Dodge Dakota (ND). Manual — part 18

CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/urethane bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be tight-
ened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the
vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR SUSPENSION

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

VEHICLE INSTABILITY

1. Loose or worn wheel bearings.

1. Replace wheel bearings.

2. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.

2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.

3. Tire pressure.

3. Adjust tire pressure.

VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE

1. Weak or broken spring.

1. Replace spring.

2. Alignment.

2. Align vehicle to specifications.

3.Tires.

3. Replace tires.

4. Brakes.

4. Repair as necassary.

KNOCKING, RATTLING
OR SQUEAKING

1. Worn shock bushings.

1. Replace shock.

2. Loose shock mounting.

2. Tighten to specifications.

3. Shock valve.

3. Replace shock.

4. Weak or broken spring.

4. Replace spring.

5. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.

5. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.

IMPROPER TRACKING

1. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.

1. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.

2. Bent axle.

2.Replace axle.

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE CHART

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

N·m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Shock Absorber

Lower Nut

102

75

—

Shock Absorber

Upper Bolt

102

75

—

Stabilizer Retainer to the

Axle

61

45

—

Stabilizer Link to Stabilizer

Bar

102

75

—

Stabilizer Link to Frame

102

75

—

Jounce Bumper

Bolts

41

30

—

2 - 40

REAR

ND

JOUNCE BUMPER

REMOVAL

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Remove the bolts (2) securing the jounce bumper

(1).

3. Remove the jounce bumper (1).

INSTALLATION

1. Install the jounce bumper (1) and bolts (2). Tighten

to 41 N·m (30 ft.lbs.).

2. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

ND

REAR

2 - 41

SHOCK

REMOVAL

1. Raise vehicle and support the axle.

2. Remove the upper shock bolt (1) and nut (2).

3. Remove the lower shock bolt (1) and nut (2).

2 - 42

REAR

ND

4. Remove the rear shock absorber (6) from the

vehicle.

INSTALLATION

1. Position the shock absorber (6) to the vehicle.

ND

REAR

2 - 43