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Old 05-31-2015, 08:40 PM   #2
JIMs70GMC
user # 2756
 
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Posts: 4,612
Re: Driveway leaf spring replacement

Doing all 4? For the front, get the front end in the air and jack stands under the frame just behind the leaf spring. get the tires off and remove the calipers and hang the calipers out of the way and don't let the hose get under tension. Use your jacks to support the axle, remove the u-bolts and lower the jacks to separate the axle from the springs. You can do one side at a time, if you remove both at the same time watch the axle as it might want to roll/twist because of the third member. Keep an eye on the draglink connecting the gearbox to the steering arm, you should not need to brake loose unless you are lifting the front and need a new pitman arm or steering arm. Now you can remove the bolts holding the spring on. Installation is the reverse, except do not tighten the leaf spring bolts until you have weight on the springs, i.e. put the bolt in and nut on but tighten after the spring has the load of the truck. If you have a sway bar, it will only be an issue if you are putting on lift springs, you can take it loose from the spring pads.

For the rear, do the same, except watch the one rubber line for the rear brakes, it should have enough slack, if not you can brake it's mount loose and let the hard line bend a little. Do the same with the new springs, tighten after the springs have the vehicle weight on them.
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1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs
1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX
1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears
1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now.....
1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone.
1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed.

1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm
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