DODGE TOWN AND COUNTRY 2001 Manual Online

(2) Raise vehicle. See Hoisting in Lubrication And
Maintenance.
(3) Remove the wheel/tire assembly.
(4) Remove the cotter pin and nut retainer (Fig.
19) from the stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(5) Remove the spring washer (Fig. 18) from the
stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(6) Remove the hub nut and washer (Fig. 16) from
the stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(7) Remove the 6 bolts (Fig. 17) mounting the
driveshaft inner joint to the output shaft of the rear
drive line module.
(8) Remove the rear wheel speed sensor (Fig. 20)
from the rear hub/bearing.
(9) Release the parking brake.
(10) Remove the disc brake caliper to adapter
guide pin bolts (Fig. 15).
(11) Remove rear caliper from adapter using the
following procedure. First rotate rear of caliper up
from the adapter. Then pull the front of the caliper
and the outboard brake shoe anti-rattle clip out from
under the front abutment on the adapter (Fig. 14).
(12) Support caliper to prevent the weight of the
caliper from damaging the flexible brake hose (Fig.
10).
(13) Remove the rotor from the hub/bearing.
(14) Remove driveshaft from rear drive line mod-
ule and hub/bearing. Driveshaft is removed by first
compressing the inner joint on the driveshaft and
removing it from the drive line module. Then, slide
the outer joint of the driveshaft out of the hub/bear-
ing.(15) Remove the hub/bearing to axle mounting
bolts (Fig. 13).
CAUTION: Corrosion may occur between the hub/
bearing and the axle. If this occurs the hub/bearing
will be difficult to remove from the axle. If the hub/
bearing will not come out of the axle by pulling on
it by hand, do not pound on the hub/bearing to
remove it from the axle. Pounding on the hub/bear-
ing to remove it from the axle will damage the hub/
bearing. This damage will result in noise or failure
of the hub/bearing. To remove a hub/bearing which
is corroded to the axle, lightly tap the disc brake
caliper adapter using a soft faced hammer. This will
remove both the disc brake caliper adapter and
hub/bearing from the axle. The hub/bearing will
then need to be removed from the caliper adapter.
(16) Remove the hub/bearing from the axle. (Fig.
12).
(17) If the disc brake caliper adapter and hub/
bearing were removed as an assembly from the axle
and the hub/bearing cannot be removed from the
adapter by hand, use the following procedure to
remove it from the adapter. With a helper supporting
the caliper adapter in his hands, position Remover,
Special Tool 8214-1 on the cast housing of hub/bear-
ing (Fig. 11).Do not position special tool on
inner race of hub/bearing.Lightly strike Remover,
Special Tool 8214-1 with a hammer to remove the
hub/bearing from the caliper adapter.
Fig. 10 Correctly Supported Caliper
1 - WIRE
2 - CALIPER
3 - ADAPTER
4 - ROTOR
5 - INNER FENDER
Fig. 11 Hub/Bearing Removal From Caliper Adapter
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8214-1
2 - PARK BRAKE CABLE
3 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER
4 - HUB/BEARING
2 - 32 REARRS
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
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INSTALLATION - HUB AND BEARING
FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES
(1) Install the 4 hub and bearing to axle mounting
bolts into the holes in the flange of the rear axle.
(2) Install the rear brake support plate on the 4
mounting bolts installed in the flange of the rear
axle.
(3) Align the rear hub and bearing with the 4
mounting bolts and start mounting bolts into hub
and bearing. Tighten the 4 bolts in a crisscross pat-
tern until the hub nd bearing and brake support
plate is fully and squarely seated onto flange of rear
axle. Tighten the 4 mounting bolts to a torque of 129
N´m (95 ft. lbs.)
NOTE: If equipped with antilock brakes, make sure
wheel speed sensor stays clean and dry as it is
installed into the hub and bearing cap.
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes,
perform the following:
(a) If metal sensor retaining clip is not in the
neutral installed position on hub and bearing cap,
install from the bottom, if necessary, and push clip
upward until it snaps into position.
(b) Install wheel speed sensor head into rear of
hub and bearing aligning index tab with the notch
in the top of the mounting hole. Push the sensor in
until it snaps into place on the metal retaining
clip.
(c) Install secondary (yellow) retaining clip over
wheel speed sensor head and engage the tabs on
each side (Fig. 8).
(5) Install brake drum or disc brake rotor and
brake caliper. Refer to Brakes.
(6) Install wheel and tire. Tighten the wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to a torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.).
(7) Adjust the rear brakes as necessary. Refer to
Brakes.
(8) Lower vehicle.
(9) Road test vehicle to ensure proper operation of
brakes.
ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES
(1) Install hub/bearing on end of axle. (Fig. 12).
(2) Install the hub/bearing mounting bolts. In a
progressive crisscross pattern, tighten the 4 hub/
bearing mounting bolts (Fig. 13) until the disc brake
caliper adapter and hub/bearing are squarely seated
against the axle. Then tighten the hub/bearing
mounting bolts to a torque of 129 N´m (95 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install driveshaft in hub/bearing and on output
shaft of rear drive line module. Driveshaft is
installed by first sliding the outer joint of the drive-shaft into the hub/bearing and then compressing the
inner joint on the driveshaft and installing it on the
output shaft the drive line module.
(4) Install rotor on hub/bearing.
(5) Carefully lower disc brake caliper and brake
shoes over rotor and onto caliper adapter by revers-
ing the removal procedure (Fig. 14).
CAUTION: When installing guide pin bolts extreme
caution should be taken not to cross-thread the cal-
iper guide pin bolts.
Fig. 12 Hub/Bearing Removal And Installation
1 - PARK BRAKE BRAKE SHOE
2 - HUB/BEARING
3 - PARK BRAKE BRAKE SHOE
Fig. 13 Hub/Bearing Mounting Bolts
1 - HUB/BEARING
2 - AXLE
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS
4 - CALIPER ADAPTER
RSREAR2-33
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
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(6) Install the disc brake caliper guide pin bolts
(Fig. 15). Tighten the guide pin bolts to a torque of
22 N´m (192 in. lbs.).
(7) Clean all foreign material off the threads of the
outer C/V joint stub shaft. Install the washer and
hub nut (Fig. 16) on the stub shaft of the outer C/V
joint.
(8) Lower vehicle.(9) Set the park brake.This is required to keep
the driveshaft from rotating when tightening
and torquing the hub nut and driveshaft inner
joint to driveline module mounting nuts.
(10) Raise vehicle.
(11) Tighten the driveshaft inner joint to drive line
module output shaft mounting bolts (Fig. 17) to a
torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(12) Tighten the outer C/V joint hub nut (Fig. 16)
to a torque of 244 N´m (180 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 14 Removing / Installing Caliper
1 - LIFT THIS END OF CALIPER AWAY FROM ADAPTER FIRST
2 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
3 - ADAPTER ABUTMENT
4 - OUTBOARD BRAKE SHOE HOLD DOWN CLIP
5 - OUTBOARD BRAKE SHOE
6 - ROTOR
7 - ADAPTER
Fig. 15 Caliper Guide Pin Bolts
1 - STUD PIN BOLTS
2 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
3 - DRIVESHAFT
4 - AXLE
5 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER
Fig. 16 Hub Nut And Washer
1 - CALIPER
2 - HUB NUT
3 - WASHER
4 - ROTOR
5 - ADAPTER
Fig. 17 Driveshaft Attachment To Driveline Module
1 - DRIVESHAFT
2 - BOLTS
3 - DRIVE LINE MODULE
4 - DRIVESHAFT INNER JOINT
2 - 34 REARRS
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
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(13) Install the spring washer (Fig. 18) on the stub
shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(14) Install the nut retainer and cotter pin (Fig.
19) on the stub shaft of the outer C/V joint.
(15) Install the wheel speed sensor on the hub/
bearing and adapter. Install the wheel speed sensor
attaching bolt (Fig. 20). Tighten the wheel speed sen-
sor attaching bolt to a torque of 12 N´m (105 in. lbs).
(16) Install wheel and tire.(17) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(18) Remove jackstands or lower hoist.
CAUTION: Before moving vehicle, pump the brake
pedal several times to insure the vehicle has a firm
brake pedal to adequately stop vehicle.
(19) Road test vehicle to ensure proper operation
of the brake system.
JOUNCE BUMPER
DESCRIPTION
There are two jounce bumpers used in the rear
suspension. One mounts to each frame rail above the
rear axle.
OPERATION
The jounce bumper limits suspension travel and
metal-to-metal contact of the rear axle with the
frame under full jounce conditions.
REMOVAL - AWD AND HEAVY DUTY
(1) Using slip-joint pliers grasp the base of the
jounce bumper. Turn the base counterclockwise (Fig.
21).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper from the frame rail.
REMOVAL - FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE
(1) Remove the bolt attaching the jounce bumper
to frame rail (Fig. 22).
(2) Remove the jounce bumper from the frame rail.
Fig. 18 Spring Washer
1 - HUB NUT
2 - STUB SHAFT
3 - ROTOR
4 - SPRING WASHER
Fig. 19 Cotter Pin And Nut Retainer
1 - CALIPER
2 - COTTER PIN
3 - ROTOR
4 - NUT RETAINER
5 - OUTER C/V JOINT
Fig. 20 Wheel Speed Sensor
1 - MOUNTING BOLT
2 - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
RSREAR2-35
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
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INSTALLATION - AWD AND HEAVY DUTY
(1) Install jounce bumper through bumper support
plate and thread into welded nut in frame rail.
(2) Tighten the jounce bumper to 33 N´m (290 in.
lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION - FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE
(1) Hook the forward end of the jounce bumper
bracket in the mounting hole of the frame rail, then
install the mounting bolt in the opposite end, secur-
ing the bumper to the frame rail. Tighten the jounce
bumper mounting bolt to 33 N´m (290 in. lbs.) torque.
SHOCK ABSORBER
DESCRIPTION
There is one shock absorber on each side of the
rear suspension. The top of each shock absorber is
bolted to the frame rail. The bottom of each shock
absorber is bolted to the rear axle.
This vehicle is available with either standard type
or load-leveling shock absorbers. On the exterior,
load-leveling shock absorbers are larger in diameter
than standard shock absorbers. The load-leveling
shock absorbers mount the same as the standard
shock absorbers.
OPERATION
The shock absorber dampens jounce and rebound
motions of the spring and suspension.
Each load-leveling shock absorber is a self-leveling,
self-contained vehicle leveling system and shock
absorber combined. It does not require an external
compressor, hoses, or height leveling sensors. All the
height leveling sensors, hydraulic pump, etc., are
contained inside the shock absorber. It uses road
inputs (bumps, stops, starts, turns, acceleration,
deceleration, etc.) to activate pumping, which results
in the extension and compression of the shock
absorber.
REMOVAL - SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE)
(2) Support the rear axle of the vehicle using 2
jackstands positioned at the outer ends of the axle.
NOTE: If the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
deflects upward during removal, raise axle by
adjusting the support jack. If the lower shock
absorber bolt deflects downward during removal,
lower the axle by adjusting the support jack.
(3) Remove the shock absorber lower mounting
bolt.
(4) While holding shock absorber, remove the
shock absorber upper mounting bolt and shock
absorber.
DISASSEMBLY - SHOCK ABSORBER (UPPER
BUSHING)
(1) Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
(2) Install the Receiver, Special Tool 8526-1, into
the cup of the Ball Joint Press, Special Tool C-4212F,
and tighten the set screw. Install the Driver, Special
Tool 8526-2, on the tip of the Ball Joint Press screw
drive as shown (Fig. 23).
Fig. 21 Jounce Bumper
1 - JOUNCE BUMPER
Fig. 22 Jounce Bumper - FWD
1-JOUNCE BUMPER
2 - 36 REARRS
JOUNCE BUMPER (Continued)
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NOTE: It works well to place the Ball Joint Press,
Special Tool C-4212F, in a bench vise as shown
(Fig. 23) to perform this procedure.
(3) Place the shock absorber upper mounting eye
in the Receiver so the notch in the Receiver clears
the shock absorber body (Fig. 24).
(4) Tighten the screw drive until the Driver con-
tacts the outer circumference of the bushing evenly
(Fig. 24). Continue to tighten the screw drive until
the bushing is pressed completely out of the shock
absorber eye and into the Receiver.
(5) Back off the screw drive and remove the bush-
ing from the Receiver.
ASSEMBLY - SHOCK ABSORBER (UPPER
BUSHING)
(1) Install the Receiver, Special Tool 8526-1, into
the cup of the Ball Joint Press, Special Tool C-4212F,
and tighten the set screw. Install the Driver, Special
Tool 8526-2, on the tip of the Ball Joint Press screw
drive as shown (Fig. 25). Position the Driver this way
to seat the bushing to its correct depth.
(2) Place the shock absorber upper mounting eye
in the Receiver so the notch in the Receiver clears
the shock absorber body (Fig. 26).
Fig. 23 Special Tools Positioned For Removal
1 - SCREW DRIVE
Fig. 24 Removing Bushing From Shock Absorber
1 - SCREW DRIVE
2 - SHOCK ABSORBER
3 - NOTCH
Fig. 25 Special Tools Positioned For Installation
1 - SCREW DRIVE
Fig. 26 Installing Bushing In Shock Absorber
1 - BUSHING
2 - SCREW DRIVE
3 - SHOCK ABSORBER
4 - NOTCH
RSREAR2-37
SHOCK ABSORBER (Continued)
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(3) Position the bushing between the shock
absorber eye and the Driver (Fig. 26). Tighten the
screw drive until the Driver, bushing, and shock
absorber eye are touching and squarely aligned.
(4) Press the bushing into the shock absorber eye
until the Driver bottoms against the face of the eye.
(5) Back off the Ball Joint Press screw drive and
remove the shock absorber from the press.
(6) Install the shock absorber on the vehicle. Refer
to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this section
for the procedure.
INSTALLATION - SHOCK ABSORBER
(1) While holding shock absorber in position
against the frame rail, install the shock absorber
upper mounting bolt.
(2) Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt
securing the lower end of the shock absorber to the
axle.
(3) Remove the support jack.
(4) Lower the vehicle to the ground so the full curb
weight of the vehicle is supported by the suspension.
(5) Tighten the upper and lower shock absorber
mounting bolt to a torque of 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
SPRING - AWD
DESCRIPTION
The leaf springs used on the rear suspension of
this vehicle are of either a mono-leaf or multi-leaf
design depending on model and options.
Since the rear springs come in various designs and
rates, be sure the correct spring is in use.
OPERATION
The leaf spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
REMOVAL - AWD
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 27).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
spring replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward dur-
ing removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If
shock absorber bolt deflects downward during
removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by
pulling on axle).
(3) Begin removal of the shock absorber lower
mounting bolt (Fig. 28).
Fig. 27 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
Fig. 28 Rear Shock Absorber Mounting Bolt
1 - SHOCK BOLT
2 - 38 REARRS
SHOCK ABSORBER (Continued)
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(4) Using 2 jack stands positioned under the outer
ends of the axle, raise the axle enough to remove the
weight of the axle from the rear springs.
(5) Loosen and remove the axle plate bolts from
the rear axle (Fig. 29).
(6) Using the jack standsslowlylower the rear
axle, permitting the rear springs to hang free.
(7) Loosen and remove the 4 bolts at the front
mount of the rear leaf spring (Fig. 27).
(8) Loosen and remove the 2 bolts and the 2 pin
nuts from the spring shackle for the rear leaf spring
(Fig. 30). Then remove the inner half of the spring
shackle from the outer half hanger of the spring
hanger and the spring.
(9) Remove the rear leaf spring from the outer half
of the spring shackle.
(10) Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
(11) Loosen and remove the pivot bolt from the
front mount of the rear leaf spring. (Fig. 31).
INSTALLATION - AWD
CAUTION: Pivot bolt must face inboard to prevent
structural damage during installation of spring.
(1) Install the front eyelet of the rear leaf spring
into the spring mount. Install the pivot bolt and nut.
Do not tighten the pivot bolt at this time.
(2) Position the front spring mount for the rear
leaf spring against the floor pan of the vehicle.
Install the 4 mounting bolts for the front spring
mount (Fig. 27). Tighten the 4 mounting bolts to a
torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).(3) Install the rear of the leaf spring onto the outer
half of the rear shackle. Install the inner half of the
rear hanger. Install the pin nuts and bolts on the
rear shackle,but do not tighten at this time.
(4) Raise axle assembly into correct position with
axle centered under spring locator post.
(5) Install axle plate bolts (Fig. 29). Tighten bolts
to 101 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install shock absorber bolts.Do not tighten
at this time.
(7) Lower the vehicle and remove hoist arms and
block of wood from under vehicle.
Fig. 29 Axle Plate Bolts
1 - LEAF SPRING
2 - AXLE PLATE BOLTS (4)
3 - AXLE PLATE
4 - AXLE
Fig. 30 All-Wheel-Drive Rear Suspension
1 - SHACKLE
2 - REAR MOUNT (HANGER)
3 - LEAF SPRING (MULTI-LEAF)
4 - AWD REAR AXLE
Fig. 31 Leaf Spring Front Mount (Typical)
1 - LEAF SPRING
2 - SPRING MOUNT
RSREAR2-39
SPRING - AWD (Continued)
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CAUTION: The following sequence must be fol-
lowed when tightening the pin nuts on the rear
hanger for the rear leaf spring. First the hanger pin
nuts must be tightened to the specified torque
shown below. Then tighten the retaining bolts for
the inner to outer half of the spring hanger to the
torque specification listed below. This sequence
must be followed to properly seat the bushings into
the springs and to avoid bending the spring hanger.
(8) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt to 156 N´m
(115 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Tighten rear spring shackle pin nuts to 61 N´m
(45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Tighten rear spring shackle inner to outer
half retaining bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Tighten the lower shock absorber mounting
bolt to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING - FWD
DESCRIPTION
The leaf springs used on the rear suspension of
this vehicle are of either a mono-leaf or multi-leaf
design depending on model and options.
Since the rear springs come in various designs and
rates, be sure the correct spring is in use.
OPERATION
The leaf spring controls ride quality and maintains
ride height.
REMOVAL - FWD
(1) Raise vehicle on frame-contact hoist as follows:
(a) Position the hoist arm supporting the corner
of the vehicle to be serviced against a block of wood
placed on the body sill as shown (Fig. 32).
(b) Position the remaining hoist arms at each
corner of the vehicle in the normal fashion. (Refer
to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING
- STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(c) Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working
level.
(2) Position an under-hoist utility jack or transmis-
sion jack under rear axle toward the side needing
spring replacement. Jack pad should just contact
axle.
(3) Remove the shock absorber lower mounting
bolt (Fig. 33).
NOTE: If shock absorber bolt deflects upward dur-
ing removal, raise axle by adjusting support jack. If
shock absorber bolt deflects downward during
removal, lower axle by adjusting support jack (or by
pulling on axle).(4) Using 2 jack stands positioned under the outer
ends of the axle, raise the axle enough to remove the
weight of the axle from the rear springs.
(5) Loosen and remove the spring plate bolts from
the rear axle (Fig. 34).
(6) Remove the spring plate from the rear axle and
the leaf spring (Fig. 35).
(7) Using the jack standsslowlylower the rear
axle, permitting the rear springs to hang free.
Fig. 32 LIFTING POINT AND SPRING MOUNT
1 - BODY SILL AREA
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - LEAF SPRING
5 - HOIST LIFT ARM
6 - WOODEN BLOCK
Fig. 33 Rear Shock Mounting Bolt
1 - SHOCK BOLT
2 - 40 REARRS
SPRING - AWD (Continued)
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(8) Loosen and remove the 4 bolts securing the
front mount of the leaf spring to the vehicle (Fig. 32).
(9) Loosen and remove the nuts from the spring
hanger (Fig. 36) for the rear leaf spring. Then
remove the hanger plate from the hanger and remove
the spring from the spring hanger (Fig. 36).
(10) Remove the leaf spring from the vehicle.
(11) Loosen and remove the pivot bolt from the
front mount of the rear leaf spring. Remove mount.
INSTALLATION - FWD
(1) Assemble front spring mount to front of spring
eye and install pivot bolt and nut.Do not tighten
at this time.
CAUTION: Pivot bolt must face inboard to prevent
structural damage during installation of spring.(2) Raise front of spring and install four mounting
bolts (Fig. 32). Tighten bolts to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.)
torque.
(3) Install rear of spring onto rear spring shackle.
Install shackle plate. Do not tighten.
(4) Verify lower leaf spring isolator is in position.
(5) Raise axle into correct position on leaf spring
with axle centered under spring locator post (Fig.
37).
(6) Verify that the leaf spring isolator is correctly
positioned in the spring plate.
(7) Install spring plate in position on the spring
(Fig. 34).
Fig. 34 Spring Plate Bolts
1 - SPRING PLATE
Fig. 35 Spring Plate
1 - SPRING PLATE
Fig. 36 Rear Spring Hanger
1 - SHACKLE PLATE
2 - SPRING HANGER
Fig. 37 Leaf Spring Locator Post
1 - LEAF SPRING ISOLATOR
2 - LEAF SPRING
3 - LOCATOR POST
RSREAR2-41
SPRING - FWD (Continued)
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