Rear Suspension Service

Complete service of the rear suspension including inspection, lubrication, and replacement of worn components such as shocks, bushings, and U-bolts on a 2007 Ram 3500 with leaf spring rear suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorbers (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Leaf spring bushings (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shackle bushings (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• U-bolt kit (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end links (if equipped and worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushings (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on heavy-duty jack stands under the frame rails, not the axle
5. Remove rear wheels
6. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners and allow to soak
7. Position hydraulic jack under rear axle center to support axle weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect rear suspension components
   Thoroughly inspect all rear suspension components for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check leaf springs for cracks or broken leaves, inspect bushings for deterioration, check shock absorbers for leaks, examine U-bolts for corrosion, and inspect trailing arms and lower control arms for damage. Document all components requiring replacement.
2. 2

   Remove rear shock absorbers
   Support the axle with a hydraulic jack to prevent it from dropping. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt from each shock absorber. Remove the upper shock mounting bolt. Remove both shock absorbers. Inspect shock mounts for damage or excessive wear.
   Torque spec

   Shock Lower Bolt70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove sway bar end links (if equipped)
   If vehicle is equipped with a rear sway bar, remove the sway bar end link nuts from both sides. Use a backup wrench on the stud to prevent spinning. Remove the end links and inspect bushings for wear.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar End Link Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm bolts
   This vehicle uses a leaf-spring rear suspension. The axle is located longitudinally by the leaf springs, not by trailing arms. Skip this step — there are no rear trailing arms to remove.
   ⚠Keep the axle supported with a jack at all times. The axle will shift rearward when trailing arms are disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Trailing Arm Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lower control arm bolts
   This vehicle uses a leaf-spring rear suspension with no rear control arms or cam bolts. Skip this step — there are no rear lower control arms to remove.
   Torque spec

   Lower Control Arm Bolts90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove U-bolts and spring plates (if needed)
   If replacing U-bolts, leaf springs, or spring bushings, carefully lower the axle slightly using the hydraulic jack. Remove the U-bolt nuts and washers. Remove the U-bolts and lower spring plate. The axle can now be lowered further to access the leaf springs. Keep track of any spacer blocks between the spring and axle.
   ⚠Lower the axle slowly and ensure brake hoses and ABS wiring have sufficient slack. Do not overextend.
7. 7

   Service or replace leaf springs and bushings
   If replacing leaf springs or bushings, remove the front spring eye bolt and rear shackle bolts. Remove the leaf spring assembly. Inspect spring bushings and shackle bushings for wear. Replace bushings as needed using a hydraulic press or bushing tool. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush. Apply anti-seize compound to pivot areas.
   ⚠Leaf springs are heavy and may be under tension. Handle carefully to prevent injury.
8. 8

   Reinstall leaf springs (if removed)
   Position the leaf spring into the front mounting bracket and install the front eye bolt finger-tight. Align the rear shackle and install shackle bolts finger-tight. Raise the axle with the hydraulic jack to align the spring with the axle pad. Install any centering pins or spacer blocks.
   ℹ️Do not fully tighten spring mounting bolts yet. These will be torqued at ride height after reassembly.
9. 9

   Install U-bolts and spring plates
   Position the lower spring plate under the leaf spring and axle. Install new U-bolts through the spring plate, around the axle, and through the upper plate. Install washers and nuts. Tighten U-bolt nuts in a criss-cross pattern gradually to ensure even clamping. Torque to manufacturer specification (this spec was not provided in the database; consult the factory service manual — rear U-bolt torque on this heavy-duty chassis is substantial, so do not guess).
   ℹ️U-bolt torque specification not provided in database. Consult factory service manual for proper torque value.
10. 10

    Reinstall lower control arms
    This vehicle has no rear lower control arms. Skip this step.
    ℹ️Do not torque these bolts yet. Final torque must be performed at ride height after vehicle is lowered.
    Torque spec

    Lower Control Arm Bolts90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall trailing arms
    This vehicle has no rear trailing arms. Skip this step. Axle centering is set by the leaf spring center pins seating in the axle pad.
    ℹ️Do not torque these bolts yet. Final torque must be performed at ride height after vehicle is lowered.
    Torque spec

    Trailing Arm Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install new shock absorbers
    Position new shock absorbers in place. Install upper mounting bolts and tighten securely. Install lower mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify shocks are properly seated and move freely through their travel range.
    Torque spec

    Shock Lower Bolt70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall sway bar end links (if equipped)
    If vehicle is equipped with a rear sway bar, install new or existing end links. Install end link nuts and torque to specification while holding the stud with a backup wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar End Link Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle to ride height
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. Bounce the rear suspension several times to settle components at ride height.
15. 15

    Torque suspension fasteners at ride height
    With the vehicle at ride height and weight on the suspension, torque all suspension fasteners that were marked for ride height torquing. Torque the U-bolt nuts, front spring eye bolt, and shackle bolts to factory service manual specifications at ride height. (This vehicle has no rear control arms or trailing arms.) Torque leaf spring eye bolts and shackle bolts per service manual. Torque wheel lug nuts to factory specification (approximately 145 lb-ft for this vehicle; verify with the service manual, as dual-rear-wheel models may differ) in a star pattern.
    ℹ️This step is critical. Torquing suspension bushings while the suspension is hanging will cause premature bushing failure and binding.
    Torque spec

    Lower Control Arm Bolts90 Nm (66 lb-ft)

    Trailing Arm Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been properly torqued, especially those requiring ride height torquing
2. Lubricate all grease fittings on suspension components if equipped
3. Check that no tools or parts were left under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Check for proper tracking and alignment - consider professional alignment if steering wheel is off-center
• Re-torque U-bolts after 100 miles of driving as they may settle
• Inspect all fasteners for proper tightness after 500 miles
• Verify shock absorbers are functioning properly with no leaks

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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