Suspension - Proper Ride Height Adjustment Suppliment

BULLETIN NUMBER:
IB00-06-S002

ISSUE DATE:
JULY 2000

GROUP:
SUSPENSION

PROPER RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

AFFECTED VEHICLES

All 1998 through 2000 Model Year Amigo, Rodeo, Trooper and VehiCROSS.

SERVICE INFORMATION

The following information can be used in conjunction with the current workshop manual or used separate for determining correct ride height. The procedure outlined below, using some simple items (that are available at your local hardware store) can aid you in a simpler method in determining the correct ride height. The following items are needed in this procedure:

^ A 15-centimeter steel pocket ruler.
^ Kite string. About three feet in length.
^ Line level
^ "Crossmark" on a nut with magnet





NOTE:
Please make reference to figures 1 and 2, for set up guidelines.

^ Glue the magnet (which can be acquired at your local hardware store) to the outside of the crosshair nut (P/N 8-97141-154-0).

^ Paint a "crossmark" on the center of the nut/magnet for reference.

To properly set vehicle height, perform the following procedures and refer to Figures 1 and 2.
^ Place the vehicle on level ground or the Alignment Rack.
^ Make certain the vehicle has the correct tire pressure.
^ Install the "crossmarked" nut onto the Lower Control Arm Bolt spinning the bolt on at least three turns.
^ Align the "crossmark" in a perfect horizontal position.
^ Place the steel ruler on the crosshair mark.
^ Tie the string to the lower ball joint nut and pull the string to the ruler until the bubble is centered in the sting level.
^ Read the measurement on the ruler.





Once the Line Level is centered, take your reading on the ruler. The correct vehicle specifications for the Amigo, Rodeo, and Trooper are as follows:

Rodeo/Amigo: 119 +/- 5 mm
Trooper: 129 +/- 5 mm
VehiCROSS: 119 +/- 5 mm

Adjust the vehicle height as outlined in the Workshop Manual. Performing the correct vehicle height inspection can often correct alignment and suspension concerns (i.e., drift, pull, and vehicle lean). Making this procedure part of the regular alignment inspection may lead to an improved vehicle handling, ride quality, and greater customer satisfaction.