Installation leaf spring

This is the step where you learn how to remove leaf springs. Locate the lower mounting stud, remove the fasteners and take out the shock absorbers. Undo the fasteners from the U-bolts and take off the base plate. Remove the bolt from the spring's forward mount and then set the front of the spring aside.

Remove the fasteners from the rear of the spring and take off the outer plate. Remove the shackle pin and shackle. The next two steps are where you learn about how to fit leaf springs.

With the installation kit laid out, put the new shackle in place. Take the inner-shackle hinge pin and put it through the steel sleeve of the shackle. Check to see that the leaf spring is aligned correctly. Keep in mind that the measurement between center and end will be different on each side. With the rear leaf spring properly aligned, place it on the shackle and secure it with locking nuts, but not too tightly.

Use new fasteners for this, as the pre-existing nuts and bolts could be worn. Raise the front end of the leaf spring to a level between the forward mounts. Slide the bolt into place and secure it with the locking nut, but only loosely. Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great.

By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Park the vehicle in a flat area. For safety, move the vehicle to a solid surface, such as a concrete workshop or driveway. Choose a surface that is as even as possible.

This is to give the vehicle stability and reduce the risk of an accident. Although rolling is a more frequent issue, an improperly-lifted car can also tip over. Chock 1 of the front tires. You will need a pair of wheel chocks, which are wedges that fit under tires to prevent your vehicle from rolling.

Wedge 1 of the chocks under the front side of the tire. Then, wedge the other chock behind that same tire. Raise the rear wheels with a floor jack. Slide the floor jack under the back end of the vehicle. Then, crank the jack until the tires are 3 in 7. Place jack stands in front of the back tires. You will need 2 jack stands, 1 for each side of the car.

Position the stands 1 in 2. Push the car with your hand to make sure it is stable. Test the vehicle's stability on the jacks before attempting to remove the leaf springs.

Gently push against the vehicle, looking for any signs of wobbling. If your vehicle seems a little unstable, you may need to lower it onto the jack stands more by lowering the floor jack. Part 2. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Protect yourself against dirt and rust with a pair of safety glasses.

Wear the glasses anytime you go under the vehicle. To loosen the parts, spray penetrating oil on them. The oil helps prevent damage to these components as you remove them.

You can use a penetrating oil like WD Also sometimes people just want to upgrade to a heavier duty spring to increase support and keep the vehicle safe and a leaf spring helper will simply not suffice. Once you find the right replacement springs you are going to need to know how to install them. Here is a basic step by step guide to installing leaf springs.

Step 1 - Prepare Before spring installation you will have to prepare your old suspension. You should begin to prepare at least 3 days before you remove the old springs.

The old leaves may be rusted on; you want to make sure that they come off without damaging any parts that need to be reused while swapping the old leaf springs for new ones. To prepare the old suspension soak all of the existing parts brackets, nuts and bolt in oil, this will loosen up your springs and make removal a bit easier.

Step 2 - Raise Vehicle When the leaf springs have been prepared and you are ready to install the new ones, the first step will be to raise the rear end of the vehicle and remove rear tires. Use a floor jack to raise the car so that the rear tires are 3 inches off the ground. Place a jack stand on either side of the car about one foot in front of each rear tire.

Lower the floor jack and use it to support the rear axle by placing it under the rear axle gear housing.