Nissan trucks use leaf springs to support the rear of the truck and minimize the shock transference from the chassis to the truck body. The springs consist of three to five bent bands of steel, known as leaves, bolted together in their center and then mounted to the truck body at each end and the rear axle in the middle. Over time the springs can lose their curvature, which compromises their ability to perform properly. If this is the case with your Nissan truck and you're handy with a wrench, you can replace the leaf springs in a matter of hours.
Block one of the Nissan's front wheels with two wheel chocks to prevent the truck from rolling. Lift the Nissan's rear end with the floor jack. Position a jack stand under the back of each frame rail and lower the truck onto the jack stands.
Reposition the floor jack under the rear differential. Raise the jack head until it supports the rear differential, but use caution not to raise the differential with the jack.
Unbolt the left leaf spring U-brackets that hold the leaf spring to the rear axle tube, using your socket set. Repeat this on the right leaf spring.
Unbolt the rear of the left leaf spring from the mounting bracket, using your socket set. Lower it to the ground by hand. Unbolt the front end of the left leaf spring and lower it as well.
Lift the front of the new left leaf spring into place and bolt it in with the socket set. Lift the rear end and bolt it in place. Bolt the leaf spring U-brackets to the new leaf spring.
Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to replace the right rear leaf springs.
Lift the back of the Nissan truck off the jack stands with the floor jack. Move the jack stands out from under the Nissan and then lower it to the ground. Remove the chocks from the front wheel before driving.
