spec JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2003 WJ / 2.G User Guide

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE DURING BRAKING1. Uneven tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Worn brake components. 2. Repair brakes as necessary.
3. Air in brake line. 3. Repair as necessary.
VEHICLE LEADS OR
DRIFTS FROM STRAIGHT
AHEAD DIRECTION ON
UNCROWNED ROAD1. Radial tire lead. 1. Cross front tires.
2. Brakes dragging. 2. Repair brake as necessary.
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
suspension components.6. Repair as necessary.
7. Cross caster out of spec. 7. Align vehicle.
KNOCKING, RATTLING
OR SQUEAKING1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.
2. Loose, worn or bent steering/
suspension components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace 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/
suspension components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
2 - 2 SUSPENSIONWJ
SUSPENSION (Continued)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION..........................3
OPERATION............................3
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER.......3STANDARD PROCEDURE - CASTER.......4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE POSITION . . 4
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT..........................5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe position (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and cot-
ter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the
slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin
hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the
nut to align the cotter pin hole.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rub-
ber bushings must never be lubricated, Refer to
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
maintenance schedule.
OPERATION
²CASTERis the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle rearward provides positive caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle forward provides negative caster.
Caster is a directional stability angle. This angle
enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns (Fig. 1).
²CAMBERis the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the
top of the wheel inward provides negative camber.
Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on theinside or outside edge of the tire. The angle is not
adjustable, damaged component(s) must be replaced
to correct the camber angle (Fig. 1).
²WHEEL TOE POSITIONis the difference
between the leading inside edges and trailing inside
edges of the front tires. Incorrect wheel toe position
is the most common cause of unstable steering and
uneven tire wear. The wheel toe position is thefinal
front wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 1).
²STEERING AXIS INCLINATION ANGLEis
measured in degrees and is the angle that the steer-
ing knuckles are tilted. The inclination angle has a
fixed relationship with the camber angle. It will not
change except when a spindle or ball stud is dam-
aged or bent. The angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the steering
axis inclination angle.
²THRUST ANGLEis the angle of the rear axle
relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-
sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle (Fig. 1).
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER
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.
The wheel camber angle is preset. This angle is not
adjustable and cannot be altered.
WJWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 3

STANDARD PROCEDURE - CASTER
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.
The wheel caster angle is preset. This angle is not
adjustable and cannot be altered.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE POSITION
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.
NOTE: For an accurate wheel toe position adjust-
ment the engine must be engine running.
(1) Apply parking brakes.
(2) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways
before straightening the steering wheel. Center and
secure the steering wheel.
(3) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp
bolts (Fig. 2).
(4) Turn the sleeve to obtain the preferred positive
TOE-IN specification. Position the clamp bolts as
shown (Fig. 2) for proper clearance.
(5) Tighten the clamp bolts to 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
1 - WHEEL CENTERLINE
2 - NEGATIVE CAMBER ANGLE
3 - PIVOT CENTERLINE
4 - SCRUB RADIUS
5 - TRUE VERTICAL6 - KING PIN
7 - VERTICAL
8 - POSITIVE CASTER
2 - 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTWJ
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

NOTE: Make sure the toe setting does not change
during clamp tightening.
(6) Verify alignment specifications, then turn the
engine off.
STEERING WHEEL CENTERING
NOTE: The steering wheel can be centered without
affecting the toe position.
(1) Loosen the drag link adjustment sleeve clamp
bolts.
(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
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PREFERRED CASTER
+ 6.75ÉCAMBER
20.37ÉTOTAL
TOE-IN
+ 0.20É
RANGE + 6.0É to
+ 7.5É20.75É
to + 0.5É+ .14É to
+ .26É
MAX RT/LT
DIFFERENCE0.5É 0.5É 0.5É
FRONT WHEELS - UP-COUNTRY SUSPENSION
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PREFERRED CASTER
+ 6.5ÉCAMBER
20.37ÉTOTAL
TOE-IN
+ 0.20É
RANGE + 5.7É to
+ 7.2É20.75É
to+0É+ 0.0É to
+ .36É
MAX RT/LT
DIFFERENCE0.5É 0.5É 0.06É
REAR AXLE
SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
PREFERRED CAMBER
±.37ÉTHRUST
ANGLE
0ÉTOTAL
TOE-IN
+.37É
RANGE 0É to
±.75É  0.25É 0É to
+.70É
Fig. 2 Steering Linkage
1 - DRAG LINK ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
2 - TIE ROD ADJUSTMENT SLEEVE
WJWHEEL ALIGNMENT 2 - 5
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT
DESCRIPTION..........................6
STANDARD PROCEDURE - SERVICE
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS..............6
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................7
SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION...................8
BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
HUB / BEARING
DESCRIPTION..........................9
OPERATION............................9
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION.........................10
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
REMOVAL - STEERING KNUCKLE..........10
INSTALLATION.........................10
LOWER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL.............................11
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................11
OPERATION...........................11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................11SHOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................12
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
SPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................12
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
TRACK BAR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
OPERATION...........................14
REMOVAL.............................14
INSTALLATION.........................14
UPPER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL.............................15
UPPER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................16
OPERATION...........................16
REMOVAL.............................16
INSTALLATION.........................16
FRONT
DESCRIPTION
The front suspension (Fig. 1) is a link/coil design
comprised of :
²Drive axle
²Shock absorbers
²Coil springs
²Upper and lower suspension arms
²Stabilizer bar
²Track bar
²Jounce bumpers
CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and cot-
ter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the
slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin
hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the
nut to align the cotter pin hole.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.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - 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.
2 - 6 FRONTWJ

SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber Upper Nut 35 26 Ð
Shock Absorber Lower Nut 28 Ð 250
Suspension Arm Upper Axle Bracket Nut 61 45 Ð
Suspension Arm Upper Frame Bracket Bolt 61 45 Ð
Suspension Arm Lower Axle Bracket Nut 163 120 Ð
Suspension Arm Lower Frame Bracket Bolt 156 115 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Retainer Bolts 92 68 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Upper Nut 106 78 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Link Lower Nut 106 78 Ð
Track Bar Frame Bracket Nut 108 80 Ð
Track Bar Axle Bracket Bolt 100 74 Ð
Hub Bearing Knuckle Bolts 102 75 Ð
Fig. 1 Front
1 - SHOCK
2 - COIL SPRING
3 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
4 - STABILIZER BAR
5 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
6 - TRACK BAR
WJFRONT 2 - 7
FRONT (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
FRONT SUSPENSION
Remover/Installer Suspension Bushing 7932
Spacer 8279
Nut, Long 7603
Bolt, Special 7604
Remover C-4150A
Remover/Installer 6289
Reciever 6761
Installer 6752
2 - 8 FRONTWJ
FRONT (Continued)

LOWER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL
Ball stud service procedures below require removal
of the hub bearing and axle shaft. Removal and
installation of upper and lower ball studs require the
use of Tool Kit 6289.
(1) Position tools as shown to remove and install
ball stud (Fig. 6).
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION
The lower suspension arms are hydroformed steel
and use voided oval bushings at one end of the arm.
OPERATION
The bushings provide isolation from the axle. The
arms mount to the unibody frame rail bracket and
the axle brackets. The arm and bushings provide
location and react to loads from the axle.
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
tight.
(3) Install the frame rail bracket bolt and nut fin-
ger tight.
(4) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(5) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the
frame bracket bolt to 156 N´m (115 ft. lbs.). Tighten
the axle bracket nut to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Check the alignment if new parts were
installed.
Fig. 6 Lower
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6289±12
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6289±4
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 4212F
4 - SPECIAL TOOL 4212F5 - SPECIAL TOOL 6289±1
6 - SPECIAL TOOL 6289±3
WJFRONT 2 - 11

OPERATION
The coil springs control ride quality and maintain
proper ride height. The isolators provide road noise
isolation.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Position a hydraulic jack under the axle to sup-
port it.
(4) Remove shock absorbers lower mounting nuts
from the axle brackets.
(5) Remove the track bar mounting bolt from the
axle bracket.
NOTE: Make sure the lower part of the shock does
not hold tension on the brake lines at the axle tube
housing located at the lower shock mounting area.
(6) Lower the axle until the spring is free from the
upper mount and isolator (Fig. 10).
(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. 11).
(3) Position the coil spring on the axle spring pad.CAUTION: Ensure the spring is positioned on the
lower isolator with the end of the spring coil
against the isolator spring locator (Fig. 12).
(4) Raise the axle and guide the springs onto the
spring upper mounts and lower shock studs into the
axle brackets.
(5) Install the shock absorbers lower mounting
nuts.
Fig. 10 Front Coil Spring
1 - UPPER ISOLATOR
2 - COIL SPRING
3 - LOWER ISOLATOR
4 - STABILIZER LINK
Fig. 11 Lower Isolator
1 - LOCATING NUB
2 - LOWER ISOLATOR
3 - AXLE SPRING PAD
4 - LOCATING HOLE
Fig. 12 Isolator Spring Locator
1 - COIL SPRING
2 - SPRING LOCATOR
3 - LOWER ISOLATOR
WJFRONT 2 - 13
SPRING (Continued)

(2) Install track bar to the frame rail bracket.
Install the bolt and nut finger tight.NOTE: It may be necessary to pry the axle assem-
bly over to install the track bar to the frame rail
bracket.
(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
bracket to 100 N´m (74 ft. lbs.).
(5) Check alignment specifications if a new track
bar was installed.
UPPER BALL JOINT
REMOVAL
Ball stud service procedures below require removal
of the hub bearing and axle shaft. Removal and
installation of upper and lower ball studs require the
use of Tool Kit 6289.
(1) Position tools as shown to remove and install
ball stud (Fig. 16).
Fig. 16 Upper
Fig. 15 Track Bar Axle Bracket
1 - AXLE BRACKET
2 - TRACK BAR
WJFRONT 2 - 15
TRACK BAR (Continued)