2001 DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY weight

(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)
ProCarManuals.com

(2) Raise vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication And
Maintenance.
(3) Remove the wheel/tire assembly.
(4) Remove the cotter pin and nut retainer (Fig.
19) from the stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(5) Remove the spring washer (Fig. 18) from the
stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(6) Remove the hub nut and washer (Fig. 16) from
the stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(7) Remove the 6 bolts (Fig. 17) mounting the
driveshaft inner joint to the output shaft of the rear
drive line module.
(8) Remove the rear wheel speed sensor (Fig. 20)
from the rear hub/bearing.
(9) Release the parking brake.
(10) Remove the disc brake caliper to adapter
guide pin bolts (Fig. 15).
(11) Remove rear caliper from adapter using the
following procedure. First rotate rear of caliper up
from the adapter. Then pull the front of the caliper
and the outboard brake shoe anti-rattle clip out from
under the front abutment on the adapter (Fig. 14).
(12) Support caliper to prevent the weight of the
caliper from damaging the flexible brake hose (Fig.
10).
(13) Remove the rotor from the hub/bearing.
(14) Remove driveshaft from rear drive line mod-
ule and hub/bearing. Driveshaft is removed by first
compressing the inner joint on the driveshaft and
removing it from the drive line module. Then, slide
the outer joint of the driveshaft out of the hub/bear-
ing.(15) Remove the hub/bearing to axle mounting
bolts (Fig. 13).
CAUTION: Corrosion may occur between the hub/
bearing and the axle. If this occurs the hub/bearing
will be difficult to remove from the axle. If the hub/
bearing will not come out of the axle by pulling on
it by hand, do not pound on the hub/bearing to
remove it from the axle. Pounding on the hub/bear-
ing to remove it from the axle will damage the hub/
bearing. This damage will result in noise or failure
of the hub/bearing. To remove a hub/bearing which
is corroded to the axle, lightly tap the disc brake
caliper adapter using a soft faced hammer. This will
remove both the disc brake caliper adapter and
hub/bearing from the axle. The hub/bearing will
then need to be removed from the caliper adapter.
(16) Remove the hub/bearing from the axle. (Fig.
12).
(17) If the disc brake caliper adapter and hub/
bearing were removed as an assembly from the axle
and the hub/bearing cannot be removed from the
adapter by hand, use the following procedure to
remove it from the adapter. With a helper supporting
the caliper adapter in his hands, position Remover,
Special Tool 8214-1 on the cast housing of hub/bear-
ing (Fig. 11).Do not position special tool on
inner race of hub/bearing.Lightly strike Remover,
Special Tool 8214-1 with a hammer to remove the
hub/bearing from the caliper adapter.
Fig. 10 Correctly Supported Caliper
1 - WIRE
2 - CALIPER
3 - ADAPTER
4 - ROTOR
5 - INNER FENDER
Fig. 11 Hub/Bearing Removal From Caliper Adapter
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8214-1
2 - PARK BRAKE CABLE
3 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER
4 - HUB/BEARING
2 - 32 REARRS
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(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)
ProCarManuals.com

(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 axle plate bolts from
the rear axle (Fig. 29).
(6) Using the jack standsslowlylower the rear
axle, permitting the rear springs to hang free.
(7) Loosen and remove the 4 bolts at the front
mount of the rear leaf spring (Fig. 27).
(8) Loosen and remove the 2 bolts and the 2 pin
nuts from the spring shackle for the rear leaf spring
(Fig. 30). Then remove the inner half of the spring
shackle from the outer half hanger of the spring
hanger and the spring.
(9) Remove the rear leaf spring from the outer half
of the spring shackle.
(10) Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
(11) Loosen and remove the pivot bolt from the
front mount of the rear leaf spring. (Fig. 31).
INSTALLATION - AWD
CAUTION: Pivot bolt must face inboard to prevent
structural damage during installation of spring.
(1) Install the front eyelet of the rear leaf spring
into the spring mount. Install the pivot bolt and nut.
Do not tighten the pivot bolt at this time.
(2) Position the front spring mount for the rear
leaf spring against the floor pan of the vehicle.
Install the 4 mounting bolts for the front spring
mount (Fig. 27). Tighten the 4 mounting bolts to a
torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).(3) Install the rear of the leaf spring onto the outer
half of the rear shackle. Install the inner half of the
rear hanger. Install the pin nuts and bolts on the
rear shackle,but do not tighten at this time.
(4) Raise axle assembly into correct position with
axle centered under spring locator post.
(5) Install axle plate bolts (Fig. 29). Tighten bolts
to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install shock absorber bolts.Do not tighten
at this time.
(7) Lower the vehicle and remove hoist arms and
block of wood from under vehicle.
Fig. 29 Axle Plate Bolts
1 - LEAF SPRING
2 - AXLE PLATE BOLTS (4)
3 - AXLE PLATE
4 - AXLE
Fig. 30 All-Wheel-Drive Rear Suspension
1 - SHACKLE
2 - REAR MOUNT (HANGER)
3 - LEAF SPRING (MULTI-LEAF)
4 - AWD REAR AXLE
Fig. 31 Leaf Spring Front Mount (Typical)
1 - LEAF SPRING
2 - SPRING MOUNT
RSREAR2-39
SPRING - AWD (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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)
ProCarManuals.com

shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Do not fully
tighten bolt at this time.
(5) Lower the vehicle and remove hoist arms and
block of wood from under vehicle.
(6) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt to 156 N´m
(115 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Tighten the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING MOUNTS - REAR
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the attaching nuts and bolts from the
leaf spring rear shackle (Fig. 39) and (Fig. 40).(2) Install a jackstand under the side of the axle
having the leaf spring mount removed. Using the
jackstand, support the weight of the axle and leaf
spring.
(3) Remove the lower mounting bolt from the
shock absorber.
(4) Remove the bolts attaching the leaf spring rear
mount to the body of the vehicle (Fig. 41).
(5) Lower the jackstand and the rear of the leaf
spring. Remove the shackle from the leaf spring
bushing.
INSTALLATION
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.
Then tighten the retaining bolts for the inner to
outer half of the spring hanger to the specified
torque. This sequence must be followed to avoid
bending the spring hanger.
(1) For installation, reverse removal procedure. Do
not tighten rear spring shackle nuts fully until vehi-
cle is lowered and the full vehicle weight is applied
to the rear wheels. Tighten rear spring mount bolts
to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.). Tighten shackle nuts to 61
N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 39 Leaf Spring Shackle Nuts (FWD)
1 - SHACKLE PLATE
Fig. 40 All-Wheel-Drive Rear Suspension
1 - SHACKLE
2 - REAR MOUNT (HANGER)
3 - LEAF SPRING (MULTI-LEAF)
4 - AWD REAR AXLE
Fig. 41 Rear Spring Mount
1 - LEAF SPRING MOUNT
RSREAR2-43
SPRING MOUNTS - FRONT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
(1) Front-wheel-drive models use a stabilizer bar
that is mounted behind the rear axle. All-wheel-drive
models use a stabilizer bar that is mounted in front
of the rear axle.
The stabilizer bar interconnects both sides of the
rear axle and attaches to the rear frame rails using 2
rubber isolated link arms.
Both type stabilizer bars have the same basic com-
ponents. Attachment to the rear axle tube, and rear
frame rails is through rubber-isolated bushings.
The 2 rubber isolated links are connected to the
rear frame rails by brackets. These brackets are
bolted to the bottom of the frame rails.
OPERATION
Jounce and rebound movements affecting one
wheel are partially transmitted to the opposite wheel
to reduce body roll.
REMOVAL - AWD
(1) Raise vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication and
Maintenance.
(2) Remove the bolts securing the stabilizer bar to
links on each end of the bar.
(3) While holding the stabilizer bar in place,
remove the bolts that attach the stabilizer bar bush-
ing retainers to the rear axle (Fig. 42).
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar from the vehicle.
(5) Remove the bushings from the bar utilizing the
slits in the bushings.
(6) If the links need to be serviced, remove the
upper link arm to bracket bolt. Then remove link
arm from frame rail attaching bracket.
REMOVAL - FWD
(1) Raise vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication and
Maintenance.
(2) Remove the bolts securing the stabilizer bar to
links on each side of bar.
(3) While holding the stabilizer bar in place,
remove the bolts that attach the stabilizer bar bush-
ing retainers to the rear axle.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - AWD
(1) Install bushings on stabilizer bar utilizing slits
in bushings.
(2) Install the stabilizer bar on the rear axle (Fig.
42).(3) Install the bushing retainers over bushings and
aligning bolt holes.
(4) Install bushing retainers bolts. Do not tighten
at this time.
(5) Install bolts connecting links to stabilizer bar.
Do not tighten at this time.
(6) Lower the vehicle so that the full weight of the
vehicle is on all four tires. With the vehicle at its
curb height, tighten the following bolts to the torques
listed:
²Stabilizer bar bushing retainer-to-axle bracket
bolts Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
²Stabilizer bar-to-link bolts Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
INSTALLATION - FWD
(1) Lift the stabilizer bar onto the rear axle and
install the two retainer mounting bolts. DO NOT
TIGHTEN.
(2) Install the bolts attaching the stabilizer bar
links to the stabilizer bar. DO NOT TIGHTEN.
(3) Lower the vehicle so that the full weight of the
vehicle is on all four tires. With the vehicle at its
curb height, tighten the following bolts to the torques
listed:
²Stabilizer bar bushing retainer-to-axle bracket
bolts Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
²Stabilizer bar-to-link Ð 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
Fig. 42 REAR STABILIZER BAR MOUNTING TO AWD
AXLE
1 - RETAINER
2 - BUSHING
3 - AWD AXLE
4 - STABILIZER BAR
2 - 44 REARRS
ProCarManuals.com

TRACK BAR
DESCRIPTION
On front-wheel-drive applications of this vehicle
that are equipped with single leaf rear springs, a
track bar is used on the rear axle (Fig. 1).
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 isolator bushing located in
each end of the track bar.
OPERATION
The track bar prevents excessive side-to-side move-
ment 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.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut and bolt mounting the track
bar to the rear axle (Fig. 43) .
(2) Remove the nut and bolt attaching the track
bar to the track bar mount on the body of the vehicle.
Remove the track bar from the track bar mount.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar first into the body mount
for the track bar (Fig. 44) . Install the track bar boltwith the head of the bolt facing toward the rear of
the vehicle (Fig. 45) . Do not tighten.
(2) Install the track bar into its mounting bracket
on the rear axle (Fig. 43) . Install the track bar bolt
with the head of the bolt facing toward the rear of
the vehicle. Do not tighten.
(3) Lower the vehicle to the ground until the full
weight of the vehicle is supported by the wheels.
Tighten both track bar attaching bolts to a torque of
95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 43 Track Bar Mounting To Axle
1 - LOWER TRACK BAR BOLT INSTALLATION
Fig. 44 Track Bar Installation
1 - TRACK BAR REPLACEMENT
Fig. 45 Track Bar Bolt Installation
1 - TRACK BAR BOLT
RSREAR2-45
ProCarManuals.com