Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 87

2 - 1 2 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE
mm
INDEPENDENT FRONT S U S P E N S I O N (IFS)
INDEX
page
Coil Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13
Lower Ball Stud
14
Lower Suspension Arm 14
Service Information 12
Shock Absorber
12
Shock Diagnosis
12
SERVICE INFORMATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system and sus­
pension components is required. Refer to Group 0,
Lubrication And Maintenance for the service inter­
val.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas­
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
STABILIZER BAR
R E M O V A L
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect the link from lower suspension arm
and stabilizer bar (Fig. 1).
(3) Disconnect the stabilizer bar clamps from the
frame rails. Remove the stabilizer bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame rail and
install the clamps and bolts. Ensure the bar is cen­
tered with equal spacing on both sides. Tighten the
bolts to 47 N-m (35 ft. lbs.) torque.
(2) Install links on stabilizer bar and lower suspen­
sion arm. Install grommets, retainers and nuts.
Tighten nuts to 34 N-m (25 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 1)
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from the shock absorber can be pro­
duced if movement between the rubber bushings and
the metal occurs. This noise can usually be stopped
by tightening the attaching nuts. If the squeak noise
persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings,
and attaching components. Repair as necessary.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust­
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
page
Stabilizer Bar . 12
Steering Knuckle 16
Upper Ball Stud 15
Upper Suspension Arm 15
Wheel Hub and Bearings 15
Fig, 1 STABILIZER BAR
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston into and out
of the cylinder four or five times. The action through­
out each stroke should be smooth and even.
SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE SHOCK UNTIL
L O W E R S U S P E N S I O N ARM !S S U P P O R T E D . THE
SHOCK HOLDS THE L O W E R S U S P E N S I O N ARM
AND S P R I N G IN POSITION.
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove shock upper nut and remove retainer
and grommet.
(3) Remove lower mounting bolt from suspension
arm and remove shock (Fig. 2).