Removing leaf springs.

[MARKx4]

Im about to change the reaf leaf springs in my MU. I have never replaced leaf springs but have replaced almost everything in a 4wd befor.

I have a idea of the steps i will take but i thought i would put out the question of a step by step process from people who have done it befor.

Please include things like amount of stands is best and just any other safety tips. I have been spraying everything with wd40 for the last couple of days and will keep doing it till i change them.

By the way a MU is a sua rear diff just incase there are different removal processes.

Mark.

[BundyRumandCoke]

Jack up rear of vehicle with jack under chassis till wheels just touch ground. Chock both wheels front and rear. Undo U bolts, preferably with jack under fisch plate. Remove U bolts. Let jack holding fisch plates down, so spring hangs free. Undo shackle bolts, and remove. Undo last spring bolt, and remove spring.
Install is reverse, using jack to lift fisch plate into position to install U bolts. Sometimes a little grease is useful on the top and bottom of the center bolt if the axle has moved at all.

[poppywhite]

What he said.

Have a friend to help, is heavy work and replaceing sometimes takes a bit to line up centre bolt.

[St Jimmy]

If you are going to work under you 4wd,buy some good stands please dont trust a jack.

[BundyRumandCoke]

Good point Boner, I did omit that from my dialogue. Axle stands under each side of the chassis once it is jacked up. Also chock the wheels at the other end of the vehicle to prevent any movement while your working on it.

[oldmate]

Get a tension wrench and make sure all the bolts are torqued properly - especially the u bolts. When doing the ubolts, make sure to tighten all 4 in an even pattern.

Then after a tank of fuel on the new springs, re checked the bolts.

changing leaf springs is easy!

[dogbreath_48]

Chances are you will have to replace your U-bolts (they're susceptible to damaged threads, bending and stretching).
If you're adding/removing leaves from the pack or installing a new pack you may need longer u-bolts or a longer thread on the u-bolts.

[MARKx4]

I wont work under a car that is jacked up unless it is on good quality stands. I have got new U bolts, shackles and bushes that way i wont re-use any old gear.

Mark.