B
REAR SUSPENSION
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
65
Repair and Service Manual
699322
REAR SUSPENSION
NOTICE: In the following text, there are references
to removing/installing bolts etc. Additional hard-
ware (nuts, washers etc.) that are removed must
always be installed in their original positions unless
otherwise specified. Non specified torque specifica-
tions are as shown in the table contained in the
General Information and Routine Maintenance Sec-
tion.
General
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 in accordance with the
instructions provided in SAFETY section of this man-
ual and support the rear of the vehicle on the outer
ends of the rear bumper.
2.
Remove the bottom shock absorber nut (1) (Ref. Fig.
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
disassembly except that the shock absorber nuts
(1,3) must be tightened until the shock absorber
bushings (4) expand to the diameter of the shock
absorber washer (5).
Rear Spring Removal
To reduce the possibility of per-
sonal injury, follow the lifting proce-
dure in the SAFETY section 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 starting any repair proce-
dure. Never work on a vehicle that is supported by a
jack alone.
NOTICE: 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.
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 enough to place a second set of
jack stands under the axle tubes.
3.
With both the rear axle and the frame supported, the
‘U’ bolt (7) and the hardware (8) can be removed.
4.
Remove the rear spring shackle assembly (9) and
the front spring mounting hardware (10).
5.
Remove the spring (11).
6.
Spring installation is in the reverse order of disas-
sembly.
NOTICE: When installing the rear spring shackles,
be sure that the cupped side of the shackle plate
faces the spring.
7.
The shock absorber nuts (1,3) must be tightened
until the shock absorber bushings (4) expand to the
diameter of the shock absorber washer (5) (Ref. Fig.
8.
Tighten the front spring hardware (10) to 21 - 25 ft.
lbs. (28 - 34 Nm) torque.
9.
Tighten all other hardware to 18 - 20 ft. lbs. (24 - 30
Nm) torque.
