REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

See Figures 1 through 6

  1. Remove the hubcap and loosen the lug nuts.
    2.  
  2. Jack up the rear axle housing and support the frame (not rear axle housing) with jackstands. Leave the jack in place under the rear axle housing.
    3.  


CAUTION
Support the car securely. Remember; you will be working underneath it.

  1. Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
    2.  
  2. Unfasten the lower shock absorber end.
    3.  



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Fig. Fig. 1: Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and nut

  1. Remove the bolts retaining the stabilizer bar bracket to the rear axle housing.
    2.  



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Fig. Fig. 2: Unbolt the rear stabilizer bar bracket

  1. Remove lateral control rod, disconnect the rod from the rear axle housing.
    2.  



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Fig. Fig. 3: Remove the nut holding the lateral control rod to the axle housing

  1. Slowly lower the jack under the rear axle housing until the axle is at the bottom of its travel.
    2.  



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Fig. Fig. 4: Carefully lower the rear axle housing

  1. Withdraw the coil spring, complete with its insulator.
    2.  



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Fig. Fig. 5: Pull the coil spring out with the upper and lower insulators attached

  1. Inspect the coil spring and insulator for wear and cracks, or weakness; replace either or both as necessary.
    2.  
  2. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal procedure (install the lower insulator or spring seat in the correct position). Tighten shock absorber mounting nut to 27 ft. lbs. (36 Nm). When reconnecting the lateral control rod, tighten the bolt finger tight. Install the stabilizer brackets to the rear axle housing. Install the wheels, then lower the vehicle. Bounce it a few times to stabilize the rear suspension. Raise the rear axle housing until the body is free and then tighten the nut to 47 ft. lbs. (64 Nm).
    3.  



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Fig. Fig. 6: Stabilize the suspension by bouncing the car up and down several times