
the plastic retaining collar. Carefully insert each of the
tripod rollers into the retaining collar, one at a time
while holding the interconnecting shaft on an angle.
Carefully push down on the shaft until the rollers are
locked into retaining collar in the housing.(4) Position the boot over the boot retaining groove
in the housing and clamp in place. See Boots Install.
S.S.G.
(1) Distribute 1/2 the amount of the grease provided
into the housing and the remaining amount into the
boot. (2) Position the spring in the housing spring pocket
with the spring cup attached to the exposed end of the
spring (Fig. 21). Place a small amount of grease on the
concave surface of the spring cup.
CAUTION: Care must be taken to ensure proper
spring positioning. The spring must remain centered
in the housing spring pocket when the tripod is
installed and seated in the spring cup (Fig. 21).
(3) Slip tripod into housing and install the tripod
wire retaining ring into position. Check for the ability
of the retaining ring to hold the tripod in the housing. (4) Position the boot over the boot retaining groove
in the housing and clamp in place. See Boots Install.
OUTER C/V JOINT
DISASSEMBLE
(1) Remove boot clamps on boot and discard (Fig. 1).
(2) Wipe away grease to expose joint.
(3) G.K.N. Remove outer C/V Joint from shaft by
supporting the interconnecting shaft in a vise. Use
protective caps on the jaws of the vise to prevent
damage to the interconnecting shaft. Give a sharp tap to the top of housing to dislodge joint from
internal circlip installed in a groove at the outer end
of the shaft (Fig. 2).
S.S.G. A single circlip located in a groove on the
cross, is used to retain the cross to the shaft (Fig. 3).
Loosen the damper weight bolts and slide it and the
boot towards the inner joint. Expand the circlip with
snap ring pliers and slide joint from shaft. Install
damper weight, see Damper Weights.WEAR SLEEVE
A wear sleeve installed on the outer C/V joint
housing (Fig. 1) provides a wipe surface for the hub
bearing seal (installed in the steering knuckle). (4) If bent or damaged, carefully pry wear sleeve
from C/V joint machined ledge. (5) Remove circlip from shaft groove and discard
(Fig. 4). A replacement boot package will include this
circlip. (6) Unless the shaft is damaged and needs replac-
Fig. 1 Outer C/V Joint Components
Fig. 2 Remove Joint from Shaft .
Fig. 21 Spring and Cup Installation
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 37

(8) Insert balls into raceway by tilting cage and in-
ner race assembly (Fig. 7). (9) Fasten boot to shaft. See Boots Install.
(10) On G.K.N. units insert the new circlip, pro-
vided with kit in shaft groove. Do not over expand
or twist circlip during assembly (Fig. 8). The S.S.G.
unit has a reusable circlip retainer that is an inte-
gral part of driver assembly.
(11) Position outer joint on splined end with hub
nut on stub shaft. Engage splines, and tap sharply
with mallet (Fig. 9). (12) Check that circlip is properly seated by at-
tempting to pull joint from the shaft. (13) Locate large end of boot over joint housing
checking that boot is not twisted. (14) Fasten boot to housing. See Boots Install.
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY RECONDITION
Reconditioning of intermediate shaft assembly (Fig.
1), for Equal Length Drive Shaft System vehicles is
the same for manual and automatic transaxles.
INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY
REMOVE
(1) Remove right driveshaft. See Driveshaft As-
semblies Remove. (2) Remove speedometer pinion from the extension
housing (Fig. 2). (3) Remove the two bolts which mount the bearing
assembly bracket to the engine block (Fig. 1). (4) Remove assembly from transaxle extension by
pulling outward on the yoke (Fig. 3).
UNIVERSAL JOINT AND ROLLER
Disassemble
(1) Mark relationship of shaft to shaft to ensure
proper alignment at assembly. Apply penetrating oil
to bushings and remove snap rings. (2) Support yoke in vise and place a socket large
enough to receive bushing on top of yoke. A 1-1/8
inch socket is suitable (Fig. 4). (3) Striking socket with hammer will cause yoke to
move down and bushing to move up out of yoke into
socket. (4) After removing one bushing, turn parts in a
vise and remove other bushing in same manner.
Assemble (1) Hold cross in position between yoke ears with
one hand and start one bushing assembly into yoke
with other hand (Fig. 5). (2) Continue to hold cross in position, then ham-
mer bushing assembly into yoke and install snap
ring. (3) Install opposite bushing and snap ring in the
same manner.
Fig. 7 Inserting Balls into Raceway
Fig. 8 Installing New Circlip
Fig. 9 Position Joint onto Shaft Splines
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 41

(3) Swing the bracket into position on the engine and
loosely install the screws through the slotted holes. (4) Push the intermediate shaft assembly into the
transaxle as far as it can travel. Hold the assembly in
this position and tighten the screws (bracket to engine
block) to 54 N Im (40 ft. lbs.) torque. This will ensure
full seal engagement between the journal on the
intermediate shaft and the seal in the transaxle
extension. (5) Distribute a liberal amount of grease in side
spline and pilot bore on bearing end of intermediate
shaft. Use MOPAR Multi-Purpose Lubricant, or
equivalent. (6) Install speedometer pinion (Fig. 9).
(7) Install right driveshaft. See Driveshaft Assem-
blies Install.
C/V JOINT BOOTS Handling and Cleaning
It is vitally important during anyservice procedures
requiring boot handling. That care be taken not to
puncture or tear the boot by over tightening clamps,
misuse of tool(s) or pinching the boot. Pinching can
occur by rotating the C/V joints (especially the tripod)
beyond normal working angles.
The driveshaft boots are not compatible with oil, gaso-
line, or cleaning solvents. Care must be taken that boots
never come in contact with any of these liquids. The only
acceptable cleaning agent for driveshaft boots is
soap and water. After washing, boot must be thor-
oughly rinsed and dried before reusing.
BOOTS INSPECT
Noticeable amounts of grease on areas adjacent to or
on the exterior of the C/V joint boot. Is the first
indication that a boot is punctured, torn or that a
clamp has loosened. When a C/V joint is removed for
servicing of the joint. The boot should be properly
cleaned and inspected for cracks, tears and scuffed
areas on interior surfaces. If any of these conditions
exist, boot replacement is recommended.
BOOTS INSTALL
THE HARD PLASTIC BOOTS REQUIRE APPROXI-
MATELY 100TIMES THE CLAMPING FORCE OF THE
RUBBER BOOT. THE CLAMPS USED ON THE RUB-
BER BOOTS DO NOT HAVE THE TYPE OF LOAD
CAPACITY REQUIRED. TO SEAL THE HARD PLASTIC
BOOTS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR THIS PUR-
POSE.
Rubber boots appear only on the inner joints of
certain driveshafts.
Fig. 9 Install Speedometer PinionFig. 1 C/V Joint Boot Positioning G.K.N.
Fig. 8 Installing Intermediate Shaft Assembly
2 - 44 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

(2) Install boot onto interconnecting shaft, position
boot on the flat between the locating shoulders (Fig. 16).
(3) Position clamp on boot and crimp bridge of
clamp with Crimper Special Tool C-4124.
(4) Install the C/V Joint following the procedure
outlined under Inner C/V Joint Assemble .
(5) Position the large end of boot on housing and
install clamp, crimp bridge of clamp with Crimper,
Special Tool C-4124.
CAUTION: During any service procedures where
knuckle and driveshaft are separated, thoroughly
clean seal and wear sleeve with suitable solvent
and lubricate BOTH components at assembly. Do
not allow solvent to contact boot.
Lubricate wear sleeve (and seal) with Mopar Multi-
Purpose Lubricant, or equivalent, as follows: Wear Sleeve: Apply a full circumference 6 mm
(1/4 inch) bead of lubricant to seal contact area. See
(Fig. 11), Driveshaft Assemblies Install. Seal: Fill lip to housing cavity (full circumference)
and wet seal lip with lubricant.
S.S.G INNER C/V JOINT LARGE CLAMP (MANUAL TRANS ONLY)
(1) Install small clamp and inner C/V joint housing
according to the procedures outlined in this manual. (2) Position the boot over the outer C/V joint.
(3) Slide the large band clamp over the boot and
position it evenly in the groove on the inner C/V
joint boot. (Fig. 17). (4) Use Clamp Locking Tool Snap-On YA3050 or
equivalent shown in (Fig. 18) to install the clamp on
the boot. (5) Place the prongs of the clamp locking tool in
the holes on the clamp and squeeze together until
the two ends meet (Fig. 18).
DAMPER WEIGHTS
Damper weights are used on the left driveshaft as-
semblies of all front wheel drive vehicles (Fig. 19).
These weights are attached to the interconnecting
shaft and are available as a separate service part. They should be removed from the driveshaft assem-
bly during driveshaft positioning specification proce-
dures. When the weights are attached between the
locating shoulders, tighten the fasteners to the fol-
lowing specifications:
² S.S.G. Ð 28 N Im (21 ft. lbs.)
² G.K.N. Ð 30 N Im (23 ft. lbs.)DRIVESHAFT POSITIONING SPECIFICATIONS
Front wheel drive vehicles have engine mounts with
slotted holes allowing for side to side positioning of the
engine. If the vertical bolts on right or left upper engine
Fig. 16 Right Inner C/V Joint S.S.G.
Fig. 17 Boot Clamp Installed
Fig. 18 Locking Boot Clamp
2 - 48 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

mount have been loosened for any reason, or if vehicle
has experienced front structural damage, driveshaft
lengths must be checked and corrected, if required. A
shorter than required driveshaft length can result in ob-
jectionable noise. A longer than required driveshaft
length may result in potential damage.
Use of the following procedure will ensure satisfac-
tory driveshaft engagement under all normal vehicle
operating conditions. (1) The vehicle must be completely assembled.
Front wheels must be properly aligned and in the
straight ahead position. The vehicle must be in a po-
sition so that the full weight of the body is distrib-
uted to all four tires. A platform hoist, or front end
alignment rack, is recommended.
(2) Using a tape measure or other suitable measuring
device. Measure the direct distance from the inner edge of the outboard boot to the inner edge of the inboard
boot on both driveshafts. This measurement must be
taken at the bottom (six o'clock position) of the drive-
shafts (Fig. 1).
Note that the required dimension varies with car-line,
engine, transaxle, and driveshaft manufacturer (Fig. 2).
(3) If the lengths of both shafts are within the
range specified, no further action is required. If either left or right driveshaft length is not
within the specified range. Refer to Group 09, Engine
Removal and Installation to properly position engine
according to specified driveshaft lengths.
(4) If proper driveshaft lengths cannot be achieved
within the travel limits available in the slotted engine
mounts. Check for any condition that could effect the
side to side position of the measurement locations (e.g.,
engine support brackets, siderail alignment, etc.).
(5) After ensuring proper driveshaft lengths the
transmission shift linkage must be adjusted to en-
sure proper operation. Refer to Transaxle, Group 21.
Fig. 2 Driveshaft Identification and Dimensions
Fig. 19 Left Driveshaft with Damper Weight
Fig. 1 Driveshaft Positioning
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 49

REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle (see Hoisting, Group 0). Support
axle with jack stands and remove wheel and tire as-
sembly. (2) Separate park brake cable at connector. Detach
cable housing from hanger bracket (Fig. 1).
(3) Remove lock and separate brake tube assembly
from brake hose mounting bracket (Fig. 1). (4) Remove lower shock absorber through bolts and
track bar to axle pivot bolt. Support track bar end
with wire (Fig. 2).
(5) Lower axle until spring and isolator assemblies
can be removed. Remove spring and isolator assem-
blies (Fig. 3). (6) Support pivot bushing end of the trailing arms.
(as well as axle beam with jack stands) Remove pivot
bushing hanger bracket to frame screws. Lower and
remove axle assembly from vehicle. (7) Remove rear brake assemblies, see Group 5 for
proper procedure. (8) For pivot bushing removal and installation see
PIVOT BUSHING this group.
INSTALLATION
(1) Raise and support axle on jack stands.
(2) Attach pivot bushing hanger brackets to frame
rail (Fig. 4). Tighten screws to 61 N Im (45 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install springs and isolators (Fig. 5).
(4) Raise axle and install shock absorber and track
bar through bolts loose assemble only (Fig. 6).
(5) Install brake assembly as follows:
DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLY
(1) Position spindle, seal, and brake support to
axle after routing park brake cable through trailing
arm opening and brake tube over arm (Figs. 1). In-
stall the 4 spindle mounting bolts finger tight. Then
torque the 4 spindle mounting bolts to 75 N Im (55 ft.
lbs.) torque. (2) Install brake drum and bearings.Fig. 1 Remove Brake Hose Mounting Bracket Screw and Park Brake Cable
Fig. 2 Remove Shock Absorber and Track Bar Bolts
Fig. 3 Remove/Install Coil Spring and Isolator Assembly
Fig. 4 Attach Hanger Brackets to Frame
Ä SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS 2 - 57

(3) Install washer and nut. Tighten nut to 27-34
N Im (240-300 in. lbs.) torque while rotating brake
drum. Then back off nut to completely release pre-
load. Finger tighten nut. (4) Position nut lock with one pair of slots in-line
with cotter pin hole. Install cotter pin. Clean and in-
stall grease cap. DISC BRAKE ASSEMBLY
(1) Position caliper support and spindle to axle. In-
stall the 4 spindle mounting bolts finger tight. Then
torque the 4 spindle mounting bolts to 75 N Im (55 ft.
lbs.) torque. (2) Install hub and bearings. (3) Install washer and nut. Tighten to 27-34 N
Im
(240-300 in. lbs.) torque while rotating hub. Then
back off nut to completely release preload. Finger
tighten nut. (4) Position nut lock with one pair of slots in-line
with cotter pin hole. Install cotter pin. Clean and in-
stall grease cap. (5) Install braking disc and adapter. Install caliper
assembly (see Rear Disc Brake) in Brakes Section,
Group 5. (6) Attach brake hose and parking brake cable to
caliper and suspension arm (Fig. 7). Install brake
hose mounting bracket to caliper support. (7) Route park brake cable through hanger bracket
and lock housing end into bracket. Install cable end
into (intermediate) connector (Fig. 7). (8) Install brake hose and fitting into bracket and
install lock. Attach brake tube assembly to hose fit-
ting and tighten to 16 N Im (140 in. lbs.) torque (Fig.
7). (9) Install wheel and tire assemblies and tighten
wheel stud nuts to 129 N Im (95 ft. lbs.) torque. Re-
move jacks and lower vehicle. (10) With suspension supporting vehicle, torque
lower shock absorber bolts to 61 N Im (45 ft. lbs.).
Then torque track bar bolt to 95 N Im (70 ft. lbs.).
(11) Bleed brake system. See BRAKES, Group 5.
Fig. 5 Install Springs and Isolators
Fig. 6 Install Shock Absorber and Track Bar Fasteners (Bolts)
Fig. 7 Reconnect Brake Tube and Park Brake Cable
2 - 58 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä

In addition, there is an air regeneration cycle that
is controlled by the Control Module (CM). If the
height sensor signal is in the neutral or high posi-
tion. When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, after a 22 to 28 second delay, the compres-
sor will run from 2 to 6 seconds. To prevent excessive cycling between the compres-
sor and the exhaust solenoid circuits during normal
ride conditions. A 12 to 18 second delay is incorpo-
rated in the microprocessor.
HEIGHT SENSOR
A magnetic switch type sensor, located in the right
air shock absorber, monitors rear vehicle height. The
sensor sends signals to the (CM) relating to vehicle
rear suspension status (low, trim, high).
AIR LINES AND FITTINGS
To release an air supply line from a rear shock ab-
sorber assembly. Push in (toward shock absorber) on
the plastic ring of the shock absorber air line fitting.
Then while holding in the plastic ring on shock ab-
sorber fitting pull the air supply line strait out of fit-
ting (Fig. 3). The fitting has a unique push-in feature. A brass
type collet locks the air line in place. One rubber
O-ring seals the air line to prevent air leakage. To
attach air line, push into fitting (Fig. 4).
COMPRESSOR RELAY
The relay is mounted to a bracket on the Control
Module (CM). When the relay is energized, it allows
the compressor to operate. This unit is controlled by
the CM.
AIR ADJUSTABLE SHOCK ABSORBERS
Air shock absorbers are essentially hydraulic shock
absorbers with a neoprene bladder sealing upper and
lower sections together. This creates an air cylinder
inside of the shock absorber.
AIR DRYER
The air dryer is attached to the compressor. This
component serves two purposes; it absorbs moisture
from the atmosphere before it enters the system. And
with the internal valves maintains a residual system
pressure of 69 to 152 kPa (10 to 22 psi).
AIR CHECK, RESIDUAL (FIG. 5).
The air dryer has a valves arrangement that main-
tains 69 to 152 kPa (10 to 22 psi) in the air shocks.
This is to improve the ride characteristics of the ve-
hicle under light load conditions. To test this func-
tion, perform the following procedure: (1) Remove the air line from the dryer and right
shock absorber. Attach a piece of bulk nylon tubing
to one side of a Pressure Gauge (0-300 psi), and to
the right shock absorber (Fig. 5). (2) Attach another piece of nylon tubing from the
dryer (compressor) to other side of the pressure
gauge.
Fig. 2 Compressor AssemblyFig. 3 Release Air Line from Fitting
Fig. 4 Push Air Line into Fitting
2 - 60 SUSPENSION AND DRIVESHAFTS Ä