Pontiac FIREBIRD 1972 Service Manual page 306

4-20 1972 PONTIAC SERVICE MANUAL
Fig. 4-25 Main Leaf of Leaf Spring
NOTE: I f any leaf clips or clip liners are da-
maged or worn, they must be replaced.
2. Tighten spring center locating bolt nut to 23 lb. ft.
torque.
3. Install spring (see LEAF SPRING
-
INSTALL).
TIP INSERTS
(LEAF SPRING)
REMOVE
1. Raise rear of car until wheel and tire assembly is off
of ground.
NOTE: Spring must be able to hang in rebound
position. On some leafs, the leafspring clip may
have to be removedprior to separating the leaf
for insert remo val.
CAUTION: Use care not to crush exhaust sys-
tem 'iGick-under9'pipe on B Series station wag-
ons when using an axle engaging hoist.
2. Using a suitable pry bar placed between spring leafs,
separate leafs enough to allow removal of insert.
INSTALL
Install by reversing the above steps.
SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER
ANCHOR PLATE OR SPRING CUSHION
PADS
(LEAF SPRING)
REMOVE
1. Raise car at axle housing.
CAUTION: Use care not to crush exhaust sys-
tem "kick-under"p1pe on B Series station wag-
ons when using an axle engaging hoist.
Remove nut, retainer and grommet or nut and lock
washer which attach lower end of shock absorber to
spring and shock absorber anchor plate (Fig. 4-18;
Fig. 4-19, View A; or Fig. 4-20, View D).
CAUTION: Shock absorber stud must not turn
while loosening nut. I f necessary, use pliers or
wrench to hold bottom of stud while removing
nut.
Compress shock to move out of way.
Place jack stand under underbody side rail and lower
axle to relieve load on axle.
Remove spring and shock absorber anchor plate nuts;
withdraw anchor plate with lower spring cushion pad
(Fig. 4-19, View A; Fig. 4-20, View D; or Fig. 4-23).
Raise axle housing off spring and remove upper
spring cushion pad.
INSTALL
1. Install by reversing the above steps.
CAUTION: Place upper and lower spring cush-
ion pads on spring so that cushions are indexed
on spring center locating bolt and nut. Upper
cushion and lower cushion will be aligned if
installation is correct (see LEAF SPRING
-
INSTALL steps 5 through 8).
CAUTION: See CAUTION on page l of this
Section regarding the fastener referred to in
step 2.