Dodge Ram Truck 1500-2500-3500. Manual — part 34

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Discard the nuts and bolts and do not
reuse, New nuts and bolts should be used when
replacing or servicing the suspension arms.

1. Position the lower suspension arm (4) at the axle

bracket (2) and frame rail bracket.

2. Install the rear bolt and finger tighten the nut.

3. Install the cam bolt (1), cam and nut in the axle

and align the reference marks.

4. Remove support and lower the vehicle.

5. Tighten cam nut at the axle bracket to 217 N·m

(160 ft. lbs.). Tighten rear nut at the frame bracket
to 217 N·m (160 ft. lbs.).

SHOCK

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

SHOCK

A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber (5)
may be caused by movement between mounting
grommets (1&6) and metal brackets (3) or attaching
components. These noises can usually be stopped by
tightening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists,
inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attach-
ing components. Repair as necessary if any of these
conditions exist.

A squeaking noise from the shock absorber may be
caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermit-
tent. This condition is not repairable and the shock
absorber must be replaced.

The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjustable. If
a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber must be
replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in an
upright position and force the piston in and out of the
cylinder four or five times. The action throughout each
stroke should be smooth and even.

The shock absorber bushings do not require any type
of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing noise by
lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-base lubri-
cants will deteriorate the bushing.

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REMOVAL

1. Remove the nut, retainer (4) and grommet f(1) rom

the upper stud in the engine compartment.

2. Remove three nuts from the upper shock bracket

(3).

3. Remove the lower bolt (4) from the axle bracket.

Remove the shock absorber (1) from engine
compartment.

DR/DH

FRONT - LINK/COIL

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INSTALLATION

1. Position the lower retainer (4) and grommet (6) on

the upper stud. Insert the shock absorber (5)
through the spring from engine compartment.

2. Install the lower bolt (4) and tighten to 135 N·m

(100 ft. lbs.).

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3. Install the upper shock bracket (3) and three nuts.

Tighten nuts to 75 N·m (55 ft. lbs.).

4. Install upper grommet (1) and retainer (2). Install

upper shock nut and tighten to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs).

SPRING

REMOVAL

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Position a hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.

2. Paint or scribe alignment marks on lower suspension arm cam adjusters and axle bracket for installation refer-

ence.

3. Remove the upper suspension arm and loosen lower suspension arm bolts.

4. Mark and disconnect the front propeller shaft from the axle 4x4 models.

5. Disconnect the track bar from the frame rail bracket.

6. Disconnect the drag link from pitman arm.

7. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from the axle.

8. Lower the axle until the spring is free from the upper mount. Remove the coil spring.

INSTALLATION

1. Position the coil spring on the axle pad.

2. Raise the axle into position until the spring seats in the upper mount.

3. Connect the stabilizer bar links and shock absorbers to the axle bracket. Connect the track bar to the frame rail

bracket.

4. Install the upper suspension arm.

5. Install the front propeller shaft to the axle 4x4 model.

6. Install drag link to pitman arm and tighten nut to specifications. Install new cotter pin.

7. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.

8. Tighten the following suspension components to specifications:

•

Link to stabilizer bar nut.

•

Lower shock bolt.

•

Track bar bolt at axle shaft tube bracket.

•

Upper suspension arm nut at axle bracket.

•

Upper suspension nut at frame bracket.

•

Align lower suspension arm reference marks and tighten cam nut.

•

Lower suspension nut at frame bracket.

DR/DH

FRONT - LINK/COIL

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