Suspension: Service and Repair

1. Remove the two upper shock absorber retaining bolts. Lift vehicle slightly and use an extension to facilitate upper shock absorber bolts removal.
2. Loosen wheel nuts but do not remove wheels.
3. Raise and support vehicle on suitable rigid rack.
4. Remove wheels.

Fig. 9 Driveshaft spring pin removal:

5. Disconnect rear drive system of 4 wheel drive vehicles as follows:
a. Using a suitable drift, drive out driveshaft spring pins, Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 Removing outer double offset joints:

b. Remove outer driveshaft D.O.J. from rear axle spindle by pushing inside of D.O.J. toward rear differential and pushing rear brake drum downward, Fig. 10. D.O.J. designates double offset joint.
c. Remove inner end of driveshaft.
d. Perform same procedure as previously described on opposite driveshaft.
e. Remove the four propeller shaft to rear differential retaining bolts. When propeller shaft is removed from transmission, oil will flow from transmission. Prepare a suitable cap to insert into the transmission opening and a container to catch the escaping oil.
f. Set container at rear end of transmission, and slowly remove propeller shaft.
g. Insert cap into transmission opening.
h. Support rear differential with suitable jack. Remove differential and installation bracket as an assembly from body.
i. Remove the differential bracket to body locking retaining nuts.
j. Position a suitable transmission jack under the differential.
k. Remove the four differential to body retaining bolts and remove differential.
6. On all models less 4 wheel drive, remove the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe retaining bolts, and then the muffler and exhaust pipe.
7. On models with 4 wheel drive, remove the exhaust pipe and muffler assembly separately.
8. On all models, remove the exhaust covers.
9. Disconnect brake hose and pipe at inner arm side bracket by loosening flare nut.
10. Perform the same procedure on the opposite side.

Fig. 12 Rear suspension crossmember mounting bolts. 1985-88:

Conventional Suspension

11. Position suitable jack under center of rear crossmember.
12. Remove retaining bolts, Fig. 12, from both ends of crossmember.
13. Slowly lower jack and withdraw suspension assembly from under vehicle.

Fig. 7 Conventional rear suspension assembly exploded view. 1986-88 exc. Justy:

14. Reverse procedure to install, torquing all fasteners to specifications shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 8 Pneumatic suspension system components:

Pneumatic Suspension

Removal and installation procedures for models with pneumatic suspension are basically similar to those for models with conventional suspension. When removing pneumatic suspension assembly or individual components, refer to Figs. 6, 7 and 8 for component identification, and observe the following precautions:
1. Before disassembling suspension components, ensure ignition switch is off, and disconnect battery ground cable.

Fig. 13 Air line removal & installation. Models w/pneumatic suspension system:

2. Disconnect air lines using suitable tool, Fig. 13, and take care not to damage fittings or O-ring sealing surfaces.
3. Ensure air pressure is discharged before removing air spring mounting fasteners.
4. Always use new O-rings, lightly lubricated with multi-purpose grease, when connecting air lines or fittings.
5. During installation, ensure wiring harnesses and air lines are properly aligned and secured in brackets and retaining straps.




6. When installing components of the pneumatic suspension system, torque fasteners to values shown in Fig. 8.