Assembly - Shock Assembly

For the disassembly and assembly of the shock assembly, use strut spring compressor Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equivalent, to compress the coil spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.

1. Install the upper coil spring isolator on the upper (shock absorber/upper control arm) mounting bracket. See Figure.
   CAUTION: The top and bottom shock absorber rod isolator bushings are unique to the position which they are installed on the rod. When installing the bushings on the rod, attention must be paid to their location so they are installed correctly. See Fig 1.
   Fig 1: Shock Absorber Rod Bushing Identification (Typical)

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - INSTALL ON SHOCK ABSORBER ROD IN THIS DIRECTION

   2 - SHOCK ABSORBER ROD UPPER ISOLATOR BUSHING

   3 - INSTALL ON SHOCK ABSORBER ROD IN THIS DIRECTION

   4 - SHOCK ABSORBER ROD LOWER ISOLATOR BUSHING

2. Install the sleeve into the lower shock absorber rod isolator bushing. See Figure. Install the shock absorber rod lower isolator bushing and sleeve in the bottom of the upper (shock absorber/upper control arm) mounting bracket as shown. See Figure. From the top, install the shock absorber rod upper isolator bushing into the center of the upper mounting bracket over the sleeve protruding from the lower isolator bushing. See Figure. The smaller end of each bushing is to face away from the upper mounting bracket once installed.
3. Place the lower end (smaller diameter) of the coil spring in the spring compressor supported by the lower hooks, following the manufacturer's instructions. Position the coil spring lower end tip at the position it was at before coil spring removal from the compressor as noted in step  8 of DISASSEMBLY (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - DISASSEMBLY) . Proper orientation of the spring in the compressor is necessary for proper alignment of all shock assembly components.
4. Place the dust shield and cup inside the coil spring. See Figure. Secure the lower shock rod bushing retainer washer over the cup.
5. Install the upper (shock absorber/upper control arm) mounting bracket on top of the coil spring matching the coil spring tip to the built-in step in the isolator on the upper mounting bracket. Position the upper control arm ball joint so it lies directly below the front upper hook as shown. See Figure.
6. Position the upper hooks on top of the upper mounting bracket as shown. See Figure.
7. Compress the coil spring.
8. Install the lower spring isolator on the lower spring seat of the shock absorber. See Figure. When installing the spring isolator, be sure the isolator sets in the notch made for the lower coil spring end.
9. Install the jounce bumper on the shock rod. See Fig 2. Install the jounce bumper with the pointed end pointing downward.
   Fig 2: Jounce Bumper Installation

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - JOUNCE BUMPER

   2 - SHOCK ABSORBER ROD

   3 - SHOCK ABSORBER

10. Install the collar, undercut side facing down, on the rod of the shock absorber. See Fig 3. Be sure the collar is positioned squarely on the step of the shock absorber rod.
    Fig 3: Shock Absorber Rod Collar Installation

    Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

    1 - COLLAR

    2 - UNDERCUT

    3 - SHOCK ABSORBER ROD STEP

11. If the dust shield was removed from the coil spring with the shock assembly and the coil spring was not removed from the compressor, install the dust shield and cup onto the shock rod until the cup contacts the collar just installed. The dust boot will snap over the jounce bumper. Install the lower shock rod bushing retainer washer. See Figure.
12. Install the shock through the bottom of the coil spring (and dust boot, cup and retainer washer as necessary) until the lower spring seat contacts the lower end of the coil spring. The lower coil spring end should set into the notch of the shock absorber lower seat and isolator. Install the clamp temporarily securing the shock absorber to the coil spring. See Figure.
13. Install the upper shock rod bushing retainer washer. Make sure the concave side is facing up.
14. Install the shock assembly retainer nut. Hold the shock rod from rotating using special socket Snap-On A136(R), or an equivalent, and tighten the retainer nut using a crow foot wrench (on the end of a torque wrench and extension) to a torque of 55 N.m (40 ft. lbs.). See Figure.
15. Slowly release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor drive fully. As the tension is relieved, make sure the upper mounting bracket, isolator, and coil spring align properly. Remove the clamp from the lower end of the coil spring and shock. Push back the spring compressor upper and lower hooks, then remove the shock assembly from the spring compressor.
16. Install shock assembly on the vehicle. (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT/SHOCK - INSTALLATION)