How to Replace a Leaf Spring in a Dodge Caravan
Your Dodge Caravan has a leaf spring assembly in the rear suspension. Replacing the leaf springs in a Dodge Caravan is challenging but can be accomplished by a novice with a jack, jack stands or ramps, a wrench set, and an afternoon to work. Make sure to carefully note the orientation of the lower leaf spring isolator, protruding just underneath the leaf spring, before beginning work.
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Instructions
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1
Raise your Dodge Caravan and support the rear of the vehicle on safety stands. Use a separate lift or jack to independently support the rear axle enough to relieve the weight on the springs, then replace the jack with safety stands. Make certain that this second, independent lift is not supporting any of the vehicle's weight.
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2
Disconnect the lower ends of the shock absorbers at the rear axle bracket, then loosen and remove the bolts holding the axle plate in place over the leaf springs. Lower the rear axle assembly enough to let the rear springs hang free.
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3
Support the leaf spring as you remove the bolts that mount the front spring hanger to the frame of the vehicle. Remove the rear spring shackle nuts and plate, then remove the leaf spring from the shackle and the vehicle. Take the front pivot bolt out of the front leaf spring mount.
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4
Place the new leaf spring assembly in the vehicle and install the front spring mount into the leaf spring eye. Install the pivot bolt and nut; tighten the pivot nuts only loosely. Make sure that the pivot bolt is facing inboard; installing it incorrectly could cause structural damage.
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5
Lift the front of the spring and install the hanger mounting bolts to 45 foot pounds of torque. Then loosely install the leaf spring into the rear spring shackle and shackle plate. Check to be certain that the lower leaf spring isolator is in its proper position.
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Align the rear axle assembly underneath the leaf spring locator post. Tighten the rear axle plate bolts to 80 foot pounds of torque, and reattach the rear shock absorber.
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7
Lower the vehicle so that its full weight is on the springs, then tighten the front pivot bolt to 115 foot pounds, the shackle nuts to 45 foot pounds, and the shock absorber bolts to 75 foot pounds of torque.
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