What is the torque spec for the rear U-bolt nuts?

The U-bolt nuts are torqued to 85-115 ft. lbs., and the U-bolts must contact the edges of the spring assembly or axle seat during the torque operation.

What is the torque for the rear shackle nuts?

Both shackle nuts are torqued to 75-105 ft. lbs., and the shackle assembly must be installed with the closed side forward as shown.

What are the shock absorber mounting torque specs?

The upper nut is 20-30 ft. lbs. and the other shock mounting nuts are 40-60 ft. lbs. The washer must be installed with the concave end facing the attaching nut.

What is the torque for the front spring hanger (bracket) nut?

The nut at the front bracket/leaf spring eye is torqued to 150-190 ft. lbs.

Should rear leaf springs be replaced individually?

No — the notes state rear springs should be installed in matched pairs, and spring leaves should be aligned prior to torquing U-bolts, with .25 inch maximum play allowable at leaf ends.

Home/ Registry/ Ford/ Bronco/ 1978-1979/ “Lula Mae”/ Photo supermotors.net/registry/media/307055

1978 Ford Bronco Rear Suspension Diagram - Leaf Spring, Shackle & Torque Specs

Exploded diagram of rear leaf spring suspension with shackle, U-bolts and brackets

‹ ›

Exploded parts breakdown of the rear leaf-spring suspension showing shackle, U-bolts, shock absorber and brackets with torque specifications.

AI caption March 2006 · Photo 345 of 529

This document is an exploded-view rear suspension diagram showing the rear leaf spring, shock absorber, shackle assembly, and mounting hardware for a Ford truck/Bronco chassis. A main isometric view of the frame and rear axle area identifies the leaf spring, plate, U-bolt (nut torque 85-115 ft. lbs.), and directional arrows (X, Y, Z, W) pointing to three detail views. View X details the shock absorber installation with its upper bracket assembly (nut 20-30 ft. lbs.), lower bracket, and nuts at 40-60 ft. lbs., including a note to install the washer with the concave end facing the attaching nut. View Y shows the front spring hanger bracket (riveted to the frame) and the spring eye nut torqued to 150-190 ft. lbs. View Z shows the rear shackle assembly, installed with the closed side forward, with both shackle nuts torqued to 75-105 ft. lbs. Installation notes state rear springs should be installed in matched pairs, spring leaves should be aligned before torquing U-bolts (.25 inch maximum play allowable at leaf ends), and U-bolts must contact the edges of the spring assembly or axle seat during the U-bolt nut torque operation. The diagram provides all torque specifications needed for rear leaf spring and shock replacement.

Is this accurate? Sign in to help verify it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the torque spec for the rear U-bolt nuts?: The U-bolt nuts are torqued to 85-115 ft. lbs., and the U-bolts must contact the edges of the spring assembly or axle seat during the torque operation.
What is the torque for the rear shackle nuts?: Both shackle nuts are torqued to 75-105 ft. lbs., and the shackle assembly must be installed with the closed side forward as shown.
What are the shock absorber mounting torque specs?: The upper nut is 20-30 ft. lbs. and the other shock mounting nuts are 40-60 ft. lbs. The washer must be installed with the concave end facing the attaching nut.
What is the torque for the front spring hanger (bracket) nut?: The nut at the front bracket/leaf spring eye is torqued to 150-190 ft. lbs.
Should rear leaf springs be replaced individually?: No — the notes state rear springs should be installed in matched pairs, and spring leaves should be aligned prior to torquing U-bolts, with .25 inch maximum play allowable at leaf ends.