using rubber isolation bushings to an aluminum cast-
ing which is attached to the shock tower using 4
mounting bolts. This aluminum casting is also used
as the upper mount for the front shock/coil spring
assembly. The shock absorber is isolated from the
aluminum bracket using a microcellular urethane
isolator. The lower control arm is mounted to the
vehicle’s

front

suspension

crossmember

using

through bolts per control arm. The lower control arm
is also isolated from the vehicle using 2 rubber bush-
ings of unique design for the front and rear mounting
location. The bottom of the shock absorber is
mounted to the lower control arm by a clevis bracket
which is part of the shock absorber assembly. The
clevis bracket is mounted to and isolated from the
lower control arm using a rubber isolation bushing
and a through-bolt. The front steering knuckle is
mounted to the vehicle by a ball joint located in the
upper and lower control arms.

A sealed for life front hub and bearing assembly is

attached to the front steering knuckle. The outer C/V
joint assembly is splined to the front hub and bear-
ing assembly and is retained by a nut, nut retainer
and cotter pin.

OPERATION - FRONT SUSPENSION

The front suspension allows each front wheel on

vehicle to adapt to different road surfaces and condi-
tions without affecting the control of the vehicle.
Each side of the front suspension is allowed to move
independently from the other. Both sides of the front
suspension are allowed to pivot so the vehicle can be
steered in the direction preferred. Steering of the
vehicle is provided by a rack and pinion steering gear
which is connected directly to each steering knuckle
by an outer tie rod.

WARNING

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE A SHOCK ROD NUT
WHILE THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED IN
VEHICLE, OR BEFORE THE SHOCK ASSEMBLY
SPRING IS COMPRESSED.

CAUTION

CAUTION: Only frame contact hoisting equipment
should be used on this vehicle. All vehicles have a
fully independent rear suspension. Vehicles must

not be hoisted using equipment designed to lift a
vehicle by the rear axle. If this type of hoisting
equipment is used, damage to rear suspension
components will occur.

CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle, can
a sheet metal screw, bolt or other metal fastener be
installed in the shock tower to take the place of an
original plastic clip. Also, NO holes can be drilled
into the front shock tower in the area shown in (Fig.
2), for the installation of any metal fasteners into
the shock tower. Because of the minimum clear-
ance in this area installation of metal fasteners
could damage the coil spring coating and lead to a
corrosion failure of the spring.

NOTE: If a suspension component becomes bent,
damaged or fails, no attempt should be made to
straighten or repair it. Always replace it with a new
component.

Fig. 2 Shock Tower To Spring Minimum Clearance

Area

1 - SHOCK TOWER
2 - COIL SPRING
3 - NO SHEET METAL SCREWS, BOLTS, OR ANY OTHER METAL
FASTENERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED IN SHOCK TOWER AREA.
ALSO, NO HOLES ARE TO BE DRILLED INTO SHOCK TOWER IN
THIS SAME AREA.

FRONT SUSPENSION

2 - 3

FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS

FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE

DESCRIPTION

TORQUE

Shock Assembly

Clevis Pinch Bolt

88 N·m (65 ft. lbs.)

Shock Tower Bolts

101 N·m (75 ft. lbs.)

Clevis To Control Arm
Bolt

88 N·m (65 ft. lbs.)

Rod To Upper Mount Nut

54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.)

Steering Knuckle

Disc Brake Caliper
Adapter Bolts

108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.)

Tie Rod Nut

55 N·m (40 ft. lbs.)

Tie Rod Adjustment Jam
Nuts

61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.)

Hub And Bearing

Axle Hub Nut

203 N·m (150 ft. lbs.)

Wheel Stud Lug Nut

135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.)

Upper Control Arm

Ball Joint Stud Nut

27 N·m (20 ft. lbs.)

Shock Bracket Bolt

90 N·m (66 ft. lbs.)

Lower Control Arm

Ball Joint Stud Castle Nut

74 N·m (55 ft. lbs.)

Crossmember Front Pivot
Bolt

142 N·m (104 ft. lbs.)

Crossmember Rear Bolt

75 N·m (55 ft. lbs.)

Ball Joint Heat Shield
Attaching Bolts

10 N·m (89 in. lbs.)

Stabilizer Bar

Bushing Clamp Bolts

61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.)

Link Nuts

105 N·m (77 ft. lbs.)

SPECIAL TOOLS

FRONT SUSPENSION

Puller C-3894-A

Installer, Ball Joint 6758

Press, Ball Joint Remover/Installer C-4212F

Remover, Ball Joint MB-990799

Remover/Installer Control Arm Bushing 6602–5 (In

Tool Kit 6602)

Installer/Receiver, Control Arm Bushing 6876

2 - 4

FRONT SUSPENSION

FRONT SUSPENSION (Continued)

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