Rear Suspension: Link-Watts: Installation: Upper

CAUTION: When installing the link, DO NOT attempt to turn the ball joint end of the link independently.

Fig 1: WATTS LINK TO BODY ATTACHING POINTS

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1. Insert the upper link (3) into the body bracket (7). See Fig 1. Make sure the ball joint end is positioned properly for mounting to the bell crank. 
2. Install the bolt (1) and flag nut (2) securing the link to the bracket. See Fig 1. Do not fully tighten at this time. 
   Fig 2: Bell Crank

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - INSTALLATION DIRECTION

   CAUTION: Although both ends of the bell crank appear to be the same, they are not. When installing the watts links or bell crank, make sure the bell crank is properly positioned. When mounted properly, the words "BACK UP" (1) should be able to be read from the rear over the top of the axle. If the words cannot be read at this position, the bell crank must be removed and reinstalled so that the words "BACK UP" can be read on the upper rear of the bell crank once installed.
   Fig 3: Watts Linkage System

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
   CAUTION: When installing and tightening the watts link ball joint nut in the following step, DO NOT allow the stud to rotate. If the stud spins in its socket, damage to the joint can occur.
3. Attach the upper link (3) to the bell crank (9). Install the cap (4), and nut (5) on the ball joint stud. While holding the ball joint stud from turning, tighten the nut to 14 N.m (10 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 180° turn after torque is met.
4. Install the cap (6) on the ball joint nut (5).
5. Lower the vehicle.
   Fig 4: WATTS LINK TO BODY ATTACHING POINTS

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
6. Place the vehicle on an alignment rack or drive-on hoist.
7. With the suspension at curb height, tighten the link mounting bolt (1) at the body bracket (7) to 92 N.m (68 ft. lbs.).