Removal and Installation

Arm-Lateral

Rear Suspension:

Special Tool(s)

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and their failure can result in major service expense. They must be replaced with the same part number or an equivalent part if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to ensure proper retention of these parts.





Vehicles equipped with air suspension

1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be turned off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an Or suspension vehicle. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Turn the air suspension service switch off.





All vehicles
2. Mark the rear suspension shock absorber relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Use the special tool 014-00942 or equivalent to support the rear axle.

Vehicles equipped with air suspension

5. WARNING: Do not remove an air spring under any circumstances when there is air pressure in the spring. Do not remove any components supporting an air spring without exhausting the air.

Release the air pressure from the air springs.





6. Disconnect the height sensor from the mounting bracket.





All vehicles
7. Remove and discard both lateral arm assembly pivot bolts and nuts.





8. NOTE: The Watts link pivot stud is coated with a dry adhesive and must be replaced whenever the pivot nut or stud is loosened or removed with a new Watts link pivot nut and stud service kit.

NOTE: If the Watts link pivot stud on the axle assembly loosens while removing the pivot nut, continue to loosen the pivot stud until you can insert an open end wrench to hold the pivot stud. While holding the pivot stud, remove the pivot nut.

Remove and discard the Watts link pivot nut.





9. Lower the axle until the Watts link is tree of the pivot stud. Remove the lateral arm assembly.





10. Remove and discard the Watts fink pivot stud.

Installation





All vehicles
1. Install a new Watts link pivot stud.





2. NOTE: The rear suspension lateral arm pivot bolts and the Watts link pivot nut must be tightened with the vehicle at curb height.

Install the lateral arm assembly on the pivot stud making sure the flange of the right arm faces the front of the vehicle.





3. Raise the axle until the lateral arm assembly aligns with the frame brackets and install new pivot bolts and nuts. Do not tighten at this time.





4. Raise the axle assembly to the position that compresses the shock absorber to the previously established alignment mark (curb height).





5. Tighten both bolts.





6. Tighten the nut.





Vehicles equipped with air suspension
7. Connect the height sensor to the mounting bracket.





All vehicles
8. Remove the special tool 014-00942 or equivalent.
9. Lower the vehicle.





Vehicles equipped with air suspension
10. Turn the air suspension service switch on.
11. Inflate the air springs.