Symptoms
Clunks, wandering and axle wrap. Sagging rear springs are also common, and cracked rubber bushings often squeak.
The fix, step by step
- Support the frame and take the weight off one spring at a time.
- Unbolt the shackle and main-eye bolts, press out the old bushings, and fit new ones that match your springs, since stock and aftermarket lift springs use different bushings.
- Fit greasable heavy-duty front shackles while you're there.
- Torque everything with the truck on the ground at ride height.
- Offroad Design publishes a chart of which bushing fits each stock or aftermarket spring.
Tools & part numbers
- Jack stands
- bushing press or vise
- penetrating oil
- torque wrench
Where to buy the parts
Universal 1969–91 full-vehicle bushing kit with HD front shacklesOffroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
Rear main-eye leaf spring hanger for 1981–91 4WD K5 Blazer/JimmyOffroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1973–1991) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.