VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be
viewed through the windshield at the upper left cor-
ner of the instrument panel, near the left windshield
pillar (Fig. 7). The VIN consists of 17 characters in a
combination of letters and numbers that provide spe-
cific information about the vehicle. Refer to VIN
Code Breakdown Chart for decoding information.
To protect the consumer from theft and possible
fraud the manufacturer is required to include a
Check Digit at the ninth position of the vehicle iden-
tification number. The check digit is used by the
manufacturer and government agencies to verify the
authenticity of the vehicle and official documenta-
tion. The formula to use the check digit is not
released to the general public.
VIN CODE BREAKDOWN CHART
POSITION INTERPRETATION CODE = DESCRIPTION
1 Country of Origin 1 = Manufactured By DaimlerChrysler
2 = Manufactured By DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc.
2 Make D = Dodge
C = Chrysler
3 Vehicle Type 4 = Multipurpose Pass. Vehicle Less Side Air Bags
8 = Multipurpose Pass. Vehicle With Side Air Bags
4 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating G = 2268 - 2721 kg. (5001 - 6000 lbs.)
5 Car Line 1 = Chrysler Caravan - FWD
P = Chrysler, Town & Country - FWD
P = Dodge, Caravan/Grand Caravan - FWD
P = Dodge, Caravan C/V, Grand Caravan C/V - FWD
T = Chrysler, Town & Country - AWD
T = Dodge, Grand Caravan - AWD
J = Chrysler, Voyager/Grand Voyager - FWD
Y = Voyager/Grand Voyager - FWD Left Hand Drive
C = Voyager/Grand Voyager - AWD Left Hand Drive
H = Voyager/Grand Voyager - FWD Right Hand Drive
K = Voyager/Grand Voyager - AWD Left Hand Drive
Fig. 7 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)
1 - DEFROSTER OUTLET
2 - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
3 - HEATED WINDSHIELD GRID
RSINTRODUCTION9
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION
LABEL
DESCRIPTION
A vehicle certification label is attached to the rear
shutface of the driver's door (Fig. 8). This label indi-
cates date of manufacture (month and year), Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) front, Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) rear and the Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN). The Month, Day and Hour of manufacture is
also included.
All communications or inquiries regarding the
vehicle should include the Month-Day-Hour and
Vehicle Identification Number.
E-MARK LABEL
DESCRIPTION
An E-mark Label (Fig. 9) is located on the rear
shut face of the driver's door. The label contains the
following information:
²Date of Manufacture
²Month-Day-Hour (MDH)
²Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
²Country Codes
²Regulation Number
²Regulation Amendment Number
²Approval Number
VECI LABEL
DESCRIPTION
All models have a Vehicle Emission Control Informa-
tion (VECI) Label. Chrysler permanently attaches the
label in the engine compartment. It cannot be removed
without defacing information and destroying the label.
The label contains the vehicle's emission specifica-
tions and vacuum hose routings. All hoses must be
connected and routed according to the label.
MANUFACTURER PLATE
DESCRIPTION
The Manufacturer Plate (Fig. 10) is located in the
engine compartment on the passenger side rear corner
of the hood. The plate contains five lines of information:
1. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
2. Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
3. Gross Train Mass (GTM)
4. Gross Front Axle Rating (GFAR)
5. Gross Rear Axle Rating (GRAR)
Fig. 8 VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL - TYPICAL
Fig. 9 E-MARK LABEL
1 - COUNTRY CODE
2 - REGULATION NUMBER
3 - APPROVAL NUMBER
4 - AMENDMENT NUMBER
Fig. 10 MANUFACTURER PLATE
RSINTRODUCTION11
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW TOWING ATTACHMENT
DEVICES TO CONTACT THE FUEL TANK OR LINES,
FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT.
DO NOT LIFT OR TOW VEHICLE BY FRONT OR
REAR BUMPER.
DO NOT GO UNDER A LIFTED VEHICLE IF NOT
SUPPORTED PROPERLY ON SAFETY STANDS.
DO NOT ALLOW PASSENGERS TO RIDE IN A
TOWED VEHICLE.
USE A SAFETY CHAIN THAT IS INDEPENDENT
FROM THE TOWING ATTACHMENT DEVICE.
CAUTION: Do not damage brake lines, exhaust sys-
tem, shock absorbers, sway bars, or any other
under vehicle components when attaching towing
device to vehicle.
Do not secure vehicle to towing device by the use
of front or rear suspension or steering components.
Remove or secure loose or protruding objects from
a damaged vehicle before towing.
Refer to state and local rules and regulations before
towing a vehicle.
Do not allow weight of towed vehicle to bear on
lower fascia, air dams, or spoilers.
RECOMMENDED TOWING EQUIPMENT
To avoid damage to bumper fascia and air dams
use:
²FWD vehicles, use of a flat bed towing device or
a wheel lift is recommended (Fig. 7).
²AWD vehicles, a flat bed towing device or a
wheel lift and towing dolly is recommended (Fig. 7).
When using a wheel lift towing device, be sure the
disabled vehicle has at least 100 mm (4 in.) ground
clearance. If minimum ground clearance cannot be
reached, use a towing dolly. If a flat bed device is
used, the approach angle should not exceed 15
degrees.
GROUND CLEARANCE
CAUTION: If vehicle is towed with wheels removed,
install lug nuts to retain brake drums or rotors.
A towed vehicle should be raised until the lifted
wheels are a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) from the
ground. Be sure there is at least 100 mm (4 in.)
clearance between the tail pipe and the ground. If
necessary, remove the wheels from the front end ofthe vehicle and lower the front end closer to the
ground, to increase the ground clearance at the rear
of the vehicle. Install lug nuts on wheel attaching
studs to retain brake drums or rotors.
LOCKED VEHICLE TOWING
When a locked vehicle must be towed with the
front wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly or flat
bed hauler.
FLAT TOWING WITH TOW BAR
²Three speed automatic transaxle vehicles can be
flat towed at speeds not to exceed 40 km/h (25 mph)
for not more than 25 km (15 miles). The steering col-
umn must be unlocked and gear selector in neutral.
²Four speed electronic automatic transaxle vehi-
cles can be flat towed at speeds not to exceed 72
km/h (44 mph) for not more than 160 km (100 miles).
The steering column must be unlocked and gear
selector in neutral.
²AWD models should not be flat towed. For addi-
tional information, refer toRECOMMENDED TOW-
ING EQUIPMENTin this section.
FLAT BED TOWING TIE DOWNS
CAUTION: Do not tie vehicle down by attaching
chains or cables to suspension components or
engine mounts, damage to vehicle can result.
The vehicle can be tied to a flat bed device using
the two pair of front slots on the bottom surface of
the rails, behind the front wheels. The two pair of
rear slots on the bottom of the rail between the
bumper extension bolts and on the bottom of the rail
just rearward of the jounce bumper. Vehicles
equipped with a rear sway bar have brackets at this
location.
Fig. 7 RECOMMENDED TOWING
1 - WHEEL LIFT
2 - FLAT BED
RSLUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE0-29
(6) Install tie rod end into knuckle steering arm.
Start nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud
of tie rod end stationary using a socket (Fig. 11),
tighten tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut.
Tighten the tie rod end nut to a torque of 75 N´m (55
ft. lbs.).
(7) If equipped with antilock brakes, install wheel
speed sensor and mounting bolt on steering knuckle
(Fig. 13). Tighten the speed sensor bolt to a torque of
7 N´m (60 in. lbs.).
(8) Install brake rotor on hub and bearing (Fig. 9).
(9) Install disc brake caliper and adapter assembly
on steering knuckle. Install adapter amounting bolts
and tighten to 169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(10) Clean any debris from the threads of the
outer C/V joint stub axle.
(11) Install the washer and hub nut on stub axle.
(12) Have a helper apply the vehicle's brakes to
keep hub from turning, then tighten hub nut to a
torque of 244 N´m (180 ft. lbs.).
(13) Install the spring wave washer on the end of
the stub axle.
(14) Install the hub nut lock, and anewcotter pin
(Fig. 8). Wrap cotter pin prongs tightly around the
hub nut lock.
(15) Install wheel and tire assembly. Install and
tighten the wheel mounting nuts in proper sequence
until all nuts are torqued to half the required speci-
fication. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the
full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(16) Lower vehicle.
(17) Set front wheel alignment camber and toe as
necessary. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL
ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
LOWER BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION
The ball joint is an integral part of the lower con-
trol arm (Fig. 1). The ball joint has a tapered stud
that is pressed into the aluminum knuckle. The ball
joint stud is threaded on the end for a retainer nut.
The ball joint has a non-vented seal boot. The seal
boot has an integrated heat shield.
The ball joint used in the lower control arm of this
vehicle is a sealed-for-life ball joint and requires no
maintenance lubrication. The ball joint has been
lubricated-for-life during the manufacturing process.
A special fitting cap is installed on the fill port. This
cap must not be removed and replaced with a com-
mon zirc fitting. The special cap is there to eliminate
the possibility of lubrication latter during the ball
joints life, thus damaging the non-vented seal boot.
NOTE: The ball joint does not require any type of
additional lubrication for the life of the vehicle. No
attempt should be made to ever add any lubrication
to the lower ball joint.
OPERATION
The ball joint is a pivotal joint on the lower control
arm that allows the knuckle to move up and down,
and turn with ease.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - LOWER BALL
JOINT
With the weight of the vehicle resting on the road
wheels, grasp the special fitting cap on the bottom of
the ball joint and with no mechanical assistance or
added force, attempt to rotate the grease fitting.
If the ball joint is worn, the grease fitting will
rotate easily. If movement is noted, replacement of
the control arm is recommended.
LOWER BALL JOINT SEAL
BOOT
DESCRIPTION - EXPORT
The lower ball joint seal boot is a two piece unit. It
consists of the seal boot, plus a separate shield that
is located in a groove at the top of the seal boot.
NOTE: The seal boot should only be replaced if
damaged during vehicle service. The entire lower
control arm should be replaced if the joint has been
contaminated.
Fig. 16 Correctly Installed Eccentric Attaching Bolt
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - FLANGED BOLT IN TOP HOLE
3 - CAM BOLT IN BOTTOM HOLE
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
2 - 10 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
KNUCKLE (Continued)
(6) Back off the forcing screw and remove tool.
(7) Install lower control arm on vehicle. (Refer to 2
- SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - LOWER CONTROL ARM
(1) Position lower control arm assembly into front
suspension cradle crossmember guiding bushings into
mounting position (Fig. 22).
(2) Install NEW pivot bolt attaching front bushing
of lower control arm to front suspension cradle cross-
member (Fig. 29).Do not tighten or torque pivot
bolt at this time.
(3) Install the reinforcement on the front suspen-
sion cradle crossmember and install the bolts attach-
ing the reinforcement to the cradle crossmember
(Fig. 22). Tighten the M-14 size bolts to a torque of
153 N´m (113 ft. lbs.). Tighten the M-12 size bolts to
a torque of 106 N´m (78 ft. lbs.).
(4) Install the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts through reinforcement on each side of
each lower control arm rear bushing. Tighten these
M-10 size bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the two bolts and bushings attaching
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
body of vehicle (Fig. 22). Tighten bolts to a torque of
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the power steering cooler (Fig. 21).
Tighten bolts to a torque of 11 N´m (100 in. lbs.).
(7) Reinstall steering knuckle, brake rotor and cal-
iper. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/KNUCKLE
- INSTALLATION)CAUTION: When locating jack stands under lower
control arms, do not place the jack stands under
the ball joints (Fig. 30).
(8) Position jack stands under the lower control
arms as close to the ball joints as possible (Fig. 30).
Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands until the jack
stands are supporting the total weight of the vehicle.
(9) Tighten front lower control arm pivot bolt to a
torque of 183 N´m (135 ft. lbs.).
(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.
Fig. 29 Lower Control Arm Bushing Pivot Bolt
Correctly Installed
1 - PIVOT BOLT
2 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
3 - FRONT SUSPENSION CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 30 Jack Stands Supporting Vehicle Weight
1 - LOWER CONTROL ARMS
2 - BALL JOINT
3 - JACK STANDS
4 - BALL JOINT
2 - 16 FRONT SUSPENSIONRS
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)
spring, otherwise the Forcing Screw will rub the
spring plate when installed.
(d) Place Push Plate, Special Tool 8458±1, on
ends of Threaded Guide Pins
(e) Place a dab of grease in dimple of Push
Plate.
(f) Install Forcing Screw, Special Tool 8458±3,
through Screw Mount from rear.
(g) Tighten the Forcing Screw up against dimple
in Push Plate and press hub and bearing out of
axle by continuing to tighten screw.
(h) Remove the tool.
(i) Reinstall the two outboard spring plate bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Remove the hub/bearing from the rear axle and
brake support plate.
ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES
(1) Set the parking brake.The parking brake is
set to keep the hub and bearing, and axle shaft
from rotating when loosening the hub nut.
(2) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(3) Remove the wheel/tire assembly. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the cotter pin and nut retainer (Fig.
18) from the stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(5) Remove the spring washer (Fig. 17) 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 mounting the driveshaft
inner joint to the output shaft of the rear drive line
module.
(8) Remove the rear wheel speed sensor (Fig. 19)
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 front of caliper up
from the adapter. Then pull the rear of the caliper
and the outboard brake shoe anti-rattle clip out from
under the rear 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).
Fig. 9 Removal Using Special Tool 8458
1 - THREADED GUIDE PINS 8458-4
2 - HUB AND BEARING
3 - LEAF SPRING PLATE
4 - FORCING SCREW 8458-3
5 - SCREW MOUNT 8458-2
6 - PUSH PLATE 8458-1
Fig. 10 Correctly Supported Caliper
1 - WIRE
2 - CALIPER
3 - ADAPTER
4 - ROTOR
5 - INNER FENDER
2 - 32 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
ASSEMBLY - SHOCK ABSORBER (UPPER
BUSHING)
NOTE: This procedure applies to load-leveling
shock absorbers only.
(1) 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. 24). Position the Driver this way
to seat the bushing to its correct depth.
(2) Place the shock absorber upper mounting eye
in the Receiver so the notch in the Receiver clears
the shock absorber body (Fig. 25).(3) Position the bushing between the shock
absorber eye and the Driver (Fig. 25). 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 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.).
SPRING - AWD
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. 26).
(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. 27).
(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. 28).
Fig. 24 Special Tools Positioned For Installation
1 - SCREW DRIVE
Fig. 25 Installing Bushing In Shock Absorber
1 - BUSHING
2 - SCREW DRIVE
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
4 - NOTCH
2 - 38 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SHOCK ABSORBER (Continued)
mount (Fig. 26). 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. 28). Tighten bolts
to 95 N´m (70 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.
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 - CARGO
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. 26).
(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. 27).
(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. 28).
(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. 26).
(8) Loosen and remove the nuts from the spring
hanger for the rear leaf spring (Fig. 35).
(9) Remove the hanger plate from the hanger and
remove the spring from the spring hanger (Fig. 35).
(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. 30).
INSTALLATION
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. 26). Tighten the 4 mounting bolts to a
torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 30 Leaf Spring Front Mount (Typical)
1 - LEAF SPRING
2 - SPRING MOUNT
2 - 40 REAR SUSPENSIONRS
SPRING - AWD (Continued)