Help Installing Leaf Pack

Guys I need help. I’m stuck and I can’t figure the way out. I can get the front bolt of the leaf pack in but I can’t lower the rear side enough to get the bolt in. What am I doing wrong???

 

I don't see the shackle bushing. What gen is this?

 

For my second gen, and assuming the third gens are the same, this is the order I install leaves bolts in:

1. Upper shackle to rear leaf spring eye
2. Lower shackle to rear shackle hangar
3. Front spring hangar to front leaf eye

Any other order, I run into the same problem you are facing where the rear bolts wont want to line up.

 

3rd gen. The bushing is right there. I didn’t remove it from the shackle. Only new bushings are for the eyelets on the leafs.

 

ive tried. Should I try to get the rear eyelet in before that center pin on the axle?

 

Yeah, I should’ve added, that I do all those steps and the the leaf pack fully bolted in before I align the pins on the axle perches.
Then u-bolts
Then wheels
Then torque everything to spec.

 

Gah. I can’t get it. I can’t angle the front enough to allow the rear to drop in. Wtf….

 

This is the order I installed my rear springs too. Then my axle perch wouldn't line up with the lower spring pin, I ended up using some ratchets straps anchored to my sliders, to pull the axle to where it would line up with the spring pin.

 

I usually put the truck on stands, then lower and raise the whole axle by the diff with a floor Jack

 

How far can I drop the diff and not fuck up the driveline? It’s freaking me out and I don’t want to break something…

 

is your rear already in? If it unbolts and put the front on first then do the rear. Way easier to push the leave down in the rear then try to force the front in.

 

That’s what I’m doing. I don’t think I can lower the diff any more with this hydraulic lift I’m using. And the stands are all the way up.

 

you have a lot of play there. You will be fine. just reread that your having issues on the rear. yah raise and lower but I just pulled down on the leave. Leave the bolts loose until you get the bolt in.

 

I did that and it didn't line up, ended up having to pull it forward about an inch.

I used a jack under my diff too.

 

Pry bar helped me get them lined up. It's a pain but leverage makes the difference

 

I found the limiting factor was the brake lines for me. I was able to get them pretty tight with the locating tab unbolted from the axle.

 

did you tighten the front or is it loose? Lower it enough. If you cant get it to line up front/rear then use a limit strap to pull it back to align on that path.

 

also try to keep the axle level. if its moving left or right to one side that will be enough to make it not line up on the horizontal plane. If you can get that then use a limit strap to pull the shackle into the spot. Once you get any of it in the limit strap and/or jack will get you the last mile.

 

It took a little trial and error, but we finally got it to fit! I've done 2 more trucks since mine and it's pretty much cakewalk now.

 

Shoot us a few more pics and post what you are working with.

-Jackstand placement.
-Axle jack placement.

It's too bad that we are in a freaking snow/ice storm at the moment or I'd look into running out there and give you a hand.