Front Suspension

Suspension Components:

Ram Van and Wagon front suspensions are comprised of:
- Suspension arms
- Stabilizer bar
- Strut bars
- Coil springs
- Steering knuckles
- Shock absorbers
- Jounce bumpers

Suspension Arms: The upper and lower suspension arms have replaceable bushings located at their inboard end. Replaceable ball joints are located at their outboard end. The upper suspension arms provide for caster and camber adjustments.

Stabilizer Bar: The stabilizer bar is used to minimize front axle sway movement during turns. The bar extends across the front underside of the chassis and connects to the frame rails. The links are connected to the strut bar at the lower suspension arm.

Strut Bar: The strut bar is used to control the movement of the lower control arm. The bar is mounted between the lower control arm and a frame bracket. The bar uses replaceable bushings to isolated it from the frame bracket.

Coil Springs: The coil springs control ride quality and maintain proper ride height. The coil springs mount between the frame and lower control arm. An isolator is located between the spring and frame to help isolate noise.

Steering Knuckles: The steering knuckles are used to steer the vehicle. The knuckles are mounted to the ball joints at the end of the suspension arms.

Shock Absorbers: The shock absorbers dampen the jounce and rebound motion of the vehicle over various road conditions. The shock is mounted to the upper and lower suspension arm through the center of the spring.

Bumpers: Bumpers are used to limit the travel of the suspension jounce and rebound motion. The replaceable bumpers are mounted to the upper and lower suspension arm.

CAUTION:
- Components attached with a nut and cotter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the nut to align the cotter pin hole.
- Suspension components with rubber bushings (except stabilizer bar) should be tightened with the vehicle at normal height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur.

NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension (steering) system components is required. Rubber bushings must never be lubricated. Always follow the recommended maintenance schedule.