P. Coil Spring Preload Adjustment

NOTE:
The following procedure is only required on vehicles that have incorrect design height as determined by Section "0 - Setting the Vehicle Design Height."

CAUTION:
If the shock absorber/coil spring assembly on the front or rear of the vehicle requires shimming or reduced height upper spring seats, both sides (front or rear) must have the same shims or reduced height spring seat installed.

1. Remove both front and/or rear shock absorber/coil spring assemblies from the vehicle.

2. Securely hold the shock absorber in a vise by clamping the lower bushing.

CAUTION:
Do not clamp the shock absorber in a vise that is not equipped with protective caps on the vise jaws. Failure to use protective caps will result in damage to the bushing and clevis of the shock absorber.





3. Compress the shock absorber coil spring using Professional Service Equipment Spring Compressor GP-2020-C3.5 or equivalent (Figure 66). The spring compressor must be equipped with an A-20 spring shoe on the top and bottom.





4. Compress the coil spring enough to allow the coil spring upper seat to be removed (Figure 66).

^ If the vehicle was lower than curb height specification, add one spring shim under the upper spring seat (P/N 04709321).

^ If the vehicle was higher than curb height specification, remove the original upper spring seat and replace it with a reduced height spring seat (P/N 04763943).

CAUTION:
When installing the upper spring seat, be sure the end of the last coil of the coil spring is not positioned at the cut-out notch in the spring shim or upper spring seat (Figure 67).

5. Release the spring compressor tension on the coil spring and remove the spring compressor from the coil spring.

6. Remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly from the vise.

7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 for the other shock absorber/coil spring as necessary.

8. Install both front and/or rear shock absorber/coil spring assemblies onto the vehicle.

CAUTION:
When installing shock absorber/coil spring assemblies, the vehicle must be at design height before tightening the upper and lower mounting bolts to specifications.

9. Continue with Section "0 - Setting the Vehicle Design Height."