Leaf springs are the elongated components of the rear suspension system. They are designed to assist the rear shocks in absorbing any force -- instead of the rear of the vehicle absorbing the force. When a vehicle drives across a pot hole or a rough road, the multiple leaf springs take the impact, but the vehicle's passengers are spared most of the jolts. The only way to get a safer and smoother ride out of the leaf springs is to ensure that they are properly tightened and well lubricated.
Park the vehicle on a flat and level surface. Turn the engine off and set the emergency brake.
Place the wheel chocks in front of both front wheels and behind both rear wheels. Jack up the rear of the vehicle to remove the pressure from the leaf springs. Place jack stands under the proper rear jacking points. Lower the rear of the vehicle onto the jack stands and leave the jack in place.
Slide under the rear of the vehicle and locate the leaf spring assemblies on both sides of the rear axle. The leaf spring assemblies are the long u-shaped springs under each side of the rear axle.
Inspect each leaf spring with a flashlight for any damage, such as cracks or breaks. Also, inspect the end shackles, end shackle bolts, u-bolts and the u-bolt nuts for any damage. In other words, inspect anything connected to the leaf springs for damage. Replace any damaged items as needed.
Review each end shackle bolt for any grease fittings. If there is a grease fitting present, use a grease gun and grease to grease the end shackles of the leaf springs.
Slide out from under the truck and refer to the vehicle's owner's manual for the proper torque specifications of the end shackle bolts and the bottom u-bolt nuts. Slide back under the rear of the vehicle and tighten each of the bolts and nuts tight with a ratchet and a socket. Torque each of the bolts and nuts to the proper torque specifications with a torque wrench and a socket. Ensure that the bolts and nuts on both rear leaf spring assemblies are properly torqued.
Spray around each end shackle and the shackle bolt with lubricating spray. This will help the shackle to move around the pin without friction. Spray the front and rear shackles on both rear leaf spring assemblies with the lubricating oil.
Slide out from under the vehicle and jack the vehicle back up. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the jack.
