How to Replace Leaf Springs and Lift your Truck

Summary

In this step-by-step tutorial, ChrisFix demonstrates how to replace old, rusted leaf springs, shackles, and bushings on a truck or SUV. The video covers everything from safely jacking up the vehicle, removing rust, replacing worn-out components, to adding protective undercoating for corrosion prevention. Viewers learn the importance of properly torqueing bolts and ensuring suspension integrity for safe driving. With helpful tips and clear instructions, ChrisFix makes this DIY suspension repair accessible, saving money while improving vehicle performance and safety.

Takeaways

• 😀 Properly lifting the truck is crucial before starting the leaf spring replacement process.
• 😀 The truck should be lifted until the suspension fully supports the weight of the vehicle for accurate torque application.
• 😀 Both rear bolts on the shackle should be torqued to 80 foot-pounds for a secure installation.
• 😀 The front bolt should also be torqued to 80 foot-pounds to ensure the stability of the leaf spring installation.
• 😀 Replacing the leaf springs involves removing rust, undercoating, and replacing degraded shackles and mounts.
• 😀 Use a jack to lift the truck and remove the jack stands before letting the vehicle down on its new suspension.
• 😀 Proper installation of the leaf springs, shackles, and mounts results in improved suspension performance and durability.
• 😀 After installation, ensure the truck is lowered carefully, with the suspension fully bearing the vehicle's weight.
• 😀 The wheel installation should follow a star pattern, ensuring even torque distribution and wheel alignment.
• 😀 Undercoating is an important step to prevent future rust and ensure the longevity of the suspension system.
• 😀 The leaf spring replacement is a DIY-friendly task with the right tools, making it possible to get the truck back on the road quickly.

Q & A

What safety precautions should be taken when working on leaf spring replacement?

Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask, especially when grinding or cutting rusted parts. Make sure to use proper jack stands under the truck's frame, not the suspension, to ensure stability while lifting the vehicle.

Why is it important to remove all rust from the suspension before installing new parts?

Removing rust prevents further degradation of the suspension components. Rust can weaken the metal, leading to failure over time. Clean metal also ensures a proper fit for new parts like bushings, shackles, and mounting brackets.

What tools are necessary for replacing leaf springs, shackles, and bushings?

You will need a ratchet, sockets, a wrench, a breaker bar, an angle grinder, a wire wheel, rust reformer, undercoating, and threadlocker. Additionally, large jack stands and a jack are essential for safely lifting the vehicle.

How do you safely remove rusted mounting bolts from leaf springs?

Use a breaker bar or an impact wrench to break loose the rusted bolts. In cases where the bolts are particularly stubborn, using a jack to apply pressure can help ease them out. An angle grinder can be used to remove rivets or particularly rusted components.

What are the benefits of undercoating the suspension after replacement?

Undercoating adds a protective layer to the suspension, helping to prevent rust and corrosion. It enhances the longevity of the parts and maintains the vehicle's overall safety and performance, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Why is it necessary to torque bolts to specific foot-pounds, like 75 or 80 foot-pounds?

Torquing the bolts to the correct specifications ensures that they are tight enough to secure the parts without being over-tightened, which could damage the threads or the components. Proper torque ensures that the suspension is safely and securely assembled.

How can you tell when the leaf spring is properly loaded after lifting the truck?

The leaf spring should be loaded with the full weight of the truck, which is confirmed when the suspension barely lifts off the jack stands. This means the spring is under the proper load to begin tightening the bolts.

What should be done if the leaf spring bushings are degraded or worn out?

If the bushings are worn, they should be removed using a hacksaw or torch. After cleaning the area, install new bushings to ensure a proper fit. This will restore the suspension's ability to absorb shocks effectively.

What is the purpose of applying threadlocker to bolts during reassembly?

Threadlocker is applied to bolts to prevent them from loosening over time due to vibration or stress. It ensures the bolts remain secure and that the suspension components stay properly attached.

What are the final steps after completing the installation of new leaf springs and suspension parts?

After installing the new parts, reinstall the wheels, torque them in a star pattern for an even fit, and then carefully lower the truck. Remove the jack stands, ensuring the vehicle sits on the ground properly with the newly installed suspension.