Coil spring (rear) — removal and installation
Removal
1. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands placed underneath the frame rails. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Remove the rear wheels.
2. If your vehicle is equipped with Auto- ride®, unbolt the height sensor linkage from the bracket on the trailing arm.
Note: Do not change the height sensor linkage adjustment or pry on it to detach it. Pivot the linkage up and support it to protect it from damage.
3. Support the rear axle housing with a floor jack placed underneath the differential.
4. Detach the rear axle vent hose.
5. Unbolt the track bar from the bracket on the rear axle housing (see Suspension and steering).
6. Disconnect the lower ends of the shock absorbers from the axle housing (see Shock absorber (rear) — removal and installation).
7. Slowly lower the floor jack in order to extend the coil springs. Do not exceed the slack in the flexible brake lines or any wire harnesses. Detach the hoses and wire harnesses if necessary.
8. When the coil springs are fully extended, remove the springs and insulators.
9. Check the condition of the insulators. If they’re cracked, hardened or otherwise deteriorated, replace them.
Installation
10. Place the springs and insulators in position on the axle and raise the axle until the ends of the springs engage properly with their upper mounts (an assistant would be helpful).
11. Continue to raise the axle until the shock absorbers can be connected to the axle housing. Install the bolts and nuts, tightening them to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
12. Connect the track bar to the axle, tightening the bolt to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
13. Reattach the vent hose.
14. Reconnect the brake hoses and wire harnesses, if necessary, then bleed the rear brakes (see Brakes).
15. If equipped with Autohide®, reattach the height sensor linkage.
16. Install the wheels and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in Chapter Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.