(1) Install the trailing arm to the mounting
bracket so the length-wise opening in the arm points
downward. Align the plane of the arm at a 5 degree
angle to the mounting bracket, mounting surface (to
the vehicle) (Fig. 29). This can be accomplished by
using a simple magnetic base protractor (Fig. 29).
Verify the mounting bracket is level, then rotate the
trailing arm until 5 degrees is measured (Fig. 29).
This angle is important to set, so the bushing is
not contorted when the vehicle is at normal
riding height. Tighten the attaching bolt and nut to
a torque of 100 N·m (75 ft. lbs.). This bolt cannot
be tightened once mounted on the vehicle.
(2) Position the trailing arm and forward mount-
ing bracket into the vehicle. Attach to frame rail and
torque box with the 4 attaching bolts (Fig. 28).
Tighten the attaching bolts to 60 N·m (45 ft. lbs.).
(3)
Install bolt attaching trailing arm to trailing
arm bracket on bottom of spindle (Fig. 27). Do not
fully tighten attaching bolt at this time.
(4) Install wheel and tire assembly on vehicle.
Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specifica-
tion. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full
specified torque of 129 N·m (95 ft. lbs.).
(5) Lower vehicle to the ground.
(6) Tighten the trailing arm to spindle bracket
attaching bolt to a torque of 100 N·m (75 ft. lbs.).
(7) Check and reset rear wheel TOE to specifica-
tions if required.
REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
This vehicle is equipped with a aluminum alloy
rear suspension crossmember that spans the distance
between the rear frame rails. It is isolated from the
frame rails with the use of rubber isolator bushings.
These bushings may be replaced separately.
REMOVE
(1) Open the fuel filler door. Remove the 3 fuel
filler neck attaching screws. Remove the fuel filler
cap.
(2) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual, for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(3)
Remove both rear wheel and tire assemblies
from the vehicle.
(4) Remove the nut and bolt attaching each of the
4 lateral links to the crossmember (Fig. 30). The
bolt for the left front lateral link may not be
removed at this time. Remove the nut only.
Once the crossmember is lowered, the bolt can
be easily removed (Fig. 30). Notice the forward
attaching bolts face rearward.
CAUTION: The bolts attaching the forward lateral
links to the crossmember must be installed with the
bolts pointing rearward (Fig. 30) to prevent damage
to the fuel tank and or fuel tubes in case of an acci-
dent. The bolt attaching the left rear lateral link
must be installed with the bolt pointing forward to
prevent damage to the fuel filler tube.
Fig. 28 Mounting Bracket Attachment
Fig. 29 Trailing Arm Mounting Angle
Fig. 30 Lateral Link Attachment To Crossmember
2 - 50
SUSPENSION
300M
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)