Replacing a Leaf Spring | Step by Step Guide

How to Replace Leaf Springs

Anyone who drives a truck over an extended period understands that, just like your brakes, tires and battery, the leaf springs in your suspension system don't last forever. Whether you've noticed your pickup no longer tows and hauls to max capacity, handles poorly on bumpy roads or its body is sagging or leaning to the side, it pays to know how to replace leaf springs. If you're looking for a fast, cost-effective way to restore your suspension to its original performance and enjoy driving your truck again, consider the following tutorial on how to fix leaf springs.

How to Replace Leaf Springs Step-by-Step

1. Be ready in advance: Give yourself at least three days to get your suspension prepared before installing new leaf springs. Carefully inspect your existing springs for rust and corrosion, and if found, rub some oil around the bolt, nuts and brackets to ensure you can remove them without damaging adjacent parts.
2. Lift for access: Raise the vehicle using a hydraulic jack, so the tires are a minimum 3 inches off the ground. Once lifted, you'll need to remove the rear wheels to be able to reach the springs.
3. Take off the base plate: Now that you have unobstructed access to the rear leaf springs, remove the shock absorbers and release the fasteners from the U-bolts.
4. Install your leaf springs: Put the new shackles in place and secure them by taking the inner-shackle hinge pin and putting it through the shackle's steel sleeve. Be sure to check the springs to ensure they are correctly aligned.
5. Finish the job: The final part of this tutorial on how to install leaf springs is to complete the installation by securing the bolts using a torque wrench and bringing the back end down.

Learning how to remove leaf springs and install a new kit is relatively easy when working with the right products. General Spring is a comprehensive source for everything required to ensure you can replace leaf springs successfully. Visit our website to learn more about how to install leaf springs and to shop our extensive inventory of suspension and load support products and accessories.

[jeremyarnold]

haha, so basically get new springs and put them on.