Shock Absorber Replacement

Fig. 2 Rear axle & suspension assembly. 1982---83 Aries & Reliant; 1982---83 LeBaron & 400; 1983 New Yorker, E Class, Executive & 600:

EXC. HORIZON, OMNI, CHARGER, TURISMO

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Support axle assembly and remove both upper and lower shock absorber attaching bolts and the shock absorbers.
3. Lower axle assembly until spring and spring upper isolater can be removed.



INSTALLATION
1. Position jounce bumper to rail, install and torque attaching screws to 70 in. lbs. (7 Nm).
2. Install isolator over jounce bumper and install spring.
3. Raise axle and install shock absorber. Loosely assemble lower shock absorber attaching bolts and torque upper attaching bolts to 40 ft. lbs. On 1986 - 88 models with load leveling, attach link to track bar.
4. With suspension supporting vehicle, torque shock absorber attaching screws to 40 ft. lbs. (54 Nm).

Fig. 5 Rear axle & suspension assembly. Horizon, Omni, Charger & Turismo:

HORIZON, OMNI, CHARGER & TURISMO

REPLACEMENT
1. Remove upper shock absorber mounting protective cap, located inside vehicle at upper rear wheelwell area. On two door models, it is necessary to remove the lower rear quarter trim panel for access.
2. Remove upper shock absorber mounting nut, isolator retainer and upper isolator.
3. Raise and support vehicle.
4. Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt.
5. Remove shock absorber and coil spring assembly from vehicle.
6. Reverse procedure to install.

Fig. 6 Retracting coil spring:

Fig. 7 Jounce bumper, dust shield & lower spring seat replacement:

SERVICE
1. Install coil spring retractors, tool L-4514, or equivalent, on coil spring and support in a vise. Grip 4 or 5 coils of the spring in the retractors. Also, do not extend retractors more than 91-4 inches.
2. Tighten retractors evenly until spring pressure is released from upper spring seat.
3. Hold flat end of pushrod and loosen retaining nut. Ensure that spring is properly compressed before loosening retaining nut since personal injury may result.
4. Remove lower isolator, pushrod sleeve and upper spring seat.
5. Remove shock absorber from coil spring.
6. Remove jounce bumper and dust shield from pushrod.
7. Remove lower spring seat.
8. Reverse procedure to assemble.