Damping
Always replace coil springs in pairs across the same axle to maintain uniform vehicle ride height and ensure symmetrical suspension dynamics.
Use a high-quality hydraulic coil spring compressor and verify that the safety locks are fully engaged before compressing.
Inspect rubber seats and insulators. Replace them if worn to prevent annoying metal-on-metal contact noises.
Replace shock mounts whenever installing new shock absorbers. Mount rubber undergoes invisible fatigue that reduces damping capacity and causes metallic clunking.
Verify mount orientation if it has alignment or offset markings (integrated camber/caster). Worn or reversed mounts will alter steering geometry.
Perform final tightening of the shock center rod nut only when the vehicle rests on the ground with its full weight.
Thoroughly clean the chrome shock absorber rod before installing the new dust boot to prevent abrasive particles from damaging the oil seal.
Ensure the dust cover fits snugly and is secured in its mounting slots so it does not shift during compression and extension cycles.
Inspect and clean small ventilation holes on the dust cover to allow free airflow and prevent vacuum effects during operation.
Steering
Inspect idler and Pitman arms for play in ball joints or worn bushings before performing steering alignment.
Use appropriate tapered separator tools during disassembly to avoid damaging steering stud threads.
Count the exact number of turns when unscrewing the old tie rod end to install the new one in the same relative position, securing basic temporary alignment for the drive to the alignment shop.
Never use pneumatic or electric impact wrenches to tighten the tapered stud nut; this can spin the stud internally, damage Teflon seats, or strip threads.
Verify that the steering rack tie rod locking jam nut is securely tightened to prevent alignment drift during driving.
Clean internal adjusting sleeve threads thoroughly and apply anti-seize lubricant to facilitate future alignment adjustments.
Ensure locking clamps are correctly oriented and tightened to manufacturer torque specifications.
Suspension & front axle
Use a hydraulic press and matching adapter sleeves that apply force only to the outer metal shell of the bushing to avoid tearing or deforming the rubber body.
Do not apply petroleum-based grease or lubricants to natural rubber bushings as they degrade the material. Use silicone lubricant only if specified by the manual.
Verify the exact angular orientation of the bushing before pressing it in; many bushings have specific voids designed to flex in a particular direction.
Never tighten control arm bolts while the vehicle is raised. Perform final torquing only when the vehicle rests on its wheels at normal ride height to avoid pre-tensioning and premature bushing failure.
Mark alignment eccentric bolt positions before disassembly to maintain a rough base alignment before professional, mandatory alignment.
Thoroughly clean chassis mounting points with a wire brush to remove rust and dirt, ensuring a perfect seat for the new part.
Use a professional ball joint separator tool. Avoid heavy hammer blows or wedges that can easily damage the rubber dust boot or knuckle.
Ensure the rubber boot is not pinched or twisted after installation. Any tear will allow water and dust ingress, rapidly destroying the joint.
Always use the new cotter pins and self-locking nuts supplied in the kit. Never reuse worn fasteners on critical safety components.
Install and tighten sway bar links with the vehicle level and both wheels resting. Tightening them with the axle twisted or jacked on one side leaves the link under constant tension, accelerating wear.
Prevent the ball stud from spinning while tightening the nut. Use an Allen key or wrench on the dedicated flat spots on the stud to lock rotation.
Do not over-torque link nuts. Strictly follow the manufacturer specifications to avoid deforming polyurethane or rubber bushings.
Clean the sway bar contact area with fine sandpaper to remove rust and dirt accumulation before installing new bushings.
Never apply lithium or mineral grease on sway bar bushings, as it will degrade rubber. Use silicone lubricant or install dry.
Ensure the shock mount housing is perfectly clean before pressing or seating the new bearing.
Verify that the bearing rotates freely and without any mechanical binding once in its final position.