Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003EXPRESS 1/2 TON VAN V6-4.3L VIN XREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISSTEERING AND SUSPENSIONSUSPENSIONSUSPENSION SPRING ( COIL / LEAF )SERVICE AND REPAIRLEAF SPRING REPLACEMENT
2003 Chevrolet Express 1/2 Ton Van V6-4.3L VIN X
Leaf Spring Replacement
2003 Chevrolet Express 1/2 Ton Van V6-4.3L VIN XSECTION Leaf Spring Replacement
Leaf Spring Replacement
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle independently in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the leaf spring U-bolt nuts.
4. Remove the leaf spring U-bolts.
5. Remove the leaf spring spacer.
6. Remove the leaf spring anchor plate.
7. Remove the leaf spring (1) to the spring shackle (5) mounting bolt and nut (3).
8. Remove the leaf spring to the front hanger bracket mounting nut and bolt.
9. Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the leaf spring to the vehicle.
2. Perform the following procedure before installing the front hanger bracket mounting bolt.
2.1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
2.2. Clean the threads of the bolt with brake parts cleaner or the equivalent and allow to dry.
2.3. Apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to the threads of the bolt.
3. Loosely install the leaf spring to the front hanger bracket mounting bolt and nut.
4. Install the leaf spring (1) to the spring shackle (5) mounting bolt and nut (3).
Important: Do not reuse the leaf spring U-bolts.
5. Install the leaf spring spacer.
6. Install the leaf spring U-bolts.
7. Install the leaf spring anchor plate.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
8. Install the leaf spring U-bolt nuts.
- Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt mounting nuts to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.) (All 1500 Series).
- Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt mounting nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft. lbs.) (All 2500 Series and 3500 Series Cargo and Passenger Vans and Cutaways With 9Q4).
- Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt mounting nuts to 147 Nm (108 ft. lbs.) (3500 Series Cutaways Without 9Q4).
9. Tighten the front hanger bracket and spring shackle mounting nuts.
- Tighten the front hanger bracket mounting nut to 110 Nm (80 ft. lbs.) +a 200 degree turn.
- Tighten the spring shackle mounting nut to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.).
10. Remove the rear axle support.
11. Lower the vehicle.
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle independently in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the leaf spring U-bolt nuts.
4. Remove the leaf spring U-bolts.
5. Remove the leaf spring spacer.
6. Remove the leaf spring anchor plate.
7. Remove the leaf spring (1) to the spring shackle (5) mounting bolt and nut (3).
8. Remove the leaf spring to the front hanger bracket mounting nut and bolt.
9. Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the leaf spring to the vehicle.
2. Perform the following procedure before installing the front hanger bracket mounting bolt.
2.1. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch.
2.2. Clean the threads of the bolt with brake parts cleaner or the equivalent and allow to dry.
2.3. Apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to the threads of the bolt.
3. Loosely install the leaf spring to the front hanger bracket mounting bolt and nut.
4. Install the leaf spring (1) to the spring shackle (5) mounting bolt and nut (3).
Important: Do not reuse the leaf spring U-bolts.
5. Install the leaf spring spacer.
6. Install the leaf spring U-bolts.
7. Install the leaf spring anchor plate.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
8. Install the leaf spring U-bolt nuts.
- Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt mounting nuts to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.) (All 1500 Series).
- Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt mounting nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft. lbs.) (All 2500 Series and 3500 Series Cargo and Passenger Vans and Cutaways With 9Q4).
- Tighten the leaf spring U-bolt mounting nuts to 147 Nm (108 ft. lbs.) (3500 Series Cutaways Without 9Q4).
9. Tighten the front hanger bracket and spring shackle mounting nuts.
- Tighten the front hanger bracket mounting nut to 110 Nm (80 ft. lbs.) +a 200 degree turn.
- Tighten the spring shackle mounting nut to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.).
10. Remove the rear axle support.
11. Lower the vehicle.
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.