Page 65 of 1938

(10) Install Socket, Strut Nut, Special Tool 6864 on
the strut shaft retaining nut (Fig. 70). Then install a
10 mm socket on the hex of the strut damper shaft
(Fig. 70). While holding strut shaft from turning,
torque strut shaft retaining nut to 94 N´m (70 ft.
lbs.).
(11) Loosen spring compressor until top coil of
spring is fully seated against upper spring seat. Then
relieve all tension from spring compressor and
remove spring compressor from strut spring.
(12) Install strut back in vehicle. Refer to Mc
Pherson Strut in the Removal And Installation Sec-
tion in this group of the service manual for the
required procedure to install the Mc Pherson Strut.
BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT
REMOVE
(1) Using a screw driver or other suitable tool, pry
the seal boot off of the ball joint assembly (Fig. 79)
INSTALL
CAUTION: When installing the ball joint seal on the
ball joint/lower control arm, the shield (Fig. 80) on
the ball joint seal must be positioned as shown.
(1) Install aNEWseal boot by hand as far as pos-
sible on the ball joint. Installation of the seal boot is
to be with the shield positioned as shown (Fig. 80).
CAUTION: Do not use an arbor press to install the
sealing boot on the ball joint. Damage to the seal-
ing boot will occur if excessive pressure is applied
to the sealing boot when it is being installed.
(2) Place Installer, Special Tool 6758 over seal boot
and squarely align it with bottom edge of seal boot
(Fig. 81). Apply hand pressure to Special Tool 6758
until seal boot is pressed squarely against top surface
of lower control arm.
CAUTION: A replacement ball joint is not prelubri-
cated. Properly lubricate the replacement ball joint
using Mopar Multi±Mile grease or an equivalent.
Lubricate ball joint after seal boot is installed but
prior to top of seal boot being pushed down below
notch in ball joint stud. Air must vent out of the
seal boot at notch when grease is pumped into ball
joint, failure to do so will balloon and damage seal
boot. Do not over grease the ball joint, this will pre-
vent the seal boot from pushing down on the stud
of the ball joint.
CAUTION: After the ball joint is properly greased,
clip the end of the grease fitting off below the hex.
The ball joint seal boot is non-purgeable and further
greasing is not required and can result in damage
to the seal boot.
Fig. 78 Installing Pivot Bearing On Upper Spring
Seat
Fig. 79 Ball Joint Seal Boot Removal
Fig. 80 Ball Joint Seal Boot Installed Position
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 33
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Page 66 of 1938

LOWER CONTROL ARM FRONT BUSHING
REMOVE
(1) Remove the lower control arm from the front
suspension cradle. Refer to Lower Control Arm in the
Removal And Installation Section in this section of
the service manual for the required procedure.
(2) Securely mount the lower control arm in a vise.
(3) Assemble for removal of the front bushing, the
Bushing Receiver, Special Tool 6908±2, Bushing
Remover, Special Tool 6908±1, Nut, Special Tool
6908±3 thrust washer, threaded rod and small nut,
as shown in (Fig. 82) on the lower control arm and
front bushing.
(4) To remove front bushing from lower control
arm, hold the threaded rod stationary and tighten
the Nut, Special Tool 6908±3 (Fig. 82). This will force
the front bushing out of the lower control arm and
into Bushing Receiver, Special Tool 6908±2 (Fig. 82).
INSTALL
(1) Securely mount the lower control arm in a vise.
NOTE: The lower control arm front bushing is a
directional bushing. It must be installed in the lower
control arm positioned as shown in (Fig. 83).
(2) Position the front bushing in the lower control
arm so that the 2 rubber blocks on the bushing are
positioned horizontally as shown in (Fig. 83).
(3) Assemble for installation of the front bushing,
the Bushing Receiver, Special Tool 6908±5, Bushing
Installer, Special Tool 6908±4, Nut, Special Tool
6908±3 thrust washer, threaded rod and small nut,
as shown in (Fig. 84) on the lower control arm and
front bushing.
(4) To install the front bushing in lower control
arm, hold the threaded rod stationary and tighten
Fig. 81 Installing Ball Joint Seal Boot
Fig. 82 Tools Assembled For Removal Of Front
Bushing
Fig. 83 Installation Position Of Lower Control Arm
Front Bushing
Fig. 84 Tools Assembled For Installation Of Front
Bushing
2 - 34 SUSPENSIONNS
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Page 67 of 1938

the Nut, Special Tool 6908±3 (Fig. 84). This will pull
the front bushing into the lower control arm.
(5) Continue pulling the bushing into the lower
control arm until bushing is seated squarely against
the lower control arm and there is no gap between
the bushing and the lower control arm (Fig. 85).
(6) Install the lower control arm on the front sus-
pension cradle. Refer to Lower Control Arm in the
Removal And Installation Section in this group of the
service manual for the required procedure.
LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHING
REMOVE
(1) Remove the lower control arm from the front
suspension cradle. Refer to Lower Control Arm in the
Removal And Installation Section in this group of the
service manual for the required procedure.
(2) Mount the lower control arm in a visewithout
using excessive clamping force.
(3) Using a sharp knife, (such as a razor) slit the
bushing lengthwise (Fig. 86) to allow its removal
from the lower control arm (Fig. 86).
(4) Remove the bushing from the lower control
arm.
INSTALL
CAUTION: Do not apply grease or any other type of
lubricant other than the silicone lubricant specified
below to the control arm bushing.
(1) Apply Mopar Silicone Spray Lube or an equiv-
alent, to the hole in lower control arm rear bushing.
This will aid in the installation of the bushing on the
lower control arm.
(2) With the lower control arm held securely in a
vise, install bushing on lower control arm. Installbushing by pushing and rocking the bushing until it
is fully installed on lower control arm. Be sure when
bushing is installed it is past the upset on the end of
the lower control arm (Fig. 87).
(3) The rear bushing of the lower control arm,
when correctly installed, is to be positioned on the
lower control arm as shown in (Fig. 87).
STABILIZER BAR BUSHING
Disassembly/Assembly
(1) If stabilizer bar to front suspension cradle
bushings require replacement at time of inspection,
install new bushings before installing stabilizer bar.
Stabilizer bar bushings are replaced by opening the
slit on the bushings and peeling them off the stabi-
lizer bar. Install new bushings on stabilizer bar, by
spreading bushing at slit and forcing them on stabi-
lizer bar.
Fig. 85 Correctly Installed Lower Control Arm
Bushing
Fig. 86 Slit Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing
Fig. 87 Correctly Installed Lower Control Arm
Bushing
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 35
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Page 68 of 1938

NOTE: Bushings must be installed on stabilizer bar
so the square corner of the bushing will be down
and slit in bushing will be facing the rear of the
vehicle when the stabilizer is installed (Fig. 88).SPECIFICATIONS
FRONT SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUES
DESCRIPTION TORQUE
McPHERSON STRUT:
To Strut Tower
Attaching Nuts............28N´m(250 in. lbs.)
Clevis Bracket To Steering
Knuckle..................88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
Plus 1/4 Additional Turn
Strut Shaft Nut.............100 N´m (75 ft. lbs.)
STEERING KNUCKLE:
Ball Joint Stud To Steering
Knuckle Nut/Bolt.........136 N´m (100 ft. lbs.)
Disc Brake Caliper Bolts.......22N´m(16ft.lbs.)
Wheel Stop..................95N´m(70ft.lbs.)
STEERING GEAR:
To Suspension Cradle
Attaching Bolts...........183 N´m (135 ft. lbs.)
Tie Rod End Adjusting
Sleeve Nut................75N´m(55ft.lbs.)
Tie Rod End To Steering
Knuckle Nut...............61N´m(45ft.lbs.)
FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE:
To Body Attaching Bolts......163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.)
Lower Control Arm
Pivot Bolt...............185 N´m (137 ft. lbs.)
Lower Control Arm Rear
Bushing Retainer Bolt.......68N´m(50ft.lbs.)
Reinforcement Plate
Attaching Bolts M-12.......108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.)
Reinforcement Plate
Attaching Bolts M-14......166 N´m (123 ft. lbs.)
STABILIZER BAR:
Bushing Retainer ToSuspension
Cradle Attaching Bolts.......70N´m(50ft.lbs.)
Attaching Link Nuts...........88N´m(65ft.lbs.)
HUB AND BEARING:
To Steering Knuckle Bolts......110N´m(80ft.lbs.)
Front Stub Axle To Hub
Bearing Nut.............183 N´m (135 ft. lbs.)
Wheel Mounting
LugNut...........110-135 N´m (85-115 ft. lbs.)
Fig. 88 Correctly Installed Stabilizer Bar To Cradle
Bushing
2 - 36 SUSPENSIONNS
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Page 69 of 1938
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Installer Ball Joint 6758
Wrench Strut Rod Nut 6864
Remover Ball Joint 6919
Remover/Installer Control Arm Bushing 6908
Remover Tie Rod End MB±991113
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 37
Page 70 of 1938

REAR SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
REAR SUSPENSION..................... 38
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR TRACK BAR....................... 39
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT................ 39
SHOCK ABSORBERS (REAR LOAD LEVELING) . 40
STABILIZER BAR........................ 39
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
JOUNCE BUMPER....................... 46
LEAF SPRING FRONT MOUNT............. 47LEAF SPRING REAR MOUNT.............. 47
REAR SPRINGS (AWD)................... 43
REAR SPRINGS (FWD)................... 40
REAR TRACK BAR....................... 45
SHOCK ABSORBER...................... 45
STABILIZER BAR........................ 46
TRACK BAR MOUNT..................... 45
SPECIFICATIONS
REAR SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUES . . . 48
GENERAL INFORMATION
REAR SUSPENSION
The rear suspension design on this vehicle uses
leaf springs and a tube and casting axle (Fig. 1) and
(Fig. 2). It is designed to handle the various load
requirements of the vehicle. The leaf springs used on
the rear suspension of this vehicle are of either a
mono-leaf or multi-leaf design.The rear axle used on front wheel drive applica-
tions of this vehicle is mounted to the rear leaf
springs using isolator bushings at the axle mounting
brackets.
The rear axle used on all wheel drive applications
of this vehicle is also mounted to the rear leaf
springs but does not use isolator bushings between
the rear axle and the leaf springs.
Fig. 1 Front Wheel Drive Rear Suspension
2 - 38 SUSPENSIONNS
Page 71 of 1938

The rear suspension used on the front wheel drive
commercial version of this vehicle is unique to this
application. The rear axle is mounted to the rear leaf
springs as on the non-commercial application of this
vehicle but does not use any isolators between the
spring and the axle. The leaf spring used on the com-
mercial version of this vehicle is a multi-leaf spring
but is a unique design for the commercial applica-
tion.
The rear leaf spring shackle angles provide
increasing suspension rates as the vehicle is loaded.
This provides a comfortable unloaded ride and also
ample rear suspension travel when the vehicle is
loaded.
A new type of load-leveling shock is available. The
self leveling shock absorbers are a self-contained
vehicle leveling system and shock absorber combined.
The shock absorbers are mounted at an angle, paral-
lel to the springs and forward at the top. This design
provides greater stability in addition to controlling
ride motion.
The rear wheel bearings used are similar to the
bearings used in the front wheels. The bearings are
permanently sealed and require no maintenance. The
bearing and hub are serviced as an assembly. For
service procedures, refer to Group 5, Brakes.DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Alignment adjustment is not required. The rear
axle alignment settings are preset at the factory and
therefore no alignment is necessary.
REAR TRACK BAR
On front wheel drive applications of this vehicle
that are equipped with single leaf rear springs a
track bar (Fig. 3) is used on the rear axle.
The track bar connects the rear axle to the frame/
body of the vehicle. The track bar is isolated from the
body of the vehicle by an isloator bushing located in
each end of the track bar.
The track bar (Fig. 3) prevents excessive side to
side movement of the rear axle. The track bar is used
to keep the location of the axle in the correct position
for optimum handling and control of the vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR
The stabilizer bar (Fig. 4) interconnects both sides
of the rear axle and attaches to the rear frame rails
using 2 rubber isolated link arms.
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
to reduce body roll.
Fig. 2 All Wheel Drive Rear Suspension
NSSUSPENSION 2 - 39
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)
Page 72 of 1938

Attachment to the rear axle tube, and rear frame
rails is through rubber-isolated bushings. All parts
are serviceable, and the stabilizer bar to axle bush-
ings are split for easy removal and installation. The
split in the bushing should be positioned up when
the stabilizer bar is installed on the vehicle.
The 2 rubber isolated link arms are connected to
the rear frame rails by brackets. These brackets are
bolted to the bottom of the frame rails.
SHOCK ABSORBERS (REAR LOAD LEVELING)
A new type of load-leveling shock is available. The
self leveling shock absorbers are a self-contained
vehicle leveling system and shock absorber combined.
It does not require an external compressor, hoses,height leveling sensors, etc. It uses road inputs
(bumps, stops, starts, turns, acceleration, decelera-
tion, etc.) to activate pumping, which is just the
extension and compression of the shock absorber. On
the outside, it looks like a larger than normal shock
absorber. Internally, it consists of a hydraulic pump
and gas-spring cushion for leveling, as well as the
normal shock absorbing mechanism. All the height
leveling sensors, pump, etc., are contained inside the
shocks. The shocks are mounted at an angle, parallel
to the springs and forward at the top. This design
provides greater stability in addition to controlling
ride motion. These new load-leveling shock absorbers
use longer fasteners than the standard shock absorb-
ers, although the fasteners are longer, the torque
specifications are the same.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
REAR SPRINGS (FWD)
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on frame contact hoist to a com-
fortable working position.
(2) Support axle with a jack stand. Pad should just
contact axle.
(3) Begin removal of the shock absorber lower
mounting bolt (Fig. 5).
Fig. 4 Stabilizer Bar
Fig. 3 Rear Track Bar
2 - 40 SUSPENSIONNS
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)