B
REAR SUSPENSION
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
103
Repair and Service Manual
653045
REAR SUSPENSION
General
NOTICE: Hardware that is removed must be
installed in its original position unless otherwise
specified. If the torque values are not specified,
refer to the Torque Specifications table in the GEN-
ERAL INFORMATION AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
section.
Tool List
Qty.
Wheel Chocks ............................................................. 4
Jack Stands................................................................. 4
Floor Jack.................................................................... 1
Wrench, 1/2”................................................................ 1
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, ft. lbs. ................................................ 1
The rear suspension consists of the rear axle and attach-
ments that secure it to the springs and shock absorbers
(Ref. Fig. 1). In addition the rear axle is secured to the
rear of the engine by means of a casting that is bolted to
the engine and mounted to the rear axle with ‘U’ bolts.
This section is confined to the removal and replacement
of the springs and shock absorbers. Rear axle shaft
removal is covered in REAR AXLE section.
Shock Absorber Removal
1.
Raise the rear of the vehicle per the SAFETY SEC-
TION.
2.
Remove the vinyl cap and bottom shock absorber
3.
Compress the shock absorber (2) and remove the
top shock absorber nut (3).
4.
Remove the shock absorber.
5.
Shock absorber installation is in the reverse order of
removal. Tighten the shock absorber nuts (1,3) until
the shock absorber bushings (4) expand to the diam-
eter of the shock absorber washer (5).
Rear Leaf Spring Removal
To decrease the possibility of per-
sonal injury, follow the lifting proce-
dure in SAFETY section of this
manual. Place wheel chocks in front and behind
wheel not being raised and check stability of vehicle
on jack stands before starting any repair procedure.
Never work on a vehicle that is supported by a jack
alone.
NOTICE: If both springs are to be replaced, but the
rear axle is not being removed from the vehicle, it is
important to replace one spring at a time so that the
rear axle is supported at all times.
Springs must be replaced in sets; never replace
only one spring.
1.
Remove the bottom shock absorber nut (1) (Ref. Fig.
2.
Place a floor jack under the center section of the rear
axle (6) and raise just enough to place a second set
of jack stands under the axle tubes. This will ensure
that both the rear axle and the frame are supported.
3.
Remove the lock nut (8), lock washer (14), and ‘U’
bolt (7) securing the leaf spring (11), axle bracket
(13) and mounting plate (12) to the axle.
4.
Remove the rear spring shackle assembly (9, 15, 16,
17, 18) and the front spring mounting hardware (10,
19, 20).
5.
Remove the spring (11).
6.
Install the new spring in the reverse order of
removal.
NOTICE: When installing the rear spring shackles,
be sure that the cupped side of the shackle plate
faces the spring.
7.
Tighten the shock absorber nuts (1,3) until the rub-
ber bushings (4) expand to the diameter of the shock
absorber washer (5) (Ref. Fig. 1).
8.
Tighten all other hardware to the torque value speci-
fied below.
Item
Torque Specification
10
21 - 25 ft. lbs. (28 - 34 Nm)
Item
Torque Specification
Hardware
18 - 22 ft. lbs. (24 - 30 Nm)
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