Rear Suspension: Spring: Removal

NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to SUSPENSION/REAR - WARNING) .

Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Remove both rear tire and wheel assemblies from the vehicle.

Remove the bolt securing the watts link bell crank to the center of the axle. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Rear Suspension

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ISOLATORS

2 - JOUNCE BUMPER

3 - SHOCK ABSORBER

4 - WATTS LINK (UPPER)

5 - WATTS LINK (LOWER)

6 - BELL CRANK

7 - AXLE

8 - COIL SPRING

If equipped with a rear stabilizer bar, remove the bolts securing the stabilizer bar cushion retainers to the rear axle, then remove the stabilizer bar from the axle. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Stabilizer Bar Mounting

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LINK

2 - STABILIZER BAR

3 - CUSHION

4 - RETAINER

Position a transmission jack or equivalent under the center of the axle raising it enough to support the axle.
Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and nuts at the axle. See Fig 1.
Lower the transmission jack until the coil springs can be removed from the axle.
Remove the coil springs and rubber isolators. See Fig 1.