Link, Tension: Installation
- Position the tension link into the bracket on the knuckle. Install the tension link to knuckle bolt (1). Do not tighten bolt at this time. NOTE:
This upper flange must be pointing forward in vehicle when the tension link is reinstalled.
- Position the tension link on the crossmember. Install the tension link to crossmember bolt (2). Do not tighten bolt at this time.
- Carefully raise the coil spring and shock absorber, position the shock absorber into the spring link pocket and the coil spring to the spring link and chassis.
- Install the shock absorber lower bolt (1). Do not tighten at this time .
- The rear crossmember bolts are longer than the front crossmember bolts. Install them in the original positions. Do not fully tighten bolts at this time.
- Measure distance (1) between from tension link (2) to body weld flange (3) directly in front of it, just outboard of front mount bushing (4). This distance must be at least 12 mm to allow proper clearance for suspension movement.
If distance is less than 12 mm, shift that side of rear crossmember directly rearward until distance is 12 mm or greater. To do so, loosen 3 mounting bolts slightly, leaving one on opposite side of shift snugged to pivot off of. Shift crossmember rearward and snug loosened bolts. Measure opposite side to be sure it also maintains minimum 12 mm distance.
- Tighten the rear crossmember bolts to the proper torque specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Tighten the front crossmember bolts to the proper torque specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors
- Remove the support (1) from the crossmember.
- Remove the support (1) from the rear axle differential.
- Install the rear exhaust. Refer to MUFFLER, EXHAUST, INSTALLATION .
- If removed, install fuel filler tube. Refer to TUBE, FUEL TANK FILLER, INSTALLATION
.
- Lower the vehicle until the front tires contact floor but rear tires are still suspended. Place jack stands (3) with wooden blocks (2) under each rear suspension spring link (1). Lower vehicle until the full the weight is supported by the suspension.
- Tighten the tension link to crossmember bolt to the proper torque specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Tighten the tension link to knuckle bolt to the proper torque specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Tighten the shock absorber lower bolt to the proper torque specifications. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Raise the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to INSTALLATION .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Perform wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, STANDARD PROCEDURE .








