| Truck Lift-Kit -- Rear Shocks and Leaf Springs |
From "Weekend Mechanic"
episode WKM-105 |
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With the suspension work on the front of the truck completed, the original wheels and tires are temporarily re-installed on the front to give the vehicle stability while work is done on the rear. These will be replaced with custom wheels and larger tires once work on the rear is completed.
The final phase in the truck lift-kit upgrade includes installation of new rear shocks and installation of additional rear leaf-springs (figure A). For this kit, only one additional leaf is installed on each side. Higher lifts use additional leaves. Overall, the procedure on the rear of the vehicle is simpler than that of the front, as there are fewer components involved.
For safety and efficiency, it's best to work only on one side of the truck at a time.
Important: Included below are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs. There may also be differences in installation for various upgrade kits. Read and follow the directions that come with your kit.
Steps:
- In order to install the additional leaf in the rear spring, the U-bolts that secure the springs to the axle (figure B) must be loosened and removed.
- To loosen the U-bolts, remove the four nuts that secure the bolts to the axle (figure C).
- Spray the nuts with penetrating oil and loosen them using an impact wrench.
- With the nuts removed, lower the retaining plate (figure D).
- Remove the upper shock nuts, and the U-bolts should come off easily.
- Lower the jack slightly to allow the spacer (figure E) to be removed.
- Important: Note that the spacers for the left and right of the vehicle are different. Ours were marked "L" (figure F) and "R" to indicate the proper sides for installation.
- To loosen the leaf spring, spray the retaining bolt in the center of the spring (figure G) with penetrating oil, and loosen it with the appropriate sized socket.
- With the center-bolt removed, install the new spring on the bottom of the spring stack (figure H).
- Clamp the spring stack together with C-clamps to hold it stable as you work. Place one clamp in front of the center bolt, and one to the rear (figure I).
- Tighten the C-clamps to compress the spring stack, then hand-tighten the retaining nut on the new center bolt. The new bolt is longer than the original one to accommodate the increased depth of the spring stack.
- With the nut to the center bolt tightened against the spring, remove the C-clamps. Remove the clamps slowly, and remove both of them at the same rate.
- Make certain that the springs are aligned properly (figure J), then fully tighten down the nut on the center bolt (figure K).
- To replace the spacer, position it in place and jack up the truck until the center bolt extends through the hole in the spacer (figure L).
- Re-install the U-bolts, being certain to tighten them to the proper torque specifications (figure M).
- The final step is to install the new rear shocks. Attach the shock at its top end to the frame of the truck (figure N).
- Attach the lower end of the shock to the rear axle (figure O).
- With the rear suspension work done, complete the project by installing the new custom wheels and tires you've selected. Note the difference in size between our trucks old tires and the new ones (figure P).
Safety Alert: Keep in mind that lifting a truck and installing larger tires will change the handling characteristics of the vehicle. Allow more stopping distance, and lower your speed in turns.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Skyjacker Suspensions
Skyjacker Suspensions
Monroe, LA 71292
Phone: 318-388-0816
Website: www.skyjacker.com
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