Suspension: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Front suspension:

The front coil spring suspension, Fig. 1, consists of spindles, unequal length control arms with integral ball joints and bushings, helical coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.
The lower control arm is attached to the engine crossmember through pivot bushings and to the spindle through the ball joint assembly. It provides support for the coil springs and attachments for the shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.
The upper control arm is located on top of the front longitudinal side member. It is attached to the spindle at the upper ball joint and is anchored to the body using the primary crossmember bolts and an additional bolt and washer assembly. Alignment is performed by adding or subtracting shims at the control arm to pivot shaft interface.
The telescopic, direct action-type shock absorbers are gas filled, resulting in improved damping effect and durability. Rubber bushings are provided at the upper and lower mountings to minimize road noise transmission.
The front stabilizer bar provides for both improved handling and less body sway. It is attached to both the frame, by a bracket and insulator assembly, and to the lower control arm by a link assembly.