This procedure applies to front and rear leaf spring assemblies and both ends of each axle, with a recommendation to work on one side at a time for better control and guidance during reassembly. All models feature silent-block type rubber bushings that should be inspected for cracks, damage, and looseness indicating excessive wear. To check for wear, lift the frame until the weight is off the spring bushing and pry the spring eye up and down; considerable movement indicates a worn bushing that needs replacement. Begin by loosening the wheel lug nuts, raising the vehicle, and securely supporting it on jackstands before removing the wheel. Support the axle assembly with a floor jack positioned under the differential, raising it just enough to relieve the weight from the spring. For front leaf springs, remove the stabilizer bar link nut at the spring tie plate, while for rear leaf springs, disconnect the rear shock absorber from the axle tube bracket. Unscrew the U-bolt nuts, spring tie plate, and U-bolts from the axle, then remove the spring-to-shackle bolt and the spring eye-to-frame bracket bolt to take the spring out. The bushings come in two sizes, and tools can be made from threaded rod for pressing them out. Use a socket over one end of the rod to serve as a driver, ensuring it bears against the bushing outer sleeve while being small enough to pass through the spring eye. Install a flat washer and hex nut on the rod behind the socket, and on the opposite end, attach a piece of pipe to act as a receiver, ensuring it accommodates the bushing while seating against the spring eye surface. Secure the pipe with a flat washer and nut, then tighten the nuts lightly to align the components. Press the bushing out by tightening the nut at the socket end, remove the bushing and tool, then install the new bushing on the threaded rod, aligning the tools to press the new bushing into position. After installation, ensure the bushing is centered in the spring eye, with its ends flush or slightly below the sides. Finally, installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring all bolts and U-bolt nuts are tightened to the specified torque, and the vehicle must be at normal ride height before lightening the mounting bolts.
