Front Suspension And Axle

These models have a front suspension consisting of coil springs that are mounted between the spring housings on the frame and the lower control arms. Shock absorbers are mounted inside the coil springs and attached to the lower control arms by bolts and nuts. The upper portion of each shock absorber extends through a frame bracket and is secured with two grommets, two grommet retainers, and a nut.

The front suspension is designed to allow each wheel to compensate for changes in the road surface level without appreciably affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel is independently connected to the frame by a steering knuckle, ball joint assemblies, and upper and lower control arms. The front wheels are held in correct relationship to each other by two tie rods which are connected to steering arms on the knuckles and to a relay rod.

Side roll of the front suspension on some models is controlled by a spring steel stabilizer shaft. It is mounted in rubber bushings which are held to the frame side rails by brackets. The ends of the stabilizer are connected to the lower control arms by link bolts isolated by rubber grommets.