CAUTION: A vehicle should always be loaded so the vehicle weight center-line is located immediately for-
ward of the rear axle. Correct vehicle loading provides proper front tire-to-road contact. This results in max-
imum vehicle handling stability and safety. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can cause excessive tire
tread wear, spring fatigue or failure, and erratic steering.

DR/DH

REAR

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CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/urethane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be tight-
ened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the
vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

SPRING AND SHOCK

A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber may be caused by movement between mounting bushings and
metal brackets or attaching components. These noises can usually be stopped by tightening the attaching nuts. If
the noise persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attaching components. Repair as necessary if any
of these conditions exist.

A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermittent. This
condition is not repairable and the shock absorber must be replaced.

The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjustable. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber must be replaced.
To test a shock absorber, hold it in an upright position and force the piston in and out of the cylinder four or five
times. The action throughout each stroke should be smooth and even.

The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop spring
bushing noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing rubber.

If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation, the springs should be examined periodically. Check for broken
and shifted leafs, loose and missing clips, and broken center bolts. Refer to Spring and Shock Absorber Diagnosis
chart for additional information.

SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

SPRING SAGS

1. Broken leaf.

1. Replace spring.

2. Spring fatigue.

2. Replace spring.

SPRING NOISE

1. Loose spring clamp bolts.

1. Tighten to specification.

2. Worn bushings.

2. Replace bushings.

3. Worn or missing spring tip inserts.

3. Replace spring tip inserts.

SHOCK NOISE

1. Loose mounting fastener.

1. Tighten to specification.

2. Worn bushings.

2. Replace shock.

3. Leaking shock.

3. Replace shock.

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE CHART

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

N·m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Shock Absorber

Lower Nut

135

100

—

Shock Absorber

Upper Nut

135

100

—

Power Hop Damper

102

—

Spring Clamp U-Bolts

Nuts

149

110

—

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REAR

DR/DH

DESCRIPTION

N·m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Spring

Front & Rear Bolt & Nut

LD & SRT-10

163

120

—

Spring

Front & Rear Bolt & Nut

230

170

—

Spring

Spring Rear Shackle Nuts

LD & SRT-10

163

120

—

Spring

Spring Rear Shackle Nuts

230

170

—

Stabilizer Bar Retainer to

Axle

SRT-10

—

Stabilizer Link to Frame

SRT-10

102

—

Stabilizer Link to Stabilizer

Bar

SRT-10

111

—

Jounce Bumper

Bolts

LD & SRT-10

—

Jounce Bumper

Bolts

—

Auxialiary Spring Bumpers

—

BUSHINGS

REMOVAL

NOTE: When removing the LD front eye bushing be sure to note the orientation of the

(

voids

(

or holes. The

voids need to be in line with the main leaf when installing the new bushing or vehicle ride will degrade.

1. Remove the spring from the vehicle.

2. Make small relief cuts in the flared up end of the bushing metal being careful not to cut the spring. Use a punch

to bend the flared bushing metal down for push out.

3. Position the spring eye in a press.

4. Press the bushing out with an appropriate size driver.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: When installing the LD front eye bushing be sure to note the orientation of the

(

voids

(

or holes. The

voids need to be in line with the main leaf when installing the new bushing or vehicle ride will degrade.

1. Press new bushing into the spring eye with an appropriate size driver. The bushing should be centered in the

spring eye.

2. Stake the outermetal of the bushing in a minimum of six points to retain the bushing.

3. Install the spring on the vehicle.

DR/DH

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