2001 CHRYSLER VOYAGER frame

The lower control arm is an iron casting with two
rubber bushings and a ball joint. The lower control
arm front bushing is the spool type and is pressed
into the lower control arm. The standard lower con-
trol arm rear bushing is a push-on bushing that is
pushed over a stem on the rear of the lower control
arm. The optional lower control arm rear bushing is
a hydro-bushing that is pressed on. It has liquid
filled voids that provide more effective dampening
than the standard bushing. Vehicles with rear hydro-
bushings utilize a different lower control arm than
vehicles with standard bushings. They have a
straight slightly tapered round stem where the
hydro-bushing is mounted whereas the standard arm
has a straight stem with a squared knob on the end
to retain the bushing.
The lower control arm ball joint is pressed into the
outer end of the arm. The ball joint has a tapered
stud and retainer nut for fastening it to the steering
knuckle.
OPERATION
The lower control arm supports the lower end of
the steering knuckle and allows for the up and down
movement of the suspension during the jounce and
rebound travel. The lower control arm ball joint con-
nects the arm to the steering knuckle.
REMOVAL - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(1) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in Lubrication
and Maintenance.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.(3) Remove the steering knuckle. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the bolts fastening the power steering
cooler to the front suspension cradle crossmember
reinforcement (Fig. 22).
(5) Remove the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts located on each side of each lower con-
trol arm rear bushing.
NOTE: The bolts fastening the cradle crossmember
reinforcement are of two different thread sizes. Note
the location of the various sizes.
(6) Remove the bolts attaching the cradle cross-
member reinforcement to the front suspension cradle
crossmember (Fig. 23). Remove the 2 bolts fastening
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
the body of the vehicle. Remove the reinforcement.
(7) Remove the pivot bolt attaching the front bush-
ing of the lower control arm to the front suspension
cradle crossmember.
(8) Remove the lower control arm.
DISASSEMBLY - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(REAR BUSHING - STANDARD)
(1) Remove the lower control arm from the front
suspension cradle. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/
FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM - REMOVAL)
(2) Mount the lower control arm in a visewithout
using excessive clamping force.
Fig. 21 Installing Ball Joint Seal Boot
1 - SHIELD
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6758
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 - BALL JOINT SEAL BOOT
Fig. 22 POWER STEERING COOLER
1 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
2 - POWER STEERING COOLER
2 - 12 FRONTRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

(10) Install the wheel and tire assembly. Install
and tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(11) Raise vehicle, remove jack stands and lower
vehicle to the ground.
(12) Perform front wheel alignment as necessary.
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The stabilizer bar interconnects both front struts of
the vehicle and is attached to the front crossmember
(Fig. 1) .
Attachment of the stabilizer bar to the front cross-
member is through 2 rubber-isolator cushion bush-
ings and retainers. A double ball jointed stabilizer
bar link is used to attach each end of the stabilizer
bar to the front strut assemblies. All parts of the sta-
bilizer bar are replaceable as individual components.
The stabilizer bar to front crossmember cushion
bushings are split for easy removal and installation.
The split in the bushings should be positioned toward
the rear of the vehicle, with the square corner facing
down, when the stabilizer bar is installed.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
of the vehicle through the stabilizer bar. This helpsto minimize the body roll of the vehicle during sus-
pension movement.
Connecting the stabilizer bar links to the strut
assemblies helps reduce the fore-and-aft rate of the
stabilizer bar from the rest of the front suspension.
REMOVAL - STABILIZER BAR
(1) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in Lubrication
and Maintenance.
(2) Remove the bolts fastening the power steering
cooler to the front suspension cradle crossmember
reinforcement (Fig. 32).
(3) Remove the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts located on each side of each lower con-
trol arm rear bushing.
NOTE: The bolts fastening the cradle crossmember
reinforcement are of two different thread sizes. Note
the location of the various sizes.
(4) Remove the bolts attaching the cradle cross-
member reinforcement to the front suspension cradle
crossmember (Fig. 33). Remove the 2 bolts fastening
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
the body of the vehicle. Remove the reinforcement.
CAUTION: When removing the nut from the stud of
the stabilizer bar link, do not allow the stud to
rotate in it's socket. Hold the stud from rotating by
placing an open-end wrench on the flat machined
into the stud (Fig. 34).
Fig. 31 Jack Stands Supporting Vehicle Weight
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
2 - BALL JOINT
3 - JACK STANDS
4 - BALL JOINT
Fig. 32 POWER STEERING COOLER
1 - CRADLE CROSSMEMBER REINFORCEMENT
2 - POWER STEERING COOLER
2 - 16 FRONTRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Stabilizer Bar Bushing Retainer
Bolts61 45 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Nuts 61 45 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Frame
Bracket Mounting Bolts61 45 Ð
Track Bar Bracket-To-Body
Mount Bolts61 45 Ð
Track Bar Pivot Bolts 95 70 Ð
Wheel Mounting (Lug) Nut 135 100 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL - LEAF SPRING FRONT BUSHING
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 3).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
bushing replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
REMOVER, HUB/BEARING 8458
REMOVER/INSTALLER, BUSHING 8459
REMOVER/INSTALLER, BUSHING 8526
Press, Ball Joint C-4212F
Fig. 3 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
2 - 28 REARRS
REAR (Continued)

(13) Install the spring washer (Fig. 18) on the stub
shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(14) Install the nut retainer and cotter pin (Fig.
19) on the stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(15) Install the wheel speed sensor on the hub/
bearing and adapter. Install the wheel speed sensor
attaching bolt (Fig. 20). Tighten the wheel speed sen-
sor attaching bolt to a torque of 12 N´m (105 in. lbs).
(16) Install wheel and tire.(17) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(18) Remove jackstands or lower hoist.
CAUTION: Before moving vehicle, pump the brake
pedal several times to insure the vehicle has a firm
brake pedal to adequately stop vehicle.
(19) Road test vehicle to ensure proper operation
of the brake system.
JOUNCE BUMPER
DESCRIPTION
There are two jounce bumpers used in the rear
suspension. One mounts to each frame rail above the
rear axle.
OPERATION
The jounce bumper limits suspension travel and
metal-to-metal contact of the rear axle with the
frame under full jounce conditions.
REMOVAL - AWD AND HEAVY DUTY
(1) Using slip-joint pliers grasp the base of the
jounce bumper. Turn the base counterclockwise (Fig.
21).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper from the frame rail.
REMOVAL - FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE
(1) Remove the bolt attaching the jounce bumper
to frame rail (Fig. 22).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper from the frame rail.
Fig. 18 Spring Washer
1 - HUB NUT
2 - STUB SHAFT
3 - ROTOR
4 - SPRING WASHER
Fig. 19 Cotter Pin And Nut Retainer
1 - CALIPER
2 - COTTER PIN
3 - ROTOR
4 - NUT RETAINER
5 - OUTER C/V JOINT
Fig. 20 Wheel Speed Sensor
1 - MOUNTING BOLT
2 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
RSREAR2-35
HUB / BEARING (Continued)

INSTALLATION - AWD AND HEAVY DUTY
(1) Install jounce bumper through bumper support
plate and thread into welded nut in frame rail.
(2) Tighten the jounce bumper to 33 N´m (290 in.
lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION - FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE
(1) Hook the forward end of the jounce bumper
bracket in the mounting hole of the frame rail, then
install the mounting bolt in the opposite end, secur-
ing the bumper to the frame rail. Tighten the jounce
bumper mounting bolt to 33 N´m (290 in. lbs.) torque.
SHOCK ABSORBER
DESCRIPTION
There is one shock absorber on each side of the
rear suspension. The top of each shock absorber is
bolted to the frame rail. The bottom of each shock
absorber is bolted to the rear axle.
This vehicle is available with either standard type
or load-leveling shock absorbers. On the exterior,
load-leveling shock absorbers are larger in diameter
than standard shock absorbers. The load-leveling
shock absorbers mount the same as the standard
shock absorbers.
OPERATION
The shock absorber dampens jounce and rebound
motions of the spring and suspension.
Each load-leveling shock absorber is a self-leveling,
self-contained vehicle leveling system and shock
absorber combined. It does not require an external
compressor, hoses, or height leveling sensors. All the
height leveling sensors, hydraulic pump, etc., are
contained inside the shock absorber. It uses road
inputs (bumps, stops, starts, turns, acceleration,
deceleration, etc.) to activate pumping, which results
in the extension and compression of the shock
absorber.
REMOVAL - SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Support the rear axle of the vehicle using 2
jackstands positioned at the outer ends of the axle.
NOTE: If the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
deflects upward during removal, raise axle by
adjusting the support jack. If the lower shock
absorber bolt deflects downward during removal,
lower the axle by adjusting the support jack.
(3) Remove the shock absorber lower mounting
bolt.
(4) While holding shock absorber, remove the
shock absorber upper mounting bolt and shock
absorber.
DISASSEMBLY - SHOCK ABSORBER (UPPER
BUSHING)
(1) Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
(2) Install the Receiver, Special Tool 8526-1, into
the cup of the Ball Joint Press, Special Tool C-4212F,
and tighten the set screw. Install the Driver, Special
Tool 8526-2, on the tip of the Ball Joint Press screw
drive as shown (Fig. 23).
Fig. 21 Jounce Bumper
1 - JOUNCE BUMPER
Fig. 22 Jounce Bumper - FWD
1-JOUNCE BUMPER
2 - 36 REARRS
JOUNCE BUMPER (Continued)

(3) Position the bushing between the shock
absorber eye and the Driver (Fig. 26). Tighten the
screw drive until the Driver, bushing, and shock
absorber eye are touching and squarely aligned.
(4) Press the bushing into the shock absorber eye
until the Driver bottoms against the face of the eye.
(5) Back off the Ball Joint Press screw drive and
remove the shock absorber from the press.
(6) Install the shock absorber on the vehicle. Refer
to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this section
for the procedure.
INSTALLATION - SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) While holding shock absorber in position
against the frame rail, install the shock absorber
upper mounting bolt.
(2) Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
securing the lower end of the shock absorber to the
axle.
(3) Remove the support jack.
(4) Lower the vehicle to the ground so the full curb
weight of the vehicle is supported by the suspension.
(5) Tighten the upper and lower shock absorber
mounting bolt to a torque of 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
SPRING - AWD
DESCRIPTION
The leaf springs used on the rear suspension of
this vehicle are of either a mono-leaf or multi-leaf
design depending on model and options.
Since the rear springs come in various designs and
rates, be sure the correct spring is in use.
OPERATION
The leaf spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
REMOVAL - AWD
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 27).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
spring replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward dur-
ing removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If
shock absorber bolt deflects downward during
removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by
pulling on axle).
(3) Begin removal of the shock absorber lower
mounting bolt (Fig. 28).
Fig. 27 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
Fig. 28 Rear Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
1 - SHOCK BOLT
2 - 38 REARRS
SHOCK ABSORBER (Continued)

CAUTION: The following sequence must be fol-
lowed when tightening the pin nuts on the rear
hanger for the rear leaf spring. First the hanger pin
nuts must be tightened to the specified torque
shown below. Then tighten the retaining bolts for
the inner to outer half of the spring hanger to the
torque specification listed below. This sequence
must be followed to properly seat the bushings into
the springs and to avoid bending the spring hanger.
(8) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt to 156 N´m
(115 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Tighten rear spring shackle pin nuts to 61 N´m
(45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Tighten rear spring shackle inner to outer
half retaining bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Tighten the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING - FWD
DESCRIPTION
The leaf springs used on the rear suspension of
this vehicle are of either a mono-leaf or multi-leaf
design depending on model and options.
Since the rear springs come in various designs and
rates, be sure the correct spring is in use.
OPERATION
The leaf spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
REMOVAL - FWD
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 32).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
spring replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
(3) Remove the shock absorber lower mounting
bolt (Fig. 33).
NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward dur-
ing removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If
shock absorber bolt deflects downward during
removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by
pulling on axle).(4) Using 2 jack stands positioned under the outer
ends of the axle, raise the axle enough to remove the
weight of the axle from the rear springs.
(5) Loosen and remove the spring plate bolts from
the rear axle (Fig. 34).
(6) Remove the spring plate from the rear axle and
the leaf spring (Fig. 35).
(7) Using the jack standsslowlylower the rear
axle, permitting the rear springs to hang free.
Fig. 32 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
Fig. 33 Rear Shock Mounting Bolt
1 - SHOCK BOLT
2 - 40 REARRS
SPRING - AWD (Continued)

(8) Install spring plate bolts (Fig. 34). Tighten
bolts to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Install lower shock absorber bolt.Do not
tighten at this time.
(10) Remove jack under axle.
(11) Lower the vehicle and remove hoist arms and
block of wood from under vehicle.
CAUTION: The following sequence must be fol-
lowed when tightening the pin nuts on the rear
hanger for the rear leaf spring. First the hanger pin
nuts must be tightened to the specified torque
shown below. Then tighten the retaining bolts for
the inner to outer half of the spring hanger to the
torque specification listed below. This sequence
must be followed to properly seat the bushings into
the springs and to avoid bending the spring hanger.
(12) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt to 156 N´m
(115 ft. lbs.) torque.
(13) Tighten rear spring shackle pin nuts to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(14) Tighten rear spring shackle inner to outer
half retaining bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Tighten the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING MOUNTS - FRONT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 38).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
bushing replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
(3) Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt.
NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward dur-
ing removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If
shock absorber bolt deflects downward during
removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by
pulling on axle).
(4) Remove four bolts securing leaf spring front
mounting bracket to the body (Fig. 38).
(5) Using jack,slowlylower rear axle, permitting
the forward end of rear spring to hang down. Lower
it enough to allow access to spring pivot bolt. It maybe necessary to place a wooden block between the
spring and vehicle to hold forward end of the spring
in place.
(6) Remove leaf spring forward pivot bolt, then
remove mounting bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position spring mounting bracket over spring
eye and install pivot bolt through center of bushing
from theoutboardside.
NOTE: The pivot bolt must be installed from the
outboard side to allow proper bracket to body
mounting.
(2) Install the nut on the pivot bolt and lightly
tighten. Do not fully tighten bolt at this time.
(3) Raise the under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack, guiding the forward mounting bracket into
place against the body. It may help to use a drift
punch placed through the hole centered between the
mounting bolt holes in the bracket and the pilot hole
in the body of the vehicle as a guide. When the four
mounting bolt holes line up with their threads in the
body, Install the mounting bolts (Fig. 38). Tighten the
four mounting bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Raise or lower the jack until shock absorber
lower eye aligns with threads in axle housing. Install
Fig. 38 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
2 - 42 REARRS
SPRING - FWD (Continued)