REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR
DESCRIPTION ........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK .............................11
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE CHART . . . . . . 12
SHOCK
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SHOCK . . . . . . 13
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SPRING
DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - (SRW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
REMOVAL - (DRW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - (SRW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
INSTALLATION - (DRW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SPRING SHACKLE
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
STABILIZER LINK
REMOVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The r ear suspension is comprised of:
• Shock Absorbers
• J ounce Bumper s
• Stabilizer Bar
• Lea f Spr in gs
• Dr ive Axle
CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so
the vehicle weight center-line is located immedi-
ately forward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle load-
ing provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This
results in maximum vehicle handling stability and
safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can
cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or
failure, and erratic steering.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be
tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is
important to have the springs supporting the weight
of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If
springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle
ride comfort could be affected and premature bush-
ing wear may occur.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SPRING AND
SHOCK
A kn ockin g or rattling noise from a shock absor ber
may be ca used by m ovemen t bet ween m ounting
bushings and m etal brackets or atta chin g compo-
nent s. These noises ca n usually be st opped by tight-
enin g the at taching n uts. If the noise per sists,
inspect for damaged and worn bush ings, and a ttach -
ing components. Repair as necessar y if an y of these
conditions exist.
A squeakin g noise fr om the shock absorber may be
caused by the h ydrau lic valving an d may be inter mit -
tent . This condition is not repa ira ble and the shock
absorber must be r eplaced.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or a djust -
able. If a m alfunction occurs, t he sh ock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock a bsorber, hold it in
an upright position and force t he piston in an d ou t of
the cylin der fou r or five times. The a ction throughout
each stroke shou ld be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock a bsorber bu sh ings do not
require any type of lu brica tion . Do not attempt t o
st op spr ing bushing noise by lubricating them .
Grease and minera l oil-ba se lubr ican ts will det erio-
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-r oad operat ion,
the springs sh ould be exa mined per iodica lly. Ch eck
for broken an d sh ifted leafs, loose and missing clips,
and broken cen ter bolts. Refer to Sprin g an d Shock
Absorber Diagnosis cha rt for addit ional informat ion.
VA REAR 2 - 11
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