Rear

Special Tools:

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.





1. Remove the hub cap and measure the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Remove both wheel and tire assemblies.
3. Remove the muffler and heat shield.





4. CAUTION: The driveshaft-to-pinion flange bolts, nuts and weighted nuts must be installed in the same locations from which they were removed.

Mark the pinion flange, the driveshaft flexible coupling and each of the three driveshaft-to-pinion flange bolts, nuts and weighted nuts with different color paint so that the driveshaft and differential may be realigned during installation.

5. CAUTION: Do not remove the flex coupling on the driveshaft flange. Make sure to remove only the driveshaft-to-pinion flange bolts and nuts.

Remove the three driveshaft-to-pinion flange bolts and nuts.





6. Support the driveshaft at the center and rear.





7. Loosen the driveshaft yoke adjuster nut.





8. Note: There are shims between the center bearing mounting bracket and the body.

Note: The shims must be installed in their original locations.

Remove the bolts and the shims.
9. Position special tool 014-00765, or equivalent, under the rear subframe.





10. WARNING: Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related components. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Do not allow the subframe to hang from the shock absorbers. The shock absorbers can be damaged. Always keep the subframe supported on the special tool.

Lower the rear subframe.

1 Note: Paint or otherwise mark the relative position of the subframe retaining bolts to the subframe bushings for assembly reference.

Remove the four subframe bolts.

2 CAUTION: To avoid damaging the Mel tank filler hose, do not lower the subframe more than specified.

Carefully lower the subframe approximately 56.25 mm (2.25 inch) using the special tool.

Note: Components must be removed from both sides of the vehicle. Only the right side is shown.





11. Remove the cap from the stabilizer link.





12. CAUTION: Do not use air tools to remove the nut. Damage to the boot can occur.

Note: To remove the nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link ball joint from turning.

Disconnect the rear stabilizer bar links from the rear stabilizer bar.
1 Remove and discard the nuts.
2 Disconnect the links from the bar.





13. Remove the stabilizer bar brackets.
1 Remove the bolts and nuts.
2 Remove the brackets.





14. Remove the stabilizer bar bushings.
15. Secure the knuckles to the subframe with mechanic's wire.





16. Disconnect the suspension upper arms from the subframe.
1 Remove and discard the nuts and bolts.
2 Disconnect the arms and rotate them out of the way.





17. Note: The stabilizer bar can be removed from either side.

Remove the stabilizer bar.

Installation

Note: Components on both sides of the vehicle must be installed or connected. Only the right side is shown.





1. Note: The stabilizer bar can be installed from either side.

Position the stabilizer bar in the vehicle.





2. Note: If the stabilizer bar bushings are badly worn or have no grease, install new bushings. Do not grease the bushings.

Install the stabilizer bar bushings.





3. Install the stabilizer bar brackets.
1 Position the brackets on the bushings.
2 Install the nuts and bolts.





4. CAUTION: The suspension upper arm and bushing must be at curb height before the nuts can be tightened. Failure to do so will result in damage to the bushings resulting in poor ride quality and handling.

Connect the suspension upper arm and bushing to the subframe.
1 Position the arm on the subframe.
2 Install new bolts and nuts. Do not tighten the nuts at this time.
5. Remove the wires holding the knuckles to the subframe.





6. CAUTION: Do not use air tools to install the nut. Damage to the boot can occur.

Note: To install the nut, first install the nut until snug using the hex holding feature. Final tighten the nut using a socket and a torque wrench.

Connect the stabilizer bar links to the stabilizer bar.
1 Connect the links to the bar.
2 Install new nuts.





7. Install the protective cap on the stabilizer bar link.





8. Secure the subframe to the body.
1 Raise the subframe using the special tool.

2 Note: Make sure the bolts are installed in the same position on the subframe bushings as they were before removal.

Install the four bolts.
9. Remove the special tool.





10. Position jack stands under the suspension lower arm and bushings and raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken during Removal, Step 1 (curb height).





11. Tighten the suspension upper arm and bushing nuts.
12. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stands.
13. Connect the driveshaft to the rear axle housing.
14. Install both wheel and tire assemblies.
15. Lower the vehicle.