Driveway leaf spring replacement - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

87highsierra2500 · 05-31-2015, 07:25 PM

What is the best way to replace the leaf springs on my 1987 V2500. I will be doing the replacement in my driveway and I'm limited to a handfull of jacks and stands. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Josh

**JIMs70GMC** · 05-31-2015, 08:40 PM

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.

87highsierra2500 · 05-31-2015, 09:04 PM

I'm just replacing the front springs, they are 4 inch lift springs, I bought a set of new EZ Ride springs to replace them. They must be from an old lift kit, they ride terrible they are extremely rough. I'm used to doing everything on a vehicle lift and just wanna know the best way to go about this without a lift.

swamp rat · 06-02-2015, 01:01 AM

I had to take a sawzall to my spring bolts as they were froze solid, good advice by the previous poster.

87highsierra2500 · 06-07-2015, 09:47 AM

Thanks guys for you help got it all done on my days off went very well didnt have to cut anything but my new snapon 1/2 inch cordless impact took a dump on me on the last u-bolt nut. now my truck rides much better and not like a damn dump truck.

05-31-2015, 07:25 PM	#1
87highsierra2500 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 12	Driveway leaf spring replacement What is the best way to replace the leaf springs on my 1987 V2500. I will be doing the replacement in my driveway and I'm limited to a handfull of jacks and stands. Thanks in advance for any and all advice. Josh

05-31-2015, 08:40 PM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 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. __________________ 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

05-31-2015, 09:04 PM	#3
87highsierra2500 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 12	Re: Driveway leaf spring replacement I'm just replacing the front springs, they are 4 inch lift springs, I bought a set of new EZ Ride springs to replace them. They must be from an old lift kit, they ride terrible they are extremely rough. I'm used to doing everything on a vehicle lift and just wanna know the best way to go about this without a lift.

06-02-2015, 01:01 AM	#4
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: Driveway leaf spring replacement I had to take a sawzall to my spring bolts as they were froze solid, good advice by the previous poster. __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

06-07-2015, 09:47 AM	#5
87highsierra2500 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Sioux City, IA Posts: 12	Re: Driveway leaf spring replacement Thanks guys for you help got it all done on my days off went very well didnt have to cut anything but my new snapon 1/2 inch cordless impact took a dump on me on the last u-bolt nut. now my truck rides much better and not like a damn dump truck.



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