Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Description and Operation: General Description
The front suspension allows each wheel to compensate for changes in the road surface without affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel independently connects to the frame with a steering knuckle, ball joint assemblies, and upper and lower control arms.
Two tie rods connect to the steering arms on the knuckles and to a steering gear.
Rear wheel drive models have a front suspension that consists of the following components:
- Control arms
- Stabilizer shaft
- Shock/Coil spring modules
The upper part of each Shock/Coil spring module bolts to the frame. Three insulators, a mounting plate and a nut secure the coil spring to the shock housing. Two bolts secure the lower part of the shock module to the lower control arm.
A spring steel stabilizer shaft controls the side roll of the front suspension. This shaft is mounted in rubber insulators that are held by clamps to the frame side rails. The ends of the stabilizer shaft connect to the lower control arms with link assemblies.
The upper ball joint assembly is integrated into the upper control arm. The assembly attaches to the steering knuckle with a prevailing torque nut.
The lower ball joint assembly is integrated into the control arm. The assembly attaches to the steering knuckle with a prevailing torque nut.
The upper and the lower control arms have pressed-in bushings. The bolts pass through the bushings and join the arms to the frame.
Ball joint assemblies have rubber grease seals. These seals prevent the entry of moisture and dirt. This prevents damage to the bearing surfaces.
Four-wheel drive models have a front suspension that consists of the following components:
- Control arms
- Stabilizer shaft
- Shock module/Shock absorbers
- Coil Springs (1500 series)
- Torsion bars (2500, 3500 series)
The upper part of each shock absorber (2500, 3500 series) extends through a frame bracket. Two insulators and a nut secure the upper part of the shock to the frame. A through bolt secures the lower part of the shock to the lower control arm.
The upper part of each shock module (1500 series) attaches to the frame by 3 nuts. The lower part of the shock module attaches to the lower control arm by 2 bolts.
A spring steel stabilizer shaft controls the side roll of the front suspension. This shaft is mounted in rubber insulators that are held by clamps to the frame side rails. The ends of the stabilizer shaft connect to the lower control arms with link assemblies.
The front end of the torsion bar attaches to the lower control arm. The rear of the torsion bar mounts into an adjustable arm at the torsion bar crossmember. This arm adjustment controls the vehicle trim height.
Both RWD and 4WD models have sealed front wheel bearings. These bearings are pre-adjusted and need no lubrication.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.