Front Suspension

The short/long arm (SLA) front suspension is designed to allow each wheel to compensate for changes in the road surface level without appreciably affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel is independently connected to the frame by a steering knuckle (6) and wheel hub (44), shock absorber (24) and spring (23), upper and lower ball studs (2 and 10) and upper and lower control arms (1 and 17). The steering knuckle and hubs (6 and 44) move in a prescribed three-dimensional arc. The front wheels are held in proper relationship to each other by two front tie rods. The front tie rods are connected to steering arms on the knuckles and to the steering gear.

Springs (23) are mounted on the lower control arms (17). Ride control is provided by direct acting shock absorbers (24). The upper portion of the shock absorber is connected to the front upper shock absorber mount (45). The upper mount (45) extends through the upper control arm support (46) and the center wheelhouse and attaches with two shock absorber upper mount bolts/screws (26) and two shock absorber upper mount nuts (25).

Side roll of the front suspension is controlled by a stabilizer shaft (11). The stabilizer shaft is mounted to stabilizer shaft insulators (16) that are held to frame side rails by stabilizer shaft brackets. The ends of the stabilizer shaft (11) are connected to the lower control arms (17) by stabilizer shaft links (12) and are isolated by complaint bushings.

The inner ends of the lower control arm (17) have pressed-in bushings. Bolts (passing through the bushings) attach the lower control arm (17) to the crossmember (20).

The upper control arm (1) is attached to the steering knuckle (6) with a nut (4) and cotter pin (3) and is bolted to the shock absorber (24) through an upper control arm support (46) which attaches to the body.

The lower ball stud (10) is a press fit in the lower control arm (17) and is attached to the steering knuckle (6) with a nut (8) and cotter pin (9).
Rubber seals are provided at ball sockets to keep dirt and moisture from entering the stud and damaging bearing surfaces.

The upper ball stud (2) is riveted to the upper control arm (1) and is attached to the steering knuckle (6) with a nut (4) and cotter pin (3).