M
REAR SUSPENSION
Page M-1
Repair and Service Manual
Read all of Section B and this section before attempting any procedure. Pay particular attention to all Notes, Cautions and Warnings
REAR SUSPENSION
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 specifications are as shown in the table
contained in Section “A”.
GENERAL
Tool List Qty. Required
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", 3/8" drive................................................ 1
Socket, 9/16", 3/8" drive.............................................. 1
Socket, 9/16", deepwell, 3/8" drive.............................. 1
Extension, 3", 3/8" drive.............................................. 1
Ratchet, 3/8" drive....................................................... 1
Torque wrench, in. lbs., 3/8" drive............................... 1
Torque wrench, ft. lbs., 3/8" drive................................ 1
The rear suspension consists of the rear axle and attach-
ments 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, follow
the lifting procedure in
Section “B” of this manual. Place wheel chocks in
front and behind the front wheels and check the sta-
bility of the vehicle on the 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 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.
! !
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