REAR SUSPENSION
Read all of SAFETY and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to Notices, Cautions, Warnings and Dangers.
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Repair and Service Manual
634756
REAR SUSPENSION
REAR SUSPENSION
In the following text, there are references to removing/
installing bolts, etc. Additional hardware (nuts, washers,
etc.) that is removed must always be installed in origi-
nal positions unless otherwise specified. Non-specified
torques are as shown in Fig. 2 on page 4.
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 the
attachments that secure it to springs and shock absorb-
ers (Ref. Fig. 3). This section includes removal and
replacement of the springs, shock absorbers and the rear
axle assembly.
Disassembly and maintenance of the rear axle assembly
is covered in the REAR AXLE section.
Shock Absorber Removal
To reduce the possibility of personal injury, fol-
low the lifting procedure in the SAFETY sec-
tion of this manual. Place wheel chocks in
front and behind front wheels and check sta-
bility of vehicle on jack stands before starting
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 the SAFETY section of this man-
ual and support the rear of the vehicle on the outer ends
of the rear bumper.
Remove the bottom shock absorber nut (1) (Ref. Fig. 3).
Compress the shock absorber (2) and remove the top
shock absorber nut (3).
Remove shock absorber.
Shock Absorber Installation
Reverse removal process to install new shock absorber.
Tighten shock absorber nuts (1, 3) until the shock
absorber bushings (4) expand to the diameter of the
shock absorber washer (5).
Rear Spring Removal
To reduce the possibility of personal injury, fol-
low the lifting procedure in the SAFETY sec-
tion of this manual. Place wheel chocks in
front and behind front wheels and check sta-
bility of vehicle on jack stands before starting
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 the SAFETY section of this man-
ual and support the rear of the vehicle on the outer ends
of the rear bumper.
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.
Remove the bottom shock absorber nut (1) (Ref. Fig. 3).
Place a floor jack under the center section of rear axle (6)
and raise just enough to place a set of jack stands under
the axle tubes. This will ensure that both the rear axle
assembly and the vehicle frame are supported.
Remove lock nut, lock washer and ‘U’ bolt (7) securing
the leaf spring (11) and axle bumper bracket (8) to axle.
Remove the rear shackle assembly (9) and the front
mounting hardware (10).
Remove spring.