Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 124

3 - 4 REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLE
BR
R E A R SUSPENSION—2WD and 4WD VEHICLES
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from shock absorber or spring bush­
ings can be caused if movement between rubber
bushings and metal occurs. This noise can usually be
stopped by tightening the attaching nuts. If the noise
persists, inspect for damaged or worn bushings and
attaching components.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not lubricate the bushings to
reduce bushing noise. Grease or mineral oil-base lu­
bricants will deteriorate the bushing rubber.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust­
able. 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 into and out
of the cylinder four or five times. The action through­
out each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deterio­
rate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe off-road operation,
the springs should be examined periodically. Check
for broken or shifted leafs, loose missing clips and
broken center spring bolts.
VEHICLE LOADING AND WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
A vehicle should always be loaded so the vehicle
weight center-line is located immediately forward of
the rear axle. Correct vehicle loading provides proper
front tire-to-road contact. This results in maximum
vehicle handling stability and safety. Refer to Spring
and Shock Absorber Diagnosis chart for further infor­
mation.
Incorrect weight distribution should be con­
sidered as a possible cause for erratic steering,
spring failure or tire wear.
SHOCK ABSORBER
The shock absorbers are mounted with the right
shock mounted forward of the axle and left shock
mounted rearward. -
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support axle.
(2) Remove the bolt and flag nut from the frame
crossmember bracket.
(3) Remove the bolt and nut from the axle bracket.
(4) Remove the rear shock absorber from the vehi­
cle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position shock absorber in brackets.
(2) Install bolts through the brackets and shock.
Install flag nut on top bolt and nut on lower bolt.
(5) Tighten upper bolt to 95 N-m (70 ft. lbs.)
torque. Tighten lower bolt to 136 N-m (100 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(6) Remove the support and lower vehicle.
SPFtiNGS
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support axle to remove all
weight from springs.
(2) Remove the nuts and spring clamp bolts that
attach the spring to the axle (Fig. 1, 2, 3,).
(3) Remove the nuts and bolts from the spring
front and rear shackle eyes. Note:To remove front
eye bolt on left side spring, fuel tank must be
removed. Refer to Group 14 for fuel tank proce­
dure.
(4) Remove spring from vehicle.
(5) Remove shackle from spring.
Fig. 1 Rear Spring—4X2
INSTALLATION
(1) Install shackle on rear spring eye and install
bolt and nut.
(2) Position spring on axle shaft tube so spring
center bolt is inserted into the locating hole in the
axle tube spring pad or spacer.
(3) Align spring front eye with bolt hole in the
front bracket. Install the eye pivot bolt and nut.
(4) Align shackle eye with bolt hole in rear
bracket. Install bolt and nut.
(5) Tighten the spring front and rear eye pivot bolt
snug do not torque.
(6) Install spring clamp bolts and the retaining
nuts (Figs. 1, 2, 3, ).