Symptoms
Clunks, wandering, and a 'Burb that sits low at the rear or leans to one side.
The fix, step by step
- Replace the spring-eye and shackle bushings with the truck supported on the frame, one corner at a time.
- Offroad Design's leaf-spring bushing chart lists the right bushing for each position.
- If the springs have lost their arch, replace them.
- ORD describes the Suburban as 'typically saggy' and built its own '88 with 3 inches at the front and 4 at the rear so it would sit level.
- On a lean, ORD suggests swapping the springs side to side before assuming one is bad.
Tools & part numbers
- Floor jack and stands
- press or bushing tool
- penetrating oil
- torque wrench
Where to buy the parts
Universal 1969–1991 full vehicle bushing kit with HD front shacklesOffroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
Offroad Design standard spring lift kit, 1973–1991Offroad Design ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Chevrolet/GMC Suburban (1973–1991 square body) 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.