Page M-1
Repair and Service Manual
REAR SUSPENSION
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
REAR SUSPENSION
In the following text, there are references to removing/installing
bolts etc. Additional hardware (nuts, washers etc.) that are
removed must always be installed in their original positions
unless otherwise specified. Non specified torque specifications
are as shown in the table contained in Section “A”.
GENERAL
Tool List
Qty.
Wheel chocks .............................................................. 4
Jack stands ................................................................. 4
Floor jack..................................................................... 1
Wrench, 1/2"................................................................ 1
Insulated wrench, 9/16"............................................... 1
Wrench, 3/4"................................................................ 1
Socket, 1/2" ................................................................. 1
Socket, 9/16" ............................................................... 1
Socket, 9/16", deepwell............................................... 1
Extension, 3" ............................................................... 1
Ratchet ........................................................................ 1
Torque wrench, in. lbs. ................................................ 1
Torque wrench, ft. lbs. ................................................. 1
The rear suspension consists of the rear axle and
attachments that secure it to the springs and shock
absorbers (Ref. Fig. 1 on Page M-2). Rear axle removal
is covered in REAR AXLE section.
Shock Absorber Removal
To reduce the possibility of personal injury, fol-
low the lifting procedure in Section “B” of this
manual. Place wheel chocks in front and
behind the front wheels and check the stability
of the vehicle on the jack stands before start-
ing any repair procedure. Never work on a
vehicle that is supported by a jack alone.
Raise the rear of the vehicle in accordance with the
instructions provided in Section ‘B’ (SAFETY) of this
manual and support the rear of the vehicle on the outer
ends of the rear bumper.
Remove the bottom shock absorber vinyl cap (1), nut (2)
(Ref. Fig. 1 on Page M-2).
Compress the shock absorber (3) and remove the top
shock absorber vinyl cap (4) and nut (5).
Remove the shock absorber.
Shock Absorber Installation
Shock absorber installation is in the reverse order of
removal except that the shock absorber nuts (2,5) must
be tightened until the shock absorber bushings (6)
expand to the diameter of the shock absorber washer
(7).
Rear Spring Removal
If both springs are to be replaced and the rear axle is not to be
removed, it is important to remove and replace one spring at a
time. Springs must be replaced in sets. Never replace just one.
Remove the bottom shock absorber nut (2) (Ref. Fig. 1
on Page M-2).
Place a floor jack under the center section of the rear
axle (13) and raise just enough to place a second set of
jack stands under the axle tubes. With both the rear axle
and the frame supported, the ‘U’ bolt (8) and the hard-
ware (9) can be removed.
Remove the rear spring shackle assembly (10) and the
front spring mounting hardware (11).
Remove the spring (12).
Rear Spring Installation
Spring installation is in the reverse order of removal.
The shock absorber nuts (2,5) must be tightened until
the shock absorber bushings (6) expand to the diameter
of the shock absorber washer (7) (Ref. Fig. 1 on Page
M-2).
Tighten front (11) and rear (10) spring mounting hard-
ware to 18 - 23 ft. lbs. (24 - 31 Nm) torque.
Tighten axle mounting hardware (9) to 16 - 20 ft. lbs.(22
- 27 Nm) torque.
NOTICE
NOTICE
