Suspension: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Lower control arm and coil spring. 1980-87 Vans, Wagons & Front Sections:

Fig. 2 Upper control arm. 1980-87 Vans, Wagons & Front Sections:

Fig. 3 Lower control arm and coil spring. Ramcharger, Trail Duster & Conventional Cab except four wheel drive.:

Fig. 4 Upper control arm. Ramcharger, Trail Duster & Conventional Cab except four wheel drive:

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

These vehicles are equipped with a coil spring front suspension system. The upper control arms are mounted on longitudinal rails and the lower control arms are mounted on a removable crossmember. Both control arms have replaceable bushings on the inner ends and ball joints on the outer ends. The upper control arms also control caster and camber adjustments through eccentric pivot bolts at the inner ends or through slots in the upper control arm mounting bracket.

Fig. 5 Elliot type front axle assembly:

Fig. 6 Reverse Elliot type front axle assembly:

EXC. INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

The front axle assembly may be divided into three assemblies; axle I-beam, steering knuckles and steering linkage assemblies. It is unnecessary to remove the complete front axle assembly unless the I-beam is to be replaced.