WJ SUSPENSION 2-1

SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS

page page

ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

FRONT SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ALIGNMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SPECIFICATIONS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . 3
SERVICE PROCEDURES
PRE-ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OPERATION

• CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
WHEEL ALIGNMENT steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle rearward provides positive caster. Tilting the
DESCRIPTION top of the knuckle forward provides negative caster.
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of Caster is a directional stability angle. This angle
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning enables the front wheels to return to a straight
is accomplished through suspension and steering ahead position after turns.
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered • CAMBER is the inward or outward tilt of the
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil- wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
and toe position (Fig. 1). camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire. The angle is not
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or adjustable, damaged component(s) must be replaced
steering components by heating or bending. to correct the camber angle.
• WHEEL TOE POSITION is the difference
between the leading inside edges and trailing inside
CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and
edges of the front tires. Incorrect wheel toe position
cotter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if
is the most common cause of unstable steering and
the slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter
uneven tire wear. The wheel toe position is the final
pin hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen
front wheel alignment adjustment.
the nut to align the cotter pin hole.
• STEERING AXIS INCLINATION ANGLE is
measured in degrees and is the angle that the steer-
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/ ing knuckles are tilted. The inclination angle has a
steering system components may be required. Rub- fixed relationship with the camber angle. It will not
ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to change except when a spindle or ball stud is dam-
Group 0, Lubrication And Maintenance for the rec- aged or bent. The angle is not adjustable, damaged
ommended maintenance schedule.
2-2 SUSPENSION WJ
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
component(s) must be replaced to correct the steering sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
axis inclination angle. component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
• THRUST ANGLE is the angle of the rear axle angle.
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-

Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements

1 – WHEEL CENTERLINE 5 – TRUE VERTICAL
2 – NEGATIVE CAMBER ANGLE 6 – KING PIN
3 – PIVOT CENTERLINE 7 – VERTICAL
4 – SCRUB RADIUS 8 – POSITIVE CASTER
WJ SUSPENSION 2-3

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION

FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.

EXCESSIVE PLAY IN 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
STEERING 2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Adjust or replace steering gear.

FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
5. Leaking steering dampener. 5. Replace steering dampener.

VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.

EXCESSIVE STEERING 1. Loose or worn steering gear. 1. Adjust or replace steering gear.
EFFORT 2. Power steering fluid low. 2. Add fluid and repair leak.
3. Column coupler binding. 3. Replace coupler.
4. Tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Alignment. 5. Align vehicle to specifications.

VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE 1. Uneven tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.

SIDE DURING BRAKING 2. Worn brake components. 2. Repair brakes as necessary.
3. Air in brake line. 3. Repair as necessary.

VEHICLE LEADS OR 1. Radial tire lead. 1. Cross front tires.

DRIFTS FROM STRAIGHT 2. Brakes dragging. 2. Repair brake as necessary.
AHEAD DIRECTION ON
3. Weak or broken spring. 3. Replace spring.
UNCROWNED ROAD
4. Uneven tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Wheel Alignment. 5. Align vehicle.
6. Loose or worn steering or 6. Repair as necessary.
suspension components.
7. Cross caster out of spec. 7. Align vehicle.
2-4 SUSPENSION WJ
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION

KNOCKING, RATTLING 1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.

OR SQUEAKING
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/ 2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
suspension components. as necessary.
3. Shock valve. 3. Replace shock.

IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent track bar. 1. Inspect, tighten or replace component as
necessary.
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/ 2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
suspension components. as necessary.

SERVICE PROCEDURES (2) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the steering wheel. Center and
PRE-ALIGNMENT secure the steering wheel.
Before starting wheel alignment, the following (3) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp
inspection and necessary corrections must be com- bolts (Fig. 2).
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System (4) Turn the sleeve to obtain the preferred positive
Diagnosis Chart for additional information. TOE-IN specification. Position the clamp bolts as
(1) Inspect tires for size and tread wear. shown (Fig. 2) for proper clearance.
(2) Set tire air pressure. (5) Tighten the clamp bolts to 68 N·m (50 ft. lbs.).
(3) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
NOTE: Make sure the toe setting does not change
(4) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
during clamp tightening.
eral runout and balance.
(5) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and (6) Verify alignment specifications, then turn the
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding. engine off.
(6) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(7) Road test the vehicle.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should
be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each
bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and
down three times. Always release the bumper in the
down position.
To obtain an accurate alignment, a 4 wheel align-
ment machine must be used and the equipment cali-
bration verified.

CAMBER
The wheel camber angle is preset. This angle is not
adjustable and cannot be altered. Fig. 2 Steering Linkage
1 – DRAG LINK ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
2 – TIE ROD ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
CASTER
The wheel caster angle is preset. This angle is not
adjustable and cannot be altered. STEERING WHEEL CENTERING

TOE POSITION NOTE: The steering wheel can be centered without

affecting the toe position.
NOTE: For an accurate wheel toe position adjust-
ment the engine must be engine running. (1) Loosen the drag link adjustment sleeve clamp
bolts.
(1) Apply parking brakes.
WJ SUSPENSION 2-5
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)
(2) Turn the adjustment sleeve to center the
wheel.
(3) Position the clamp bolts as shown (Fig. 2) for
proper clearance.
(4) Tighten the clamp bolts to 68 N·m (50 ft. lbs.).
(5) Road test the vehicle to verify the wheel is cen-
tered.

SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT
NOTE: Specifications are in degrees.

FRONT WHEELS - STANDARD SUSPENSION

ANGLE PREFERRED RANGE MAX. RT to LT Difference

CASTER +6.75° +6.0° to +7.5° 0.5°
CAMBER −0.37° −0.75° to 0° 0.5°
TOTAL TOE +0.20° NA 0.05°

FRONT WHEELS - UP-COUNTRY SUSPENSION REAR AXLE

MAX. RT ANGLE RANGE
ANGLE PREFERRED RANGE to LT CASTER 0° to −0.5
Difference
THRUST ANGLE 6 0.25°
+5.7° to
CASTER +6.5° 0.5° TOTAL TOE-IN 0° to +0.5°
+7.2°
−0.75°
CAMBER −0.37° 0.5°
to 0°
TOTAL TOE +0.20° NA 0.05°
2-6 SUSPENSION WJ

FRONT SUSPENSION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

FRONT SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 SHOCK ABSORBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
COIL SPRINGS AND ISOLATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 COIL SPRINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
JOUNCE BUMPER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 LOWER SUSPENSION ARM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS AND BUSHINGS . . .7 STEERING KNUCKLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SHOCK ABSORBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 UPPER SUSPENSION ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
STABILIZER BAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 FRONT AXLE BUSHING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
STEERING KNUCKLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 TRACK BAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
TRACK BAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 STABILIZER BAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
UPPER SUSPENSION ARMS AND BUSHINGS . . .7 HUB BEARING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
HUB/BEARING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING SPECIFICATIONS
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM . . . . . ...8 TORQUE CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SERVICE PROCEDURES SPECIAL TOOLS
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS . . . . . . ...9 FRONT SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension (Fig. 1) is a link/coil design
comprised of :
• Drive axle
• Shock absorbers
• Coil springs
• Upper and lower suspension arms
• Stabilizer bar
• Track bar
• Jounce bumpers

CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and

cotter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if
the slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter
Fig. 1 Front Suspension
pin hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen
1 – SHOCK
the nut to align the cotter pin hole.
2 – COIL SPRING
3 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
4 – STABILIZER BAR
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
5 – LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
bushings must be tightened with the vehicle at nor- 6 – TRACK BAR
mal ride height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort will be affected
and cause premature bushing wear.
WJ SUSPENSION 2-7
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

SHOCK ABSORBERS LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS AND BUSHINGS

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
The top of the shock absorbers are bolted to the The lower suspension arms are hydroformed steel
body. The bottom of the shocks are bolted to the axle and use voided oval bushings at one end of the arm.
brackets. The standard shocks have conventional
twin tube construction and are low pressure gas OPERATION
charged. Gas charging prevents cavitation during The bushings provide isolation from the axle. The
rough road operation. Up-Country shocks are mono arms mount to the unibody frame rail bracket and
tube design and are high pressure gas charged. the axle brackets. The arm and bushings provide
location and react to loads from the axle.
OPERATION
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound UPPER SUSPENSION ARMS AND BUSHINGS
motion of the vehicle over various road conditions
and limit suspension rebound travel. DESCRIPTION
The upper suspension arms are hydroformed steel
JOUNCE BUMPER and use rubber bushings at each end of the arm.

DESCRIPTION OPERATION
They are mounted under the unibody rails to min- The arms mount to the unibody frame rail bracket
imize transmission of noise to the passenger com- and the axle brackets. The arm and bushings provide
partment. location and react to loads from the axle. The bush-
ings provide isolation from the axle.
OPERATION
The jounce bumpers are used to limit suspension STABILIZER BAR
travel in compression.
DESCRIPTION
COIL SPRINGS AND ISOLATORS The bar extends across the front underside of the
chassis and is mounted to the frame rails. Links are
DESCRIPTION connected from the bar to the axle brackets. The sta-
The coil springs mount up in the wheelhouse which bilizer bar and links are isolated by rubber bushings.
is part of the unitized body bracket. A rubber dough-
nut isolator is located between the top of the spring OPERATION
and the body. The bottom of the spring seats on a The stabilizer bar is used to control vehicle body
axle isolator made of rubber with a steel insert. roll during turns. The spring steel bar helps to con-
trol the vehicle body in relationship to the suspen-
OPERATION sion.
The coil springs control ride quality and maintain
proper ride height. The isolators provide road noise TRACK BAR
isolation.
DESCRIPTION
STEERING KNUCKLE The bar is attached to a frame rail bracket and
axle bracket. The bar is forged and has non replace-
DESCRIPTION able isolator bushings at both ends.
The knuckle is a single casting with legs machined
for the upper and lower ball joints. The knuckle also OPERATION
has machined mounting locations for the front brake The track bar is used to control front axle lateral
calipers and hub bearing. movement and provides cross car location of the axle
assembly.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivot between the upper and
lower ball joint. Steering linkage attached to the
knuckle allows the vehicle to be steered.
2-8 SUSPENSION WJ
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

HUB/BEARING OPERATION
The hub/bearing assembly is mounted to the steer-
DESCRIPTION ing knuckle and is retained by three mounting bolts
The bearing used on the front hub of this vehicle is accessible from the back of the steering knuckle. The
the combined hub and bearing unit type assembly. hub/bearing unit is not serviceable and must be
This unit assembly combines the front wheel mount- replaced as an assembly if the bearing or the hub is
ing hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing into a determined to be defective.
one piece unit. The wheel mounting studs are the
only replaceable component of the hub/bearing
assembly.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION

FRONT END NOISE 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.

EXCESSIVE PLAY IN 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
STEERING 2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.
3. Loose or worn steering gear. 3. Adjust or replace steering gear.

FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.
3. Tires worn or out of balance. 3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.
5. Leaking steering dampener. 5. Replace steering dampener.

VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Adjust or replace wheel bearings.
2. Loose or worn steering or 2. Tighten or replace components as
suspension components. necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Alignment. 4. Align vehicle to specifications.

EXCESSIVE STEERING 1. Loose or worn steering gear. 1. Adjust or replace steering gear.
EFFORT 2. Power steering fluid low. 2. Add fluid and repair leak.
3. Column coupler binding. 3. Replace coupler.
4. Tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Alignment. 5. Align vehicle to specifications.

VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE 1. Uneven tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.

SIDE DURING BRAKING 2. Worn brake components. 2. Repair brakes as necessary.
3. Air in brake line. 3. Repair as necessary.
WJ SUSPENSION 2-9
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION

VEHICLE LEADS OR 1. Radial tire lead. 1. Cross front tires.

DRIFTS FROM STRAIGHT 2. Brakes dragging. 2. Repair brake as necessary.
AHEAD DIRECTION ON
UNCROWNED ROAD 3. Weak or broken spring. 3. Replace spring.
4. Uneven tire pressure. 4. Adjust tire pressure.
5. Wheel Alignment. 5. Align vehicle.
6. Loose or worn steering or 6. Repair as necessary.
suspension components.
7. Cross caster out of spec. 7. Align vehicle.

KNOCKING, RATTLING 1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.

OR SQUEAKING 2. Loose, worn or bent steering/ 2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
suspension components. as necessary.
3. Shock valve. 3. Replace shock.

IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent track bar. 1. Inspect, tighten or replace component as
necessary.
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/ 2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
suspension components. as necessary.

SERVICE PROCEDURES
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings must be tightened with the vehicle at nor-
mal ride height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort will be affected
and cause premature bushing wear.

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

SHOCK ABSORBER Fig. 2 Upper Shock Mounting
1 – RETAINER
REMOVAL 2 – STUD
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from 3 – NUT
the shock stud in the engine compartment (Fig. 2). 4 – GROMMET
(2) Raise and support the front axle.
(3) Remove the lower mounting nuts from the axle (3) Install the mounting nuts and tighten to 28
bracket (Fig. 3). Remove the shock absorber. N·m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION (5) Install the upper grommet, retainer and nut on
(1) Position the lower retainer and grommet on the the stud in the engine compartment. Hold the shock
shock stud. Insert the shock absorber through the stud with a 8 mm wrench and tighten the nut to 35
shock tower hole. N·m (26 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the lower shock studs into the axle
bracket.
2 - 10 SUSPENSION WJ
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Fig. 3 Lower Shock Mounting

1 – SHOCK ABSORBER
2 – MOUNTING NUTS
Fig. 4 Front Coil Spring
1 – UPPER ISOLATOR
COIL SPRINGS 2 – COIL SPRING
3 – LOWER ISOLATOR
REMOVAL 4 – STABILIZER LINK

(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a

hydraulic jack under the axle to support it.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Remove stabilizer bar links mounting nuts and
bolts from the axle brackets.
(4) Remove shock absorbers lower mounting nuts
from the axle brackets.
(5) Remove the track bar mounting bolt from the
axle bracket.
(6) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the
upper mount and isolator (Fig. 4).
(7) Remove the spring from the vehicle.
(8) Remove and inspect the upper and lower
spring isolators.

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the upper isolator.
(2) Install the lower isolator with the isolator loca-
tor nub in the axle pad hole (Fig. 5).
(3) Position the coil spring on the axle spring pad.
Fig. 5 Lower Isolator
CAUTION: Ensure the spring is positioned on the 1 – LOCATING NUB
lower isolator with the end of the spring coil 2 – LOWER ISOLATOR
against the isolator spring locator (Fig. 6). 3 – AXLE SPRING PAD
4 – LOCATING HOLE
(4) Raise the axle and guide the springs onto the
spring upper mounts and lower shock studs into the NOTE: It may be necessary to pry the axle assem-
axle brackets. bly over to install the track bar bolt.
(5) Install the shock absorbers lower mounting
nuts. (8) Tighten all suspension components to proper
(6) Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle torque.
bracket and install the mounting bolts and nuts. (9) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(7) Install the track bar to the axle bracket and (10) Remove support and lower vehicle.
install the mounting bolt.
WJ SUSPENSION 2 - 11
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Fig. 6 Isolator Spring Locator Fig. 7 Lower Suspension Arm

1 – COIL SPRING 1 – LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
2 – SPRING LOCATOR 2 – FRAME RAIL BRACKET
3 – LOWER ISOLATOR 3 – AXLE BRACKET

STEERING KNUCKLE UPPER SUSPENSION ARM

For service procedures on the steering knuckle and
ball joints refer to Group 3 Differentials And Driv- REMOVAL
eline. (1) Raise vehicle and support the axle.
(2) Remove the upper suspension arm mounting
LOWER SUSPENSION ARM nut and bolt (Fig. 8) from the axle bracket.

REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and support the front axle.
(2) Remove the lower suspension arm nut and bolt
from the axle bracket (Fig. 7).
(3) Remove the nut and bolt from the frame rail
bracket and remove the lower suspension arm (Fig.
7).

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower suspension arm in the axle
bracket and frame rail bracket.

NOTE: The end of the arm with the oval bushing

attaches to the axle bracket.

(2) Install the axle bracket bolt and nut finger Fig. 8 Upper Suspension Arm
tight. 1 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
2 – FRAME BOLT
(3) Install the frame rail bracket bolt and nut fin-
3 – AXLE BOLT
ger tight.
(4) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(5) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the (3) Remove the nut and bolt (Fig. 8) at the frame
frame bracket bolt to 156 N·m (115 ft. lbs.). Tighten rail and remove the upper suspension arm.
the axle bracket nut to 163 N·m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Check the alignment if new parts were INSTALLATION
installed. (1) Position the upper suspension arm at the axle
and frame rail.
(2) Install the bolts and finger tighten the nuts.
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
2 - 12 SUSPENSION WJ
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(4) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the axle (3) Install bolt 7604 through receiver, bushing and
bracket nut and the frame bracket bolt to 61 N·m (45 installer.
ft. lbs.). (4) Install Long Nut 7603 and tighten nut to draw
(5) Check the alignment if new parts were the bushing into the axle bracket.
installed.

FRONT AXLE BUSHING

REMOVAL
(1) Remove the upper suspension arm from axle.
(2) Position Spacer 8279 over the axle bushing on
a 4x2 vehicle and right side on a 4x4 vehicle.
(3) Place Receiver 7932-1 over flanged end of the
bushing. (Fig. 9).
(4) Place small end of Remover/Install 7932-2
against other side of the bushing.
(5) Install bolt 7604 through remover, bushing and
receiver.
(6) Install Long Nut 7603 and tighten nut too pull
bushing out of the axle bracket.
Fig. 10 Bushing Installation
1 – REMOVER/INSTALLER
2 – AXLE BRACKET
3 – BOLT
4 – RECEIVER
5 – LONG NUT

(5) Remove tools and install the upper suspension

arm.

STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove link nuts and bolts (Fig. 11) and
remove the links.
Fig. 9 Bushing Removal (3) Remove the stabilizer bar retainer bolts (Fig.
1 – RECEIVER 11) from the frame rails and remove the stabilizer
2 – AXLE BRACKET bar.
3 – BOLT
4 – REMOVER/INSTALLER
INSTALLATION
5 – LONG NUT
(1) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame rail
and install the retainers and bolts. Ensure the bar is
(7) Remove nut, bolt, receiver, remover and bush- centered with equal spacing on both sides. Tighten
ing. the bolts to 92 N·m (68 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the links onto the stabilizer bar and
NOTE: On 4x2 vehicle and right side of 4x4 vehicle, axle brackets and install the bolts and nuts finger
leave Spacer 8279 in position for bushing installa- tight.
tion. (3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the sta-
bilizer bar link nuts to 106 N·m (78 ft. lbs.).
INSTALLATION
(1) Place Receiver 7932-1on the other side of the
axle bracket.
TRACK BAR
(2) Position new bushing up to the axle bracket.,
REMOVAL
and large end of Remover/Install 7932-2 against the
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
bushing (Fig. 10).
WJ SUSPENSION 2 - 13
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Fig. 13 Track Bar Axle Bracket

Fig. 11 Stabilizer Bar 1 – AXLE BRACKET
1 – LINK 2 – TRACK BAR
2 – STABILIZER BAR
3 – BUSHING
4 – RETAINER (3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the nut
at the frame rail bracket and to the bolt at the axle
(2) Remove the nut and bolt from the frame rail
bracket to 100 N·m (74 ft. lbs.).
bracket (Fig. 12).
(5) Check alignment specifications if a new track
bar was installed.

HUB BEARING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper, caliper anchor, rotor
and ABS wheel speed sensor, refer to Group 5
Brakes.
(4) Remove the cotter pin, nut retainer and axle
hub nut.
(5) Remove the hub bearing mounting bolts from
the back of the steering knuckle. Remove hub bear-
ing (Fig. 14) from the steering knuckle and off the
Fig. 12 Track Bar Frame Rail Bracket axle shaft.
1 – FRAME RAIL
2 – TRACK BAR INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hub bearing to the knuckle.
(3) Remove the bolt from the axle shaft tube (2) Install the hub bearing to knuckle bolts and
bracket (Fig. 13). Remove the track bar. tighten to 102 N·m (75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the hub washer and nut. Tighten the
INSTALLATION hub nut to 237 N·m (175 ft. lbs.). Install the nut
(1) Install the track bar to the axle tube bracket. retainer and a new cotter pin.
Install the retaining bolt finger tight. (4) Install the brake rotor, caliper anchor, caliper
(2) Install track bar to the frame rail bracket. and ABS wheel speed sensor, refer to Group 5
Install the bolt and nut finger tight. Brakes.
(5) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
NOTE: It may be necessary to pry the axle assem- (6) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
bly over to install the track bar to the frame rail
bracket.
2 - 14 SUSPENSION WJ
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
INSTALLATION
(1) Install new stud into hub flange.
(2) Install three washers onto stud, then install
lug nut with the flat side of the nut against the
washers.
(3) Tighten lug nut until the stud is pulled into
the hub flange. Verify that the stud is properly
seated into the flange.
(4) Remove lug nut and washers.
(5) Install the brake rotor, caliper adapter, and cal-
iper, refer to Group 5 Brakes for procedure.
(6) Install wheel and tire assembly, use new lug
nut on stud or studs that were replaced.
(7) Remove support and lower vehicle.

Fig. 14 Hub Bearing & Knuckle SPECIFICATIONS

1 – HUB BEARING
2 – KNUCKLE TORQUE CHART

WHEEL MOUNTING STUDS DESCRIPTION TORQUE

Shock Absorber
CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to remove wheel Upper Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 N·m (26 ft. lbs.)
studs. Lower Nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 N·m (250 in. lbs.)
Suspension Arm Upper
Axle Bracket Nut . . . . . . . . . . 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.)
REMOVAL Frame Bracket Bolt . . . . . . . . 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.)
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
Suspension Arm Lower
(2) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
Axle Bracket Nut . . . . . . . . 163 N·m (120 ft. lbs.)
(3) Remove brake caliper, caliper adapter and
Frame Bracket Bolt . . . . . . 156 N·m (115 ft. lbs.)
rotor, refer to Group 5 Brakes for procedure.
(4) Remove stud from hub with Remover C-4150A Stabilizer Bar
(Fig. 15). Retainer Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 N·m (68 ft. lbs.)
Link Upper Nut . . . . . . . . . . 106 N·m (78 ft. lbs.)
Link Lower Nut . . . . . . . . . . 106 N·m (78 ft. lbs.)
Track Bar
Frame Bracket Nut . . . . . . . 108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.)
Axle Bracket Bolt . . . . . . . . . 100 N·m (74 ft. lbs.)
Hub Bearing
Knuckle Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . 102 N·m (75 ft. lbs.)

Fig. 15 Wheel Stud Removal

1 – REMOVER
2 – WHEEL STUD
WJ SUSPENSION 2 - 15

SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION

Bolt, Special 7604

Remover/Installer Suspension Bushing 7932

Remover C-4150A

Spacer 8279

Remover/Installer 6289

Nut, Long 7603

Reciever 6761

Installer 6752
2 - 16 SUSPENSION WJ

REAR SUSPENSION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 COIL SPRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SHOCK ABSORBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SHOCK ABSORBER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
JOUNCE BUMPERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 LOWER SUSPENSION ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
COIL SPRINGS AND ISOLATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 UPPER SUSPENSION ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS AND BUSHINGS . . 17 BALL JOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
STABILIZER BAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 STABILIZER BAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
UPPER SUSPENSION ARM, BUSHINGS, AND SPECIFICATIONS
BALL JOINT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 TORQUE CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SERVICE PROCEDURES
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS . . . . . . . . 18

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/

urethane bushings should be tightened with the
REAR SUSPENSION vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have
The rear suspension (Fig. 1) is comprised of : the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle
• Drive axle when the fasteners are torqued. This will maintain
• Shock absorbers vehicle ride comfort and prevent premature bushing
• Coil springs wear.
• Lower suspension arms
• Upper suspension arm
• Stabilizer bar
SHOCK ABSORBERS
DESCRIPTION
The top of the shock absorbers are bolted to the
body. The bottom of the shocks are bolted to the axle
brackets. The standard shocks have conventional
twin tube construction and are low pressure gas
charged. Gas charging prevents cavitation during
rough road operation. Up-Country shocks are mono
tube design and are high pressure gas charged.

OPERATION
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound
motion of the vehicle over various road conditions
and limit suspension rebound travel.

JOUNCE BUMPERS
Fig. 1 Rear Suspension
1 – SHOCK
DESCRIPTION
2 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM The jounce bumpers are mounted inside the coil
3 – COIL SPRING spring, between the axle and the frame rail, to min-
4 – STABILIZER BAR imize transmission of noise to the passenger com-
5 – LOWER SUSPENSION ARM partment.
WJ SUSPENSION 2 - 17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
OPERATION UPPER SUSPENSION ARM, BUSHINGS, AND
The jounce bumpers are used to limit suspension BALL JOINT
travel in compression.
DESCRIPTION
COIL SPRINGS AND ISOLATORS The suspension arm uses vertical spool bushings to
isolate road noise. The suspension arm is bolted
DESCRIPTION through bushings to cage nuts in the body and a ball
The coil springs mount up in the wheelhouse which joint plate to the top of the differential housing.
is part of the unitized body bracket. A rubber dough-
nut isolator is located between the top of the spring OPERATION
and the body. The bottom of the spring seats on a The upper suspension arm provides fore/aft and
axle isolator made of rubber with a steel insert. The lateral location of the rear axle. The suspension arm
isolators provide road noise isolation travel is limited through the use of jounce bumpers
in compression and shock absorbers in rebound.
OPERATION
The coil springs control ride quality and maintain STABILIZER BAR
proper ride height.
DESCRIPTION
LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS AND BUSHINGS The stabilizer bar extends across the back side of
the rear axle. Links are connected between the bar
DESCRIPTION and frame rail brackets. The stabilizer bar and links
The lower suspension arms are hydroformed steel are isolated by rubber bushings.
and use voided oval bushings at each end of the arm.
OPERATION
OPERATION The stabilizer bar is used to control vehicle body
The bushings provide isolation from the axle. The roll, during turns. The bar helps control the vehicle
arms mount to the unibody frame rail bracket and body in relationship to the suspension.
the axle brackets. The arm and bushings provide
location and react to loads.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

REAR SUSPENSION

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION

VEHICLE INSTABILITY 1. Loose or worn wheel bearings. 1. Replace wheel bearings.

2. Loose, worn or bent suspension 2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
components. as necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.

VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE 1. Weak or broken spring. 1. Replace spring.

SIDE
2. Alignment. 2. Align vehicle to specifications.
3. Tires. 3. Replace tires.
4. Brakes. 4. Repair as necassary.

KNOCKING, RATTLING OR 1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.

SQUEAKING 2. Loose shock mounting. 2. Tighten to specifications.
3. Shock valve. 3. Replace shock.
4. Loose upper ball joint. 4. Replace ball joint.
5. Loose, worn or bent suspension 5. Inspect, tighten or replace components
components. as necessary.
2 - 18 SUSPENSION WJ
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION

IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent suspension 1. Inspect, tighten or replace components
components. as necessary.
2. Bent axle. 2. Replace axle.

SERVICE PROCEDURES INSTALLATION

(1) Install the shock absorber in the frame bracket
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS and install the bolt and nut.
(2) Install the shock absorber in the axle bracket
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber and install the bolt and nut.
bushings must be tightened with the vehicle at nor- (3) Tighten the upper mounting nuts to 108 N·m
mal ride height. It is important to have the springs (80 ft. lbs.). Tighten the lower mounting nuts to 115
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas- N·m (85 ft. lbs.).
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal (4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
ride position, vehicle ride comfort will be affected
and cause premature bushing wear. COIL SPRING
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
hydraulic jack under the axle to support the axle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
SHOCK ABSORBER (3) Remove the stabilizer bar link from the stabi-
lizer bar (Fig. 3).
REMOVAL (4) Remove the shock absorber lower bolt from the
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a axle bracket.
hydraulic jack under the axle to support the axle. (5) Lower the hydraulic jack and tilt the axle and
remove the coil spring (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Do not allow the axle to hang from the
upper suspension arm ball joint.

(2) Remove the upper nut and bolt from the frame
bracket (Fig. 2).
(3) Remove the lower nut and bolt from the axle
bracket. Remove the shock absorber.

Fig. 3 Coil Spring

1 – COIL SPRING
2 – ISOLATOR
3 – STABILIZER LINK
4 – ISOLATOR

Fig. 2 Shock Absorber (6) Remove and inspect the upper and lower
1 – SHOCK
spring isolators (Fig. 3).

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the upper isolator.
WJ SUSPENSION 2 - 19
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(2) Install the lower isolator with the isolator loca- (7) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
tor nub in the axle pad hole (Fig. 4). (8) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(9) Tighten the stabilizer bar links to specification.

LOWER SUSPENSION ARM

REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and support the rear axle.
(2) Remove the lower suspension arm nut and bolt
from the axle bracket (Fig. 6).
(3) Remove the nut and bolt (Fig. 6) from the
frame rail and remove the lower suspension arm.

Fig. 4 Isolator Locator Nub

1 – LOWER ISOLATOR
2 – LOCATOR NUB
3 – AXLE SPRING PAD

(3) Pull down on the axle and position the coil

spring in the lower isolator.

CAUTION: Ensure the spring is positioned on the

lower isolator with the end of the spring coil
against the isolator spring locator (Fig. 5). Fig. 6 Lower Suspension Arm
1 – LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
2 – AXLE BRACKET
3 – FRAME BRACKET

INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower suspension arm in the axle
bracket and frame rail bracket.

NOTE: The end of the arm with the oval bushing

attaches to the axle bracket.

(2) Install the axle bracket bolt and nut finger

tight.
(3) Install the frame rail bracket bolt and nut fin-
ger tight.
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(5) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the nut
Fig. 5 Isolator Spring Locator - Typical at the frame to 156 N·m (115 ft. lbs.). Tighten the
1 – LOWER ISOLATOR
nut at the axle bracket to 163 N·m (120 ft. lbs.).
2 – SPRING LOCATOR
3 – COIL SPRING
UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
(4) Raise the axle with the hydraulic jack. REMOVAL
(5) Install the shock absorber to the axle bracket (1) Raise and support the vehicle.
and tighten to specification. (2) Support the rear axle with a hydraulic jack.
(6) Install the stabilizer bar link to the stabilizer (3) Remove the park brake cables and brake hose
bar. from the arm (Fig. 7).
2 - 20 SUSPENSION WJ
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

Fig. 7 Park Brake Cables And Brake Hose

1 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
2 – REAR BRAKE HOSE
3 – PARK BRAKE CABLES

(4) Remove the ball joint nut from the top of the Fig. 9 Separate Ball Joint
upper suspension arm (Fig. 8). 1 – REMOVER
2 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
3 – BALL JOINT STUD

Fig. 8 Ball Joint Nut

1 – BALL JOINT NUT
2 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
Fig. 10 Upper Suspension Arm Mounting Bolt
(5) Separate ball joint from the arm with Remover 1 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
8278 (Fig. 9). 2 – MOUNTING BOLT

NOTE: It may be necessary to strike the upper con- (2) Install the mounting bolts and tighten to 100
trol arm with a hammer to separate the ball joint N·m (74 ft. lbs.).
from the arm. (3) Pull the arm down on the ball joint stud and
install a new nut. Tighten the nut to 142 N·m (105
(6) Remove the upper suspension arm mounting
ft. lbs.).
bolts and remove the arm (Fig. 10).
(4) Install the park brake cables and brake hose to
the arm.
INSTALLATION
(5) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(1) Position the upper suspension arm in the
frame rail brackets.
WJ SUSPENSION 2 - 21
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

BALL JOINT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Support the rear axle with a hydraulic jack.
(3) Remove the ball joint nut from the top of the
upper suspension arm (Fig. 11).

Fig. 12 Separate Ball Joint

1 – REMOVER
Fig. 11 Ball Joint Nut 2 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
1 – BALL JOINT NUT 3 – BALL JOINT STUD
2 – UPPER SUSPENSION ARM

(4) Separate ball joint from the arm with Remover

8278 (Fig. 12).

NOTE: It may be necessary to strike the upper con-

trol arm with a hammer to separate the ball joint
from the arm.

(5) Remove the ball joint mounting bolts (Fig. 13)

from the differential housing.
(6) Remove the ball joint from the differential
housing.

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the ball joint on the differential hous-
ing.
(2) Install the ball joint mounting bolts and
tighten to 136 N·m (100 ft. lbs.).
(3) Raise the rear axle with a hydraulic jack to
align the upper arm with the ball joint.
(4) Pull the arm down on the ball joint stud and Fig. 13 Ball Joint Mounting Bolts
install a new nut. Tighten the nut to 142 N·m (105 1 – BALL JOINT
ft. lbs.). 2 – MOUNTING BOLTS
(5) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(2) Remove the stabilizer bar links from stabilizer
STABILIZER BAR bar and frame mount. (Fig. 14).
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar retainer bolts.
REMOVAL (4) Remove the stabilizer bar.
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
2 - 22 SUSPENSION WJ
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART

DESCRIPTION TORQUE
Shock Absorber
Upper Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.)
Lower Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 N·m (85 ft. lbs.)
Suspension Arm Upper
Ball Joint Nut . . . . . . . . . . 142 N·m (105 ft. lbs.)
Frame Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 N·m (74 ft. lbs.)
Ball Joint
Plate Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 N·m (100 ft. lbs.)
Suspension Arms Lower
Axle Bracket Nut . . . . . . . . 163 N·m (120 ft. lbs.)
Fig. 14 Rear Stabilizer Bar
Frame Bracket Nut . . . . . . 156 N·m (115 ft. lbs.)
1 – LINK
2 – RETAINER
Stabilizer Bar
3 – BUSHING Retainer Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.)
4 – STABILIZER BAR Bar Link Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.)
Bracket Link Nut . . . . . . . . . . 92 N·m (68 ft. lbs.)
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the stabilizer bar on the axle and SPECIAL TOOLS
install the retainers and bolts. Ensure the bar is cen-
tered with equal spacing on both sides. Tighten the REAR SUSPENSION
bolts to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the links to the stabilizer bar and frame
brackets.
(3) Tighten the nuts at the stabilizer bar to 54
N·m (40 ft. lbs.).
(4) Tighten the nuts at the frame brackets to 92
N·m (68 ft. lbs.).
(5) Remove support and lower the vehicle.

Remover 8278