Rear Suspension

Spring









Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.

2. Using a suitable jack, support the rear axle.

3. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.

4. Remove the 4 U-bolt nuts, the 2 U-bolts and the U-bolt guide plate.
- Discard the U-bolts and nuts.

5. Remove and discard the body bracket-to-spring bolt and nut.

6. Remove and discard the shackle-to-body nut and bolt.

7. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the brake hose, make sure the axle is only lowered enough to allow for removal of the spring.

Lower the jack and remove the spring.

8. Remove the shackle-to-spring nut, bolt and shackle.
- Discard the bolt and nut.

Installation

NOTICE: Do not tighten the suspension fasteners until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies or incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

1. Inspect the inner and outer body bushings and install new bushings as necessary.

2. Position the shackle and install the new shackle-to-spring nut and bolt.
- Tighten the nut until snug.

3. Using a suitable jack, support the rear axle.

4. Position the spring and install the body bracket-to spring bolt and nut.
- Tighten the nut until snug.

5. Install the new shackle-to-body bolt and nut.
- Tighten the nut until snug.

6. Position the U-bolt guide plate and install the 2 new U-bolts and 4 new nuts.
- Tighten until snug.

7. Install the new shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
- Tighten until snug.

8. Lower and remove the jack.

9. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.

10. Lower the vehicle until the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheels and tires (curb height).

11. Tighten the shackle-to-body nut to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

12. Tighten the body bracket-to-spring nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

13. Tighten the shackle-to-spring nut to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

14. NOTE: Tighten the U-bolt nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern.

Tighten the U-bolts nuts to 125 Nm (92 lb-ft).

15. Tighten the shock absorber lower nut to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft).