GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Support the rear axle in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
  3. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 3251  Size: SH
  5. Remove the following parts:
  6. • The U-bolt nuts
    • The washers
    • The anchor plate
    • The U-bolts
  7. Remove the spare tire.
  8. Disconnect rear exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system, if necessary.

  9. Object Number: 3252  Size: SH
  10. Remove the following parts:
  11. • The spring shackle to frame bolt
    • The washers
    • The spring shackle to frame nut
  12. Remove the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 2.2L or Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.

  13. Object Number: 3253  Size: SH
  14. Remove the following parts:
  15. • The leaf spring to front bracket nut
    • The washers
    • The leaf spring to front bracket bolt
  16. Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.

  17. Object Number: 3254  Size: SH
  18. Remove the following parts:
  19. • The spring shackle to leaf spring nut
    • The washers
    • The spring shackle to leaf spring bolt
  20. Remove the spring shackle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 3255  Size: SH
  1. Install the spring shackle to the leaf spring.

  2. Object Number: 3256  Size: SH

    Important: Do not tighten the nut.

  3. Install the following parts:
  4. • The spring shackle to leaf spring bolt
    • The washers
    • The spring shackle to leaf spring nut
  5. Install the leaf spring to the vehicle.

  6. Object Number: 3257  Size: SH

    Important: Do not tighten the nut.

  7. Install the following parts:
  8. • The leaf spring to front bracket bolt
    • The washers
    • The leaf spring to front bracket nut
  9. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 2.2L or Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.3L.

  10. Object Number: 3256  Size: SH

    Important: Do not tighten the nut.

  11. Install the following parts:
  12. • The spring shackle to frame bolt
    • The washers
    • The spring shackle to frame nut
  13. Remove the axle support.
  14. Raise exhaust system and connect rear exhaust hangers, if necessary.
  15. Install the spare tire.

  16. Object Number: 3259  Size: SH
  17. Install the following parts:
  18. • The U-bolts
    • The anchor plate
    • the washer

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  19. Install the U-bolt nuts.
  20. Tighten

    1. Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) in the sequence shown.
    2. Then tighten the U-bolt nuts to 100 N·m (73 lb ft) in the sequence shown.

    Object Number: 497445  Size: SH
  21. Support the axle so that there is a distance of 164 mm to 176 mm (6.46 in to 6.94 in) between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper bracket (1).

  22. Object Number: 3253  Size: SH
  23. Tighten the leaf spring front bracket nut.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the front bracket nut to 122 N·m (89 lb ft).


    Object Number: 3261  Size: SH
  25. Install the rear spring shackle to leaf spring nuts.
  26. Tighten
    Tighten the rear spring shackle to leaf spring nuts to 122 N·m (89 lb ft).

  27. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  28. Remove axle support.
  29. Lower the vehicle.