B. Rivet Rear Crossmember Lateral Link Plates

NOTE:
Vehicles that have a loose lateral link plate, as determined by the inspection in Section A, require the use of a Miller Tool lateral link plate Alignment Fixture No. 8525, to align the plate locations before riveting. VERY FEW VEHICLES ARE EXPECTED TO REQUIRE PLATE ALIGNMENT. Contact the STAR Center at 1-800-850-STAR to make arrangements for use of the fixture. The fixture tool MUST be returned to the STAR Center promptly after repair.

1. For vehicles with a loose lateral link late only:





A. Mark the rear lateral link adjustment cam locations (Figure 2).

B. Remove the nut, bolt, washer and toe adjustment cam from both lateral links (Figure 2). Rotate the links down and out of the way.





C. Install the alignment fixture (obtained from the STAR Center). Install each fixture bolt/alignment pin through the lateral link bolt hole of each plate (Figure 3).

D. Drill a small hole in the crossmember that aligns with one of the three small holes in the alignment tool and then install a 1/8" screw into the crossmember. Measure the distance between the tool and crossmember at the end of the tool where both lateral link plates are still attached. Adjust the distance between the tool and crossmember at the other end of the tool by loosening or tightening the 1/8" screw until both end measurements are the same.

NOTE:
Tightly clamp the lateral link plate against the crossmember.

For all vehicles with arc welded lateral link plates (Steps 2 through 5):





2. At the corner of each plate, measure 1/2" in from the sides and 1/2" in from the top or bottom of each plate as shown in Figure 4. Mark and center punch four (4) rivet locations on each lateral link plate (Figure 4).

3. Using a 1/8 (3 mm) bit, drill a pilot hole at each of the center punched rivet locations.

NOTE:
A right angle (90°) drill must be used on the front (fuel tank) side of the crossmember.

4. Enlarge each hole using a 17/64" (7 mm) (letter size "G") drill bit.

5. Using the supplied power set riveter (W-AK175ACH), install one of the supplied structural rivets in each location -- 4 rivets per plate for all four plates (Figure 4). Make sure that there are no gaps between the plates and the crossmember. If gaps exist, the appropriate rivet must be drilled out and replaced with another rivet (two spare rivets are provided in each parts package).

IMPORTANT:
For proper power riveter operation, air pressure must be at least 90 psi. Also, do NOT depress both of the riveter triggers at the same time. Refer to the operating instructions included with the power riveter for further information.

6. For vehicles that had a loose lateral link plate only:

A. Remove the alignment fixture.

B. Reinstall the lateral links. Align the adjustment cam marks to set the cam in its original location (Figure 2). Do NOT tighten the lateral link nuts.

C. Check and reset the rear wheel TOE to the preferred specification. With the suspension supporting the total weight of the vehicle tighten the lateral link attaching nut(s) to 70 ft-lbs (95 N.m).

NOTE:
If the rear toe setting can not be adjusted to specification a larger toe adjustment range can be obtained by installing an additional alignment cam (PN 4626771) and a new lateral link (PN 4626185) on the front side of the affected lateral link bolt.