Rear Spring - Removal

REMOVAL

1. Raise and support vehicle. Maintenance




2. Remove wheel mounting nuts (3), then tire and wheel assembly (1).
3. Position an extra pair of jack stands under and support forward end of engine cradle to help stabilize vehicle during rear suspension removal/installation.




4. Position under-hoist utility jack or transmission jack (2) under center of rear suspension crossmember (without AWD) (3) or rear driveline module (with AWD) (1). Raise jack head to contact driveline module/suspension crossmember and secure in place.




5. Remove two shock absorber (1) upper mounting bolts (2).




6. Remove shock absorber (3) lower mounting bolt (2) and nut (4).




CAUTION: When removing crossmember mounting bolts it is important NOT to loosen or remove crossmember mounting bolts on opposite side of vehicle. Doing so will require rear wheel alignment following reinstallation to ensure proper thrust angle.

7. Remove both front (4 or 5) and rear (2 or 3) crossmember (1) mounting bolts on repair-side of vehicle.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging other components of vehicle, do not lower crossmember any further than necessary to remove shock absorber or coil spring.

8. Slowly lower jack allowing repair-side of crossmember to drop. Do not lower jack at a fast rate. Lower jack just enough to allow top of shock absorber to clear body flange.




9. Remove shock absorber (2) by tipping top outward and lifting lower end out of pocket in spring link (1).
10. Remove coil spring (4) and isolator (3), lower end first. It may be necessary to lower jack a little further to allow spring removal; do not lower jack any further than necessary.