Front Suspension: Other Dodge Dakota III рестайлинг

CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

The wheel alignment is to be checked and all alignment adjustments made with the vehicle at its required curb height specification.

Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended pressure. All tires are to be the same size as standard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage compartment load.

Inspect the vehicle for bent or weak suspension components. Compare the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring is weak.

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

1. Front - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance from the center of the rear lower control arm bolt (1) to the ground (2) Record the measurement . Next measure the distance from the spindle center (3) to the ground (4) Record the measurement.
2. Take the two measurements and subract them to get the ride height specification.
3. Rear - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance at the axle tube (1) to the jounce bumper flange (2).
4. Compare the measurements to the specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart.

CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 31

SUSPENSION HEIGHT MESUREMENT MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AN ALIGNMENT.

The wheel toe position adjustment is the final adjustment.

1. Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Loosen the tie rod jam nuts (3). NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for one-half of the total toe position specification. This will ensure the steering wheel will be centered when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
3. Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the inner tie rod (4) as necessary.
4. Tighten the tie rod jam nut (3) to 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.).
5. Verify the specifications.
6. Turn off engine.

CASTER

Moving the rear position of the lower control arm at the frame in or out, will change the caster angle significantly and camber angle only slightly. To maintain the camber angle while adjusting caster, move the rear of the lower control arm in or out. Then move the front of the lower control arm slightly in the opposite direction.

CAMBER

Move both the front and rear of the lower control arm together in or out. This will change the camber angle significantly and caster angle slightly.

After adjustment is made tighten the lower control arm bolt AND nuts to 142N.m (105 ft. lbs.).

REAR

The front suspension is designed to allow each wheel to adapt to different road surfaces independently. The wheels are mounted to hub/bearings units bolted to the steering knuckle. The double-row hub bearings are sealed and lubricated for life. The steering knuckles turn (pivot) on ball joints.

The front suspension is comprised of

1. Shock absorbers
2. Control arms
3. Steering knuckles
4. Stabilizer bar
5. Stabilizer link
6. Tie Rod Ends
7. Hub/Bearing
8. Rack AND Pinion
9. Ball Joints

Note. Components attached with a nut must be torqued to specification.

Note. Suspension components with rubber/urethane bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur.

CONTROL ARMS

The lower control arms bolt to the lower frame brackets and pivots through bushings. The frame brackets have slotted holes which allow the arms to be adjusted for caster and camber.

The control arms have lube for life ball studs. The control arm travel (jounce) is limited through the use of rubber/urethane bumpers. Rebound travel is limited by the shock absorber.

LOWER BALL JOINT

Note. If the ball joint is equipped with a lubrication fitting, grease the joint then road test the vehicle before performing test.

1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
2. Mount a dial indicator solidly to the topside of the lower control arm. NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the steering knuckle.
3. Position the indicator plunger against the bottom surface of the steering knuckle, and then zero the dial indicator.
4. Position a pry bar under the tire assembly. Pry upwards on the tire assembly.
5. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the lower ball joint. See «Front Suspension/Front/BALL JOINT, Suspension - Removal»(ref-352625-S07486672492010010600000) .

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
2. Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «Brakes/Hydraulic/Mechanical/ROTOR, Brake - Removal»(ref-352626-S16824195272010010600000) .
3. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nut (1) from the knuckle (5).
4. Separate the tie rod (2) from the steering knuckle using puller C-3894-A (1). Refer to «Steering/Linkage/END, Tie Rod - Removal»(ref-352627-S31819065002010010600000) .
5. Remove the upper ball joint nut, then separate the upper ball joint (1) from the knuckle (3) using puller 8677 (2).
6. Remove the lower ball joint nut, then separate the lower ball joint (3) from the steering knuckle (1) using puller 8677 (2).
7. Remove the steering knuckle. See «Front Suspension/Front/KNUCKLE, Steering - Removal»(ref-352625-S34563634242010010600000) .
8. Move the halfshaft to the side and support the halfshaft out of the way 4X4 only .
9. Remove the snap ring (3) from the ball joint flange (2). NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.
10. Press the ball joint (3) from the lower control arm (4) using special tools C-4212F (PRESS) (1), 8445-3 (Driver) (2) and 9604 (Receiver) (5).

Scheme 35

Note. Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.

1. Install the ball joint (3) into the control arm and press in using special tools C-4212F (press) (1), 8441-4 (Receiver) (2) and 9654-1 (Driver) (4).
2. Install the snap ring (3) around the ball joint flange (2).
3. Remove the support for the halfshaft and install into position 4X4 only .
4. Install the steering knuckle. See «Front Suspension/Front/KNUCKLE, Steering - Installation»(ref-352625-S38268155552010010600000) .
5. Install the tie rod end (2) into the steering knuckle (5), then install the retaining nut (1) and tighten to 108 N.m (80 ft. lbs.). Refer to «Steering/Linkage/END, Tie Rod - Installation»(ref-352627-S29189887272010010600000) .
6. Install and tighten the halfshaft nut to 251 N.m (185 ft. lbs.). (If Equipped).
7. Install the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «Brakes/Hydraulic/Mechanical/ROTOR, Brake - Installation»(ref-352626-S10595474172010010600000) .
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tires and Wheels/Wheels - Standard Procedure»(ref-352628-S00558107832010010600000) .
9. Check the vehicle ride height. See «Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Standard Procedure»(ref-352625-S04716679742010010600000) .
10. Perform a wheel alignment. See «Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Standard Procedure»(ref-352625-S04716679742010010600000) .

Scheme 36

1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety floor stands under both lower control arms as far outboard as possible. Lower the vehicle to allow the stands to support some or all of the vehicle weight.
2. Remove the front tires.
3. Mount a dial indicator (1) solidly to the frame. NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the ball joint.
4. Position dial indicator plunger on the topside of the upper ball joint (5), and then zero the dial indicator. NOTE: Use care not to pry or tear the ball joint boot, when checking the free play.
5. Position a pry bar (3) between the steering knuckle (4) and the upper control arm (2). Pry upwards on the upper control arm.
6. If the travel exceeds 0.5 mm (0.020 in.), replace the upper control arm since the upper ball joint is integral to the arm. See «Front Suspension/Front/ARM, Upper Control - Removal»(ref-352625-S12921545912010010600000) .
7. If the upper ball joint is within specs reinstall the front tires. Refer to «Tires and Wheels/Wheels - Standard Procedure»(ref-352628-S00558107832010010600000) .

LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING

Scheme 37

1. Remove the lower control arm (6). See «Front Suspension/Front/ARM, Lower Control - Removal»(ref-352625-S08892198412010010600000) .
2. Secure the control arm in a vise. NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.
3. Install special tools C-4212F (press) (1), 9334-5 (Receiver) (2), 9603-3 (Driver) (5) to press the bushing out of the lower control arm.

Scheme 38

1. Remove the upper control arm (4). See «Front Suspension/Front/ARM, Upper Control - Removal»(ref-352625-S12921545912010010600000) .
2. Secure the control arm in a vise (7). NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.
3. Install special tools C-4212F (press) (6), 6761(Receiver) (1), 9601-2 (Reaction Plate) (2), 9601-1 (Driver) (5) to press the bushing (3) out of the upper control arm (4).

Scheme 39

1. Remove the shock. See «Front Suspension/Front/SHOCK ABSORBER, Suspension - Removal»(ref-352625-S36599502052010010600000) . NOTE: Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.
2. Install special tools to press the bushing (3) out of the lower control arm (4) using special tools C-4212F (Press) (1), 9653-1 (driver) (4) and 9653-2 (Receiver) (5).

Scheme 40

1. Install the new bushing (4) into the lower control arm (3) using tools C-4212F (Press) (1), 9603-2 (Depth Gauge) (2), 9603-1 (Driver) (5). 1 - UPPER CONTROL ARM 2 - UPPER BOLT 3 - LOWER BOLT 4 - WASHER 5 - NUT 6 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
2. Remove the control arm from the vise.
3. Install the lower control arm (6). See «Front Suspension/Front/ARM, Lower Control - Installation»(ref-352625-S07431433712010010600000) .
4. Reset the vehicle ride height. See «Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Standard Procedure»(ref-352625-S04716679742010010600000) .
5. Perform a wheel alignment. See «Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Standard Procedure»(ref-352625-S04716679742010010600000) .

Scheme 41

1. Install the new bushing (2) into the lower control (3) arm using tools C-4212F (Press) (5), 9601-3 (Depth Gauge) (4), 9601-4 (Driver) (1).
2. Remove the control arm from the vise (6).
3. Install the upper control arm (4). See «Front Suspension/Front/ARM, Upper Control - Installation»(ref-352625-S39190336412010010600000) .
4. Reset the vehicle ride height. See «Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Standard Procedure»(ref-352625-S04716679742010010600000) .
5. Perform a wheel alignment. See «Front Suspension/Wheel Alignment - Standard Procedure»(ref-352625-S04716679742010010600000) .

Scheme 42

Note. Extreme pressure lubrication must be used on the threaded portions of the tool. This will increase the longevity of the tool and insure proper operation during the removal and installation process.

1. Install the new shock bushing (4) into the lower control arm (3) using tools C-4212F (Press) (1), 9653-3 (driver) (5), 9602 (Depth gauge) (2) the depth gauge will automatically set the depth of the bushing (4) in the control arm (3).
2. Install the shock. See «Front Suspension/Front/SHOCK ABSORBER, Suspension - Installation»(ref-352625-S06261039222010010600000) .

Scheme 43

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «Brakes/Hydraulic/Mechanical/ROTOR, Brake - Removal»(ref-352626-S16824195272010010600000) .
4. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped. Refer to «Brakes/Electrical/SENSOR, Wheel Speed - Removal»(ref-352629-S29546426292010010600000) .
5. Remove the halfshaft nut 4X4 only . NOTE: Do not strike the knuckle with a hammer to remove the tie rod end or the ball joint. Damage to the steering knuckle will occur.
6. Pull down on the steering knuckle to separate the halfshaft from the hub/bearing. 4X4 only
7. Remove the three hub/bearing mounting bolts (3) from the steering knuckle (4).
8. Slide the hub/bearing (1) out of the steering knuckle (4).
9. Remove the brake dust shield (5).

SHOCK

A knocking or rattling noise from a shock absorber may be caused by movement between mounting bushings and metal brackets or attaching components. These noises can usually be stopped by tightening the attaching nuts. If the noise persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and attaching components. Repair as necessary if any of these conditions exist.

A squeal noise from the shock absorber may be caused by the hydraulic valving and may be intermittent. This condition is not repairable and the shock absorber must be replaced.

A squeak or creak noise coming from the shock area may be related to any of the suspension components or mounts, but not necessarily the shock.

Note. When inspecting the shock absorber, do not clamp the body or the piston rod.

Note. Monotube shock absorber compression forces will be much higher than standard shock absorbers.

The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjustable. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber must be replaced. To check a shock absorber, grasp the tube and invert the shock so the piston rod touches the ground, then compress the shock four or five times. The action throughout each stroke should be smooth and even, and the piston rod should extend from the shock on its own.

The shock absorber bushings do not require any type of lubrication. Do not attempt to stop bushing noise by lubricating them. Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will deteriorate the bushing.

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

1. Remove the upper shock nuts (1).
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
4. Remove the disc brake caliper mounting bolts.
5. Remove the wheel speed sensor routing clip.
6. Remove the upper ball joint nut and separate the ball joint (1) from the knuckle (3) using special tool 8677 (2).
7. Support the lower control arm outboard end.
8. Remove the stabilizer link lower nut (5) and then separate the stabilizer link (1) from the lower control arm (6) to gain access to the lower shock nut (3). See «Front Suspension/Front/LINK, Stabilizer Bar - Removal»(ref-352625-S32515934402010010600000) .
9. Remove the lower shock bolt (4) and nut (3).
10. Remove the shock (2).