Description And Operation: General Description
The rear axle (1) attaches to the vehicle with a link suspension system. See Fig 1. The rear axle housing connects to the floor panel (2) by two lower control arms (3) and a track bar (4). See Fig 1. A single torque arm (5) is used in place of an upper control arm. The torque arm (5) rigidly mounts to the rear axle housing at the rear. The torque arm (5) mounts through a torque arm bushing (6) at the front. See Fig 1. On some vehicles, the torque arm (5) also mounts to the two piece propeller shaft center support bearing (7) with two bolts. See Fig 1. The rear springs (8) support the weight of the vehicle. The rear shock absorbers (9) mount to the rear of the axle housing and provide ride control. See Fig 1. A rear stabilizer shaft (10) is also part of the suspension system. The rear shock absorbers (9) mount at the bottom with a nut to brackets (11) welded to the rear of the rear axle housing and also mount at the top of the floor panel (2) with a nut. See Fig 1. The only service that the rear shock absorbers require is replacement for the loss of resistance and damage or leaking fluid. For rear shock absorber diagnosis, refer to STRUTS OR SHOCK ABSORBERS ON-VEHICLE TESTING in SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS .