all components for reassembly. Set hardware aside as it should be replaced with new U-bolts.
5. 5

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   At the rear of the leaf spring, locate the shackle assembly connecting the spring to the frame bracket. Using a 24mm socket and wrench, remove the upper and lower shackle bolts. The shackle links may remain attached to the spring. Support the spring as the second bolt is removed to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   At the front leaf spring mounting point, use a 24mm socket and wrench to remove the large pivot bolt passing through the front spring eye and frame bracket. This bolt may require significant force to remove due to the bushing load. Once removed, carefully lower the spring assembly using the axle jack.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new spring
   Remove the old leaf spring from under the vehicle. Inspect all frame mounting brackets for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush. Install new bushings into the front spring eye and rear shackle eyes of the new leaf spring if not pre-installed. Apply a thin coating of lithium grease to bushing surfaces.
8. 8

   Install new leaf spring front mount
   Position the new leaf spring assembly under the vehicle, aligning the front eye with the frame bracket. Using the axle jack to support the spring, insert the front pivot bolt through the bracket and spring eye. Start the nut on the bolt but do not fully tighten yet. The spring must be at ride height before final torquing.
9. 9

   Install rear shackle assembly
   Align the rear spring eye with the shackle links and frame bracket. Install the shackle bolts through the frame bracket, shackle, and spring eye. Start nuts on bolts but do not fully tighten. Ensure shackle links move freely and are not binding.
10. 10

    Install U-bolts and position axle
    Raise the axle jack to position the axle housing into the leaf spring center. Install any spacer blocks or isolator pads between spring and axle if equipped. Position the keeper plate over the axle and install new U-bolts. Thread nuts onto U-bolts and tighten in a cross pattern, gradually bringing the axle and spring together. Torque U-bolt nuts to 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a cross pattern.
11. 11

    Install shock absorber and wheel
    Reconnect the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and torque to specification per service manual (typically 100 Nm / 74 lb-ft). Install wheel and tire, threading lug nuts by hand first. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to unload jack stands. Remove jack stands from under frame. Lower vehicle completely so full weight is on wheels. This loads the suspension to the proper ride height position necessary for final torquing of spring mounting bolts.
13. 13

    Torque spring mounting hardware
    With vehicle at ride height on the ground, crawl under vehicle and torque the front spring eye bolt to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft). Torque both rear shackle bolts to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft). These fasteners must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure.

Reassembly

1. All spring mounting bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension at ride height
2. New U-bolts must be used and should not be reused
3. Re-torque U-bolt nuts after first 500 miles of driving to account for spring settling

Verification

• Verify all mounting hardware is tight and properly torqued
• Check that shock absorber is securely mounted and not binding
• Test drive vehicle and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Inspect for proper ride height and ensure vehicle sits level side-to-side
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect all mounting hardware for proper torque retention

More procedures for this vehicle