Front Suspension

FRONT SUSPENSION

SHOCK ASSEMBLY

DESCRIPTION
The front shock assembly and suspension of the vehicle is supported by coil springs positioned around shock absorbers. The springs are contained between an upper seat located in the upper mounting bracket and a lower spring seat on the shock absorber.

The top of each shock absorber is bolted to a cast shock absorber/upper control arm bracket which is bolted to the shock tower of the vehicle using four mounting bolts.

The bottom of the shock absorber attaches to a clevis bracket using a pinch bolt. The clevis bracket attaches to the lower control arm of the vehicle using a through-bolt and prevailing torque nut.

If shock absorbers require replacement, be sure that they are replaced with shock absorbers meeting the correct specifications for the particular vehicle.

A coil spring is housed within each shock assembly. Coil springs are rated separately for each corner or side of the vehicle depending on optional equipment and type of vehicle service. If the coil springs require replacement, be sure that the springs needing replacement, are replaced with springs meeting the correct load rating and spring rate for the vehicle and its specific options.

Fig.37 Shock Assembly Components:

The components of the shock assembly listed are serviceable if found to be defective (Fig. 37):
- Upper mounting bracket
- Upper spring isolator
- Dust shield
- Cup
- Jounce bumper
- Coil spring
- Shock absorber
- Lower spring isolator

The shock absorber/upper control arm mounting bracket also provides a pivotal mounting point for the upper control arm.

OPERATION
The shock absorber assembly cushions the ride of the vehicle, controlling vibration, and jounce and rebound of the suspension.

The coil spring controls ride quality and maintains proper ride height.

The spring isolators isolate the coil spring at the top and bottom from coming into metal-to-metal contact with the upper mounting bracket and shock absorber.

The jounce bumper and cup limit suspension travel and metal-to-metal contact under full jounce condition.

The shock absorber dampens jounce and rebound motions of the coil spring and suspension.