Chrysler RAM TRUCK 2500 1994 Service Manual page 71

2 - 14 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE
INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION (IFS}
INDEX
page
Coil Springs 1 5
Lower Ball Stud 1 6
Lower Suspension Arm 16
Service Information 1 4
Shock Absorber . 14
Shock Diagnosis 14
SERVICE INFORMATION
Periodic lubrication of the steering system compo­
nents is required. Refer to Group 0, Lubrication And
Maintenance for the service interval.
CAUTION: All suspension components that use rub­
ber bushings should be tightened with the vehicle
at the ride height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If the springs are not at
their normal ride height, vehicle ride comfort and
handling could be affected. This can also c a u s e
premature bushing wear. Rubber bushings must
never be lubricated.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(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)
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from the shock absorber can be pro­
duced i f movement between the rubber bushings and
the metal occurs. This noise can usually be stopped
by tightening the attaching nuts. I f 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. I f a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
page
Stabilizer Bar 14
Steering Knuckle 18
Upper Ball Stud 17
Upper Suspension Arm 17
Wheel Hub and Bearings 17
Fig. 1 Stabilizer Bar
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it i n
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 R E M O V E S H O C K UNTIL
L O W E R S U S P E N S I O N ARM IS S U P P O R T E D . T H E
S H O C K H O L D S T H E L O W E R S U S P E N S I O N ARM
AND SPRING 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).