Shock absorber (front) — removal and installation
Note: Electronically controlled shock absorbers that are part of the Autohide® system must be replaced with compatible replacement shock absorbers.
1. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands, then remove the wheel.
2. Support the outer end of the lower control arm with a floor jack. The jack must remain in this position throughout the entire procedure.
3. If equipped with a ride control system, unlock and unplug the electrical connector from the top of the shock absorber.
Coil-over shock absorber models
Note: It is possible to replace the shocks or springs individually, but the unit will have to be disassembled by a qualified repair shop with the proper equipment, and this could add considerable cost to the project. Compare the cost of replacing the complete assemblies yourself to the cost of replacing individual components (with the help of a shop).
4. Remove the shock absorber assembly’s upper mounting nuts (see illustration).
2.4 Shock absorber upper mounting nuts (1500 models)
5. Working underneath the vehicle, remove the two bolts that attach the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower control arm (see illustration) and pull the shock out from below.
2.5 Shock absorber lower mounting bolts (1500 models)
6. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten the mounting fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Torsion bar models
7. Remove the two shock absorber upper mounting nuts.
8. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting nut and bolt. Note the direction in which the bolt points.
9. Remove the shock absorber.
10. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to install the lower mounting bolt so it’s pointing in the same direction as it was prior to removal. Tighten all fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
All models
11. If equipped with a suspension control system, reconnect the electrical connector to the top of the shock absorber.
12. Install the wheels and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.