Front Suspension

NOTE: Because of the minimum clearance in this area installation of metal fasteners could damage the coil spring coating and lead to a corrosion failure of the spring. If a plastic clip is missing, or is lost or broken during servicing a vehicle, replace only with the equivalent part listed in the Mopar (R) parts catalog.

This vehicle's front suspension is a short long arm design used in conjunction with a gas pressurized shock absorber and coil spring assembly.

The upper control arm of the vehicle is mounted using rubber isolation bushings to an aluminum casting which is attached to the shock tower using 4 mounting bolts. This aluminum casting is also used as the upper mount for the front shock/coil spring assembly. The shock absorber assembly is also isolated from the aluminum bracket using a 2 piece rubber bushing design. The lower control arm is mounted to the vehicle's front suspension crossmember using 2 through bolts per control arm. The lower control arm is also isolated from the vehicle using 2 rubber bushings of unique design for the front and rear mounting location. The bottom of the shock absorber is mounted to the lower control arm by a clevis bracket which is part of the shock absorber assembly. The clevis bracket is mounted to and isolated from the lower control arm using a rubber isolation bushing and a through-bolt. The front steering knuckle is mounted to the vehicle by a ball joint located in the upper and lower control arms. Steering of the vehicle is provided by a rack and pinion steering gear which is connected directly to the steering knuckle by an outer tie rod.

The front shock absorber assembly includes the following components: A rubber isolated top mount, an upper spring seat, upper control arm/shock absorber bracket, jounce bumper, dust shield, coil spring, lower spring seat and the shock absorber clevis bracket.

A sealed for life front hub and bearing assembly is attached to the front steering knuckle. The outer CIV joint assembly is splined to the front hub and bearing assembly and is retained by a nut, nut retainer and cotter pin.

CAUTION: ONLY FRAME CONTACT HOISTING EQUIPMENT CAN BE USED ON THIS VEHICLE. All vehicles have a fully independent rear suspension. The vehicles can not be hoisted using equipment designed to lift a vehicle by the rear axle. If this type of hoisting equipment is used, damage to rear suspension components will occur.