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Front Suspension: Other Dodge Durango II

Suspension Front 14 illustrations ~1327 words

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.

LARGE BUSHING FRONT PART OF THE CONTROL ARM

  1. Install the bushing tools C4212-F (Press)(1), (9334-4 (Driver)(2), 9334-6 (Spacer)(4) and 9334-5 (Receiver)(5) as shown for the replacement of the large bushing (3).

Scheme 43

Scheme 43: SMALL BUSHING TORSION BAR SIDE
Scheme 43: SMALL BUSHING TORSION BAR SIDE
  1. Install bushing remover tools C4212-F (Press)(1), 9334-4 (Driver)(2), 9334-6 (Spacer)(5) and 9334-5 (Receiver)(6) as shown for the small bushing (3) removal.

Scheme 44

Scheme 44: TORSION BAR CROSSMEMBER BUSHING
Scheme 44: TORSION BAR CROSSMEMBER BUSHING
  1. Remove the torsion bar cross member (Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-212818-S30987455322005122700000) ).
  2. Secure the cross member 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 C4212-F (Press)(1), 9335-2 (Reciever)(4), 9335-3 (Driver)(2) and 9335-4 (Spac-er)(3) as shown in the graphic.
  4. Press out the bushing.

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.

Scheme 45

Scheme 45: LARGE BUSHING FRONT PART OF THE CONTROL ARM
Scheme 45: LARGE BUSHING FRONT PART OF THE CONTROL ARM
  1. Install the new bushing (4) into the control arm (3) using special tools C4212-F (Press)(1), 9334-3 (Bushing installation depth spacer)(2), 9334-1 (driver)(5) as shown.

Scheme 46

Scheme 46: SMALL BUSHING TORSION BAR SIDE
Scheme 46: SMALL BUSHING TORSION BAR SIDE
  1. Install the new bushing (4) into the lower control arm (3) using tools C4212-F (Press)(1), 9334-3 (Bushing installation depth spacer), 9334-2 (Driver) as shown.
  2. Remove the control arm from the vise.
  3. Install the lower control arm (Refer to - «INSTALLATION»(ref-212732-S15610124112005122700000) ).
  4. Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to «RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(ref-167530-S18062044822004101500000) ).
  5. Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to «STANDARD PROCEDURE -- WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(ref-167530-S02537233552004101500000) ).

TORSION BAR CROSS MEMBER BUSHING

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.

Scheme 47

Scheme 47: TORSION BAR CROSS MEMBER BUSHING
Scheme 47: TORSION BAR CROSS MEMBER BUSHING
  1. Install the new bushing (3) into the cross member using special tools C4212-F (Press)(1), 9335-3(Driver)(2), 9335-4 (Spacer)(4) and 9335-1 (Depth setting cup)(5) making sure to properly orient the bushing.
  2. Remove the cross member from the vise.
  3. Install the torsion bar cross member (Refer to «INSTALLATION»(ref-212818-S08490610242005122700000) ).
  4. Reset the vehicle ride height (Refer to «RIDE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT»(ref-167530-S18062044822004101500000) ).
  5. Perform a wheel alignment (Refer to «STANDARD PROCEDURE -- WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(ref-167530-S02537233552004101500000) ).

Scheme 48

Scheme 48: REMOVAL
Scheme 48: REMOVAL

Scheme 49

Scheme 49
Scheme 49

Scheme 50

Scheme 50
Scheme 50
  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
  3. Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-163273-S19296389592004062400000) - ).
  4. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped, (Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-212744-S15451019422005122700000) - ).
  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. Remove the tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod (2) from the knuckle using special tool 8677 (1).
  7. Remove the upper ball joint nut and separate the upper ball joint (1) from the knuckle (3) using special tool 8677 (2).
  8. Pull down on the steering knuckle to separate the halfshaft from the hub/bearing. 4X4 only
  9. Remove the three hub/bearing mounting bolts (1) from the steering knuckle.
  10. Slide the hub/bearing out of the steering knuckle.
  11. Remove the brake dust shield.

Scheme 51

Scheme 51: INSTALLATION
Scheme 51: INSTALLATION
  1. Install the brake dust shield (2).
  2. Install the hub/bearing (1) into the steering knuckle (3) and tighten the bolts (5) to 163 N.m (120 ft. lbs.).
  3. Install the brake rotor and caliper (Refer to «INSTALLATION»(ref-163273-S01489549022004062400000) - INSTALLATION ).
  4. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor (4) if equipped (Refer to «INSTALLATION»(ref-212744-S13614586682005122700000) - INSTALLATION ).
  5. Install the upper ball joint nut to the steering knuckle and tighten to 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.).
  6. Install the tie rod end nut to the steering knuckle and tighten to 81 N.m (60 ft. lbs.).
  7. Install the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251 N.m (185 ft. lbs.) 4X4 only.
  8. Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to «STANDARD PROCEDURE»(ref-212834-S09740312592005122700000) - ).
  9. Remove the support and lower vehicle.

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 and then zero the dial indicator.
  3. Position the indicator plunger against the bottom surface of the steering knuckle. NOTE: The dial indicator plunger must be perpendicular to the machined surface of the steering knuckle.
  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 (Refer to - «REMOVAL»(ref-212732-S06077455782005122700000) ).

Scheme 52

Scheme 52: REMOVAL
Scheme 52: REMOVAL

Scheme 53

Scheme 53
Scheme 53

Scheme 54

Scheme 54
Scheme 54
  1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
  2. Remove the brake caliper and rotor (Refer to - «REMOVAL»(ref-163273-S19296389592004062400000) ).
  3. Disconnect the tie rod (1) from the steering knuckle using special tool 8677 (1)(Refer to - «REMOVAL - OUTER TIE ROD END»(ref-212825-S28269917502005122700000) ).
  4. Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle (1) using special tool 8677 (2).
  5. Remove the steering knuckle (Refer to - «REMOVAL»(ref-212732-S30213952802005122700000) ).
  6. Move the halfshaft to the side and support the half-shaft out of the way 4X4 only.
  7. Chisel out the ball joint stakes. 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.
  8. Press the ball joint from the lower control arm (3) using special tools C-4212-F (PRESS) (1), 9331-1 (Driver) (2) and 9331-2 (Receiver) (4).

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 squeaking 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.

The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjustable. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in an upright position and force the piston in and out of the cylinder four or five times. The action throughout each stroke should be smooth and even.

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 55

Scheme 55: REMOVAL
Scheme 55: REMOVAL
  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
  3. Support the lower control arm outboard end.
  4. Remove the upper shock bolt (11) and nut (3).
  5. Remove the stabilizer link (7) lower nut and then separate the stabilizer link from the lower control arm to gain access to the lower shock bolt (2) (Refer to - «REMOVAL»(ref-212732-S13358323842005122700000) ).
  6. Remove the lower shock bolt (2).
  7. Remove the shock (1).

Scheme 56

Scheme 56: INSTALLATION
Scheme 56: INSTALLATION
  1. Install the upper part of the shock (1) into the frame bracket.
  2. Install the nut (3) and bolt (11). Tighten to 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.).
  3. Install the lower part of the shock (1) into the lower control arm and Tighten the bolt (2) to 81 N.m (60 ft. lbs.).
  4. Install the stabilizer link (7) lower nut to the lower control arm (Refer to - «INSTALLATION»(ref-212732-S33191043922005122700000) ).
  5. Remove the support from the lower control arm outboard end.
  6. Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to - «WHEEL INSTALLATION»(ref-212834-S35188437942005122700000) ).
  7. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

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