Rear Suspension

The rear suspension is comprised of:
- Drive Axle
- Leaf Springs
- Shock Absorbers
- Stabilizer Bar (optional)
- Jounce Bumpers

Leaf Springs: The rear suspension system uses a multi-leaf springs and a solid drive axle. The 4x2 vehicles use a 4-leaf 2-stage spring or 5-leaf single stage spring. The 4x4 vehicles use only a 4-leaf 2-stage spring. The forward end of the springs are mounted to the frame rail hangers through rubber bushings. The rearward end of the springs are attached to the frame by the use of shackles. The spring and shackles use rubber bushings. The bushings help to isolate road noise. The shackles allow the springs to change their length as the vehicle moves over various road conditions.

Shock Absorbers: Ride control is accomplished through the use of gas charged shock absorbers. The shocks dampen jounce and rebound as the vehicle travels over various road conditions. The shock absorbers are mounted to the frame and the axle. The shocks are mounted staggered, one ahead and one behind the axle housing.

Stabilizer Bar: The stabilizer bar (optional equipment) is used to minimize vehicle body roll. The spring steel bar helps to control the vehicle body in relationship to the suspension. The bar extends across the underside of the vehicle and mounts to the top of the axle with bushings. Links attached to the end of the bar are bolted to frame brackets.

Jounce Bumpers: The jounce bumpers are used to limit the spring and axle travel. They are bolted to the frame rail above the axle.

CAUTION: 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. Incorrect vehicle weight distribution can cause excessive tire tread wear, spring fatigue or failure, and erratic steering.

CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ urethane bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. This will maintain vehicle ride comfort and prevent premature bushing wear.