how to replaced front leaf springs

[Ducter]

I just got an 89 k5 and the front and rear are on blocks. I am not driving it till I replace at least the front springs, which I have ordered a 2 inch set of springs, new bushings and u bolts. I will tackle the rear later.

Searched for a bit without finding what I was looking for so am asking. A step by step on replacing the front leaf springs.

Thanks

 

[wage92]

remove front driveshaft, steering linkage and brake lines.
jack up off the frame so the axle is off the ground slightly.
loosen and remove ubolts, roll axle out of the way.
remove lower shackle bolt in rear, and front spring mount bolt in front, springs should pull down fairly easy.
install new and reverse.

Think thats the basics, just work safely and make sure you have jack stands securely supporting the frame, theres a lot of weight in the front.

 

[rampage]

Step 1: Chock rear tires well

 

[wage92]

Step 1: Chock rear tires well

hah, well put sir

 

[4xcrazy]

I guess I did mine wrong by leaving the axle under the truck the whole time

 

[4xcrazy]

I did have multiple jacks and removed the front wheel on the side I was working on though, to be able to drop the axle down low enough and separate it from the springs.

 

[wage92]

I guess I did mine wrong by leaving the axle under the truck the whole time

thats how i did mine too, but it was a pain in the butt and i had to jack it up higher than i was comfortable, but if i had better jack stands etc i would have been more comfortable. I just gave him a safe way to do it using things i have since they are pretty basic.

 

[4xcrazy]

I did have some decent sized stands and the larger floor jacks. only real issue I ran into was the fact it was slightly twisted from the angle of the new spring compared to the old stocker, I went with a 4 inch lift. I just got everything lined up and loosely bolted up until everything lined up right, then went back and torqued everything down.

 

[K85 Octane]

The list is good enough but you don't have to bother with brakes. Just pull calipers off and tie them up on the frame. No bleeding necessary. If you have nice ground to work on, a couple tall jack stands and regular stands, along with a good floor jack....there is really no reason to pull the axle out. It will take some wresting putting things back together regardless, but if you leave the axle in place at least remove the draglink and tires.

It might also be a good time to replace some steering and bushing components. Make sure to check caster angle after you install everything back together.

 

[Deuling]

disconnect negative battery terminal.

 

[4xcrazy]

preheat the oven to 425 degrees

 

[chicken joe]

im about to do all my front spring bushings, and sway bar end bushings

i need to keep an eye on this good useabe info.

my only concerin is did i get the right bushings or not.

 

[pblaze725]

I don't see why you would need to disconnect the drive
Shaft, brakes, and steering just to remove a leaf spring.

Chock rear tires
Loosen lug nuts
Lift the truck
Place jack stand under frame rail
Place back up jack stand under frame rail
Remove tire
Lower axle until there is no weight on the springs
Remove U bolts
Lower axle a little bit more so the axle is below the leaf spring
Remove leaf spring
Check and replace bushings as needed
Use grease or installation lube when installing new bushings.
Measure new leaf spring to determine front/ rear
Install new leaf spring with the smaller bolt in the front
Raise axle and be sure to align the center pin on the spring perch( you may need a ratchet strap to get the axle in position)
Install new U bolts. (You should never re use old U bolts)
Lift axle up to ride height
Install tire.



Now that you have a lift you may need to make some steering corrections.