SUSPENSION - REAR -1998 Chevrolet Blazer Page 1 of 33

ARTICLE BEGINNING

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

These vehicles use a leaf spring and solid rear axle suspension system. The rear axle assembly is
attached to a multi-leaf springs by U-bolts. The front ends of the springs are attached to the frame
at the front hangers with rubber bushings. The rear ends of the springs are attached to the frame
with shackles that use rubber bushings. Shackles allow the springs to change position while the
vehicle is in motion.

Two direct double-acting shock absorbers provide ride control. The shock absorbers are angle
mounted between the frame. The shock absorbers are attached with brackets. The brackets are
attached to the anchor plate.

The rear spring steel stabilizing shaft helps minimize body roll and sway during cornering. The
rear stabilizer shaft is connected to the rear axle and the frame with the following components:

• Rubber Insulators
• Clamps
• Link Assemblies

ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL

ALIGNMENT.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

LEAF SPRING

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Support the rear axle in order to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the shock absorber. See SHOCK ABSORBER.
4. Remove the U-bolt nuts, the washers, the anchor plate, and the U-bolt. See Fig. 1.
5. Remove the spare tire, if equipped.
6. Disconnect rear exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system, if necessary.
7. Remove the fuel tank.
8. On 2 door utility models, remove the EVAP canister on, if necessary.
9. On all models, remove the shackle to frame bolt, the washers, and the nut. See Fig. 2.

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10. Remove the front hanger nut, the washers, and the bolt. See Fig. 3.
11. Remove the spring assembly from the vehicle.
12. Remove the shackle to spring nut, the washers, and the spring bolt. See Fig. 2.
13. Remove the shackle.

Installation

1. Install the shackle to the rear spring eye. See Fig. 2.

2. Install spring bolt, washers, and nut to the shackle. DO NOT tighten the nut. See Fig. 3.
3. Install the spring assembly to the vehicle.
4. Install the front hanger bolt, washers, and nut to the spring. DO NOT tighten the nut. See
Fig. 3.
5. Install the frame bolt, washers, and nut to the shackle. DO NOT tighten the nut. See Fig. 2.
6. Remove the spring/axle support.
7. On 2 door utility models, install the EVAP canister.
8. On all models, install the fuel tank.
9. Raise exhaust system and connect rear exhaust hangers, if necessary.
10. Install the spare tire, if equipped.
11. Install the U-bolts (3), the anchor plate, the washers, and the U-bolt nuts. Tighten the U-bolt
nuts in the sequence shown. See Fig. 1. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
12. Support the axle so there is a distance of 6.7" (170 mm), plus or minus 0.24" (6 mm)
between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper bracket (1). See Fig. 4.
13. Install the front bracket nut, then tighten the nut. See Fig. 3.
14. Install the rear shackle nuts, then tighten. See Fig. 2.
15. Install shock absorber. See SHOCK ABSORBER.
16. Lower the vehicle.

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Fig. 1: Tightening U-bolt & Anchor Plate In Sequence

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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Fig. 2: Removing/Installing Shackle Frame Bolt Bushing

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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Fig. 3: Removing/Installing Front Bracket Nuts & Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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Fig. 4: Measure Axle Tube-To-Bumper Bracket Clearance

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SHACKLE BUSHING

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Support the vehicle with safety stands and support the rear axle.
3. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
4. Remove spare tire, if necessary.

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5. Disconnect rear exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system, if necessary.

6. Remove the fuel tank, if necessary.
7. On 2 door utility models, remove the EVAP canister.
8. On all models, remove the upper shackle bolt, the nut and the flat washers. See Fig. 2.
9. Loosen the lower shackle bolt at the spring.
10. Lower the axle until there is enough clearance to remove the shackle bushing.
11. Use a blunt punch to straighten out the bushing flange that comes through the inner frame.
12. Remove the shackle bushing using the Control Arm Bushing Service Set (J 21474-01). See
SPECIAL TOOLS.

Installation

1. Install the shackle bushing. A new shackle bushing must be used. Use the tools as shown.
See Fig. 5.
2. Pull the bushing into the frame rail until the flanged portion of the bushing is flush with the
rail.
3. Stake the shackle bushing inner flanged.
4. Raise the axle into position.
5. Install the shackle bolt, washers, and nut to the frame. DO NOT tighten the nut. See Fig. 2.
6. Repeat previous steps for the remaining bushings.
7. Support the axle so there is a distance of 6.7" (170 mm), plus or minus 0.24" (6 mm)
between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper bracket (1). See Fig. 4.
8. Tighten the rear shackle nuts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
9. On 2 door utility models, install the EVAP canister, if necessary.
10. On all models, install the fuel tank, if necessary.
11. Raise the exhaust system and connect the rear exhaust hangers, if necessary.
12. Remove the rear axle support.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Connect the battery negative battery.

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Fig. 5: Rear Spring Shackle Bushing Special Tool Set Up

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SHOCK ABSORBER

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Disconnect automatic level control air lines from shock absorbers, if equipped.
3. Remove the shock absorber to frame bracket bolts. See Fig. 6.
4. Remove the shock absorber to anchor plate nut and washer.

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5. Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle

Fig. 6: Removing Rear Shock Absorber

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Installation

1. Install the shock absorber to the lower anchor plate. DO NOT attach the washer or the nut.
See Fig. 6.
2. Install the shock absorber to the frame bracket with the nuts and the bolts. Tighten the nuts.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

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3. Install the lower anchor plate washer and the nut. Tighten the nut.
4. Tighten the nuts and bolts with the front suspension loaded.
5. Connect automatic level control air line to shock absorber, if equipped.
6. Lower the vehicle.

Disposal

WARNING: Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do not
remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube. If the snap ring
is removed, the contents of the shock absorber will come out with
extreme force which may result in personal injury. To prevent
personal injury, wear safety glasses when centerpunching and
drilling the shock absorber. Use care not to puncture the shock
absorber tube with centerpunch.

1. Make an indentation 0.4" (10 mm) from the bottom (4) of the tube (3) using a centerpunch.
See Fig. 7.
2. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely
extended.
3. Drill a hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (4) using a 3/16" (5 mm) drill bit. Gas
or a gas/oil mixture exhaust when the bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in
order to contain the escaping oil.
4. Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the tube (3) with a centerpunch.
5. Drill a second hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (2) using a 3/16" (5 mm) drill
bit. Oil will exhaust when drill bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in order to
contain escaping oil.
6. Remove the shock absorber from the vise. Hold the shock absorber over a drain pan
horizontally with the holes down. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (3) to completely
drain the oil from the shock absorber.

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Fig. 7: Disposing Of Shock Absorber

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SPRING BUSHING

Removal

1. Remove the spring assembly from the vehicle.

2. Remove the bushing from the spring assembly. Press the spring bushing from the spring in
an arbor press. See Fig. 8.
3. Clean the spring eye of any remaining parts of the bushing.
4. Remove any burrs from the spring eye that could cause the new bushing to bind when the
bushing is installed.

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Fig. 8: Removing Bushing From Spring Eye

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Installation

1. Apply rubber lubricant to the bushing (1). Apply lubricant to the spring eye (2). See Fig. 9.
2. Install the bushing to the spring assembly. Press the bushing into the spring using an arbor
press. See Fig. 8.
3. Install the spring assembly to the vehicle.

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Fig. 9: Installing Bushing Into Spring Eye

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SPRING SHACKLE

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Support the rear axle.
3. Remove the spare tire, if necessary.
4. Disconnect rear exhaust hangers and lower exhaust system, if necessary.
5. On 2 door utility models, remove the fuel tank and EVAP canister.

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6. On all models, remove the frame to shackle nut, the washers, and the frame bolt. See Fig.
10.
7. Remove the shackle to spring nut, the washers, and the bolt.
8. Remove the shackle from the vehicle.

Installation

1. Install the shackle to the vehicle.

2. Install the spring bolt, washers, and nut to the shackle. DO NOT tighten the nut. See Fig. 10.
3. Install the shackle bolt, washers, and nut to the frame. DO NOT tighten the nut.
4. Support the axle so there is a distance of 6.7" (170 mm), plus or minus 0.24" (6 mm)
between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper bracket (1). See Fig. 4.
5. Tighten the rear shackle nuts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
6. On 2 door utility models, install the EVAP canister and fuel tank.
7. On all models, raise exhaust system and connect rear exhaust hangers, if necessary.
8. Install spare tire, if necessary.
9. Remove rear axle support.
10. Lower the vehicle.

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Fig. 10: Installing Rear Spring Shackle Bolt

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

STABILIZER SHAFT (AWD)

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Remove the lower nuts, the washers, and the bolts from the stabilizer link. See Fig. 11.
3. Remove the nuts from the U-bolts. See Fig. 12.

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4. Remove the U-bolts, the clamps, and the insulators. See Fig. 12.
5. Remove the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft).

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Fig. 11: Removing Rear Stabilizer Link

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig. 12: Installing Rear Stabilizer Bar U-Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Installation

1. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the rear axle.
2. Install the insulators, the clamps, and the U-bolts. See Fig. 12.
3. Install the nuts to the U-bolts then tighten. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
4. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the link mounting bolt. See Fig. 11.
5. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the link nut then tighten.
6. Lower the vehicle.

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STABILIZER SHAFT (RWD)

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Remove the lower nuts, the washers, and the bolts from the stabilizer links. See Fig. 13.
3. Remove the nuts from the U-bolts. See Fig. 14.
4. Remove the U-bolts, the clamps, and the insulators.
5. Remove the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft).

Fig. 13: Removing Rear Stabilizer Link (4 Door)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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Fig. 14: Removing Rear Stabilizer Bar (RWD)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Installation

1. Install the stabilizer bar to the rear axle.

2. Install the insulators, the clamps, and the U-bolts. See Fig. 14.
3. Install the nuts to the U-bolts then tighten. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
4. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the link mounting bolt.
5. Install the stabilizer bar to the link nut then tighten.
6. Lower the vehicle.

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STABILIZER SHAFT (2-DOORUTILITY)

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Remove the lower nuts, the washers, and the bolts from the stabilizer link. See Fig. 15.
3. Remove the nuts from the U-bolts. See Fig. 14.
4. Remove the U-bolt, the clamps, and the insulators.
5. Remove the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft).

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Fig. 15: Removing Rear Stabilizer Link (2-Door Utility)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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Installation

1. Install the stabilizer bar to the rear axle.

2. Install the insulators, the clamps, and the U-bolt. See Fig. 14.
3. Install the nuts to the U-bolts, then tighten to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.
4. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the link mounting bolt. See Fig. 15.
5. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the link nut; tighten the upper link nut.
6. Lower the vehicle.

STABILIZER SHAFT (4-DOOR UTILITY)

Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Remove the lower nuts, the washers, and the bolts from the stabilizer links. See Fig. 13.
3. Remove the nuts from the U-bolts. See Fig. 16.
4. Remove the U-bolts, the clamps, and the insulators.
5. Remove the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft).

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Fig. 16: Removing Rear Stabilizer Bar Nuts and U-Bolts (4-Door Utility)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Installation

1. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the rear axle.
2. Install the insulators, the clamps, and the U-bolts. See Fig. 16.
3. Install the nuts to the U-bolts, and tighten the nuts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
4. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the link mounting bolt. See Fig. 13.
5. Install the stabilizer bar (1999-00: stabilizer shaft) to the link nut; Tighten the upper nut.
6. Lower the vehicle.

TRACK BAR (ZR2 MODELS)

Removal

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1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2. Support the rear axle at a curb height position.
3. Remove the rear track bar mounting bolts, washers, and nuts from the frame bracket. See
Fig. 17.
4. Remove the rear track bar mounting bolts, washers, and nuts from the axle bracket. See Fig.
18.
5. Remove the rear track bar. See Fig. 19.

Installation

1. Position the rear track bar in the frame bracket. See Fig. 17.
2. Loosely install the bolt, the washers, and the nut to the axle bracket. See Fig. 19. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
3. Position the rear track bar in the axle bracket. See Fig. 18.
4. Loosely install the bolt, the washers, and the nut to the frame bracket.
5. Remove the rear axle support.
6. Lower the vehicle. Final tighten track bar bolt. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (1998)
or TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (1999-2000).

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Fig. 17: Installing Track Bar-To-Frame Bolt (ZR2 Models)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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Fig. 18: Installing Track Bar-To-Axle Bracket Bolts (ZR2 Models)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig. 19: Identifying Track Bar (ZR2 Models)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (1998)

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Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)

Rear Track Rod Axle Mount 39 (53)
(1)
Rear Track Rod-To-Frame 45 (61)
(1)
Rear Track Rod Bolt-To-Axle Mount Nut 45 (61)
(2)
Shackle-To-Frame Nuts 89 (122)
(2)
Shackle-To-Spring Nuts 89 (122)
Shock Absorber Lower Nut (4-Door Utility) 73 (100)
Shock Absorber Upper Bolts 18 (25)
Shock Absorber Lower Nut 62 (84)
(2)
Spring-To-Front Bracket Nuts 89 (122)
Spring U-Bolt Nuts 73 (100)
Stabilizer Bar Lower Link Nut (2-Door Utility) 50 (68)
Stabilizer Bar Lower Link Nut (4-Door Utility) 50 (68)
Stabilizer Bar Upper Link Nut (2-Door Utility) 25 (35)
Stabilizer Bar Upper Link Nut (4-Door Utility & Pickup) 25 (35)
Stabilizer Clamp U-Bolt Nuts 44 (60)
(1) Final tighen rear track bar fasteners with full weight of vehicle on suspension.

(2) Requires special tightening procedure. See Installation under LEAF SPRING.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (1999-2000)

Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)

(2)
Leaf Spring-To-Front Bracket Nut 89 (122)
Leaf Spring U-Bolt Nuts 74 (100)
Rear Tie Rod Axle Bracket Nuts 39 (53)
(1)
Rear Track Rod-To-Frame Bracket Nut 45 (61)
(1)
Rear Track Rod Bolt-To-Axle Bracket Nut 45 (61)
Shock Absorber Lower Nut (4-Door Utility) 74 (100)
Shock Absorber Lower Nut (Pickups & 2-Door Utility) 62 (84)
Shock Absorber Upper Bolts 18 (25)
(2)
Spring Shackle-To-Frame Nut 89 (122)
(2)
Spring Shackle-To-Leaf Spring Nut 89 (122)
Stabilizer Bar Lower Link Nut (4-Door Utility) 42 (57)
Stabilizer Bar Lower Link Nut (Pickups & 2-Door Utility) 50 (68)
Stabilizer Bar Upper Link Nut (4-Door Utility) 50 (68)
Stabilizer Bar Upper Link Nut (Pickup & 2-Door Utility) 25(35)
Stabilizer Clamp U-Bolt Nuts 44 (60)
(1) Final tighen rear track bar fasteners with full weight of vehicle on suspension.

(2) Requires special tightening procedure. See Installation under LEAF SPRING.

SPECIAL TOOLS

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Fig. 20: Identifying Rear Suspension Tools

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

© 2008 Mitchell Repair Information Co., LLC.

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