NOTE
To ensure an accurate torque reading,
use properly maintained and calibrated
torque wrenches. Clean the nut and
bolt. No dirt, grit, or rust should be
present.
WARNING
DO NOT operate the vehicle if the sus-
pension U-bolts are not properly tight-
ened. Loose U-bolts will cause the
axle to not be properly secured to the
suspension, which could cause loss of
vehicle control and an accident. Loose
U-bolts can also cause uneven tire
wear and poor alignment. Failure to
comply may result in death, personal
injury, equipment or property damage.
NOTE
Whenever possible, torque all frame
fasteners on the nut end, not the bolt
head.
Load the vehicle to its normal gross weight
before tightening U-bolts. Loading the
vehicle ensures proper adjustment of the
U-bolt and spring assembly.
WARNING
DO NOT replace U-bolts and nuts with
common U-bolts or standard nuts.
These parts are critical to vehicle safe-
ty. If the wrong U-bolts or nuts are
used, the axle could loosen or sepa-
rate from the vehicle and cause a seri-
ous accident. Use only U-bolts and
nuts of SAE Grade 8 specification or
better. Failure to comply may result in
death, personal injury, equipment or
property damage.
Rear Axle Lubrication
See the axle manufacturer's operator's
manual for lubrication specifications and
service intervals.
Check oil level with the vehicle parked on
level ground and the fluid warm. The level
should be even with the bottom of the filler
hole.
Rear Axle Alignment
Continual road shock and load stresses
may force the rear axles out of alignment.
If you detect rapid tire wear on the rear
axles, you may have misaligned axles. If
you suspect rapid tire wear, have your rear
axle alignment checked and adjusted by an
authorized dealer.
Suspension alignment should be checked
when any one of the following conditions
exist:
• Total vehicle alignment required
after a body has been installed on
truck chassis.
• Discovery of loose suspension
fasteners (Loose, defined as any
torque below the recommended
torque value)
• Discovery of elongated holes in a
suspension component
• Bushing replacement
• Excessive or abnormal tire wear
• Immediately after post body
installation (See First Day in the
Maintenance Chapter)
MAINTENANCE - Rear Axle and Suspension
Y53-6076-1D1 (09/20) 261
5
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