Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 39

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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
SHOCK ABSORBERS
DESCRIPTION
The top of the low-pressure gas charged shock are
bolted to the frame. The bottom of the shock are
bolted to the lower suspension arm.
OPERATION
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound
of the vehicle over various road conditions.
TORSION BARS
DESCRIPTION
The front of the bar mounts to the back side of the
lower suspension arm. The rear end of the bar is
mounted in a anchor that rests in the frame cross-
member.
OPERATION
The torsion bars are used to control ride height
and ride quality. The vehicle height is adjusted
through an anchor adjustment bolt that increases or
decreases the angle of the torsion bar. Increasing or
decreasing the bar angle changes the angle of the
suspension arms.
STEERING KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The knuckle is a single casting with legs machined
for the upper and lower ball joints. The knuckle also
has machined mounting locations for the front brake
calipers and hub bearing.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivot between the upper and
lower ball joint. Steering linkage attached to the
knuckle allows the vehicle to be steered.
SUSPENSION ARMS
DESCRIPTION
The upper suspension arm bolts on frame brackets
through the arm pivot shaft. The frame brackets
have slotted holes which allow the arms to be
adjusted for caster and camber. Pivot shaft bushings
are not replaceable.
The lower suspension arms bolt to the lower frame
brackets and pivot through bushings, these bushings
are not replaceable.
The suspension arms have lube for life riveted ball
studs. The suspension arm travel (jounce) is limited
through the use of urethane bumpers. Rebound
travel is limited by the shock absorber.
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar extends across the front underside of the
chassis and connects to the frame crossmember. The
ends of the bar mount to the lower suspension arm.
All mounting points of the stabilizer bar are isolated
by bushings.
OPERATION
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle front
sway during turns. The bar helps to maintain a flat
attitude to the road surface.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
LOWER BALL JOINT
NOTE: If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrica-
tion fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehi-
cle before performing test.
(1) Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor
stands under both lower suspension arms as far out-
board as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the
stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
NOTE: The upper suspension arms must not con-
tact the rebound bumpers.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
(3) Mount a dial indicator solidly to the underside
of the lower suspension arm.
(4) Position indicator plunger against the bottom
surface of the steering knuckle lower ball joint boss.
NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpen-
dicular to the machined surface of the steering
knuckle lower ball joint boss (Fig. 2).
(5) Position a pry bar over the top of the upper
suspension arm and under the pivot bar of the upper
suspension arm. Pry down on the upper suspension
arm and then zero the dial indicator.
(6) Reposition the pry bar under the upper suspen-
sion arm and on top of the jounce/rebound bracket.
Pry up on the upper suspension arm and record the
dial indicator reading.
(7) If the travel exceeds 1.52 mm (0.060 in.),
replace the lower control arm.
UPPER BALL JOINT
(1) Position a floor jack under the lower suspen-
sion arm. Raise the wheel and allow the tire to
lightly contact the floor (vehicle weight relieved from
the tire).
SUSPENSION 2 - 15