23 - 1 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2003 WJ / 2.G Owner's Guide

ing (Fig. 4) from the steering knuckle and off the
axle shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the hub bearing to the knuckle.
(2) Install the hub bearing to knuckle bolts and
tighten to 102 N´m (75 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the hub washer and nut. Tighten the
hub nut to 237 N´m (175 ft. lbs.). Install the nut
retainer and a new cotter pin.
(4) Install the brake rotor, caliper anchor, caliper
and ABS wheel speed sensor,(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR -
INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The knuckle is a single casting with legs machined
for the upper and lower ball joints. The knuckle also
has machined mounting locations for the front brake
calipers and hub bearing.
OPERATION
The steering knuckle pivot between the upper and
lower ball joint. Steering linkage attached to the
knuckle allows the vehicle to be steered.
REMOVAL - STEERING KNUCKLE
Ball stud service procedures below require removal
of the hub bearing and axle shaft. Removal andinstallation of upper and lower ball studs require the
use of Tool Kit 6289.
(1) Remove hub bearing and axle shaft.
(2) Disconnect the tie-rod or drag link from the
steering knuckle arm,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL) .
(3) Remove the cotter pins from the upper and
lower ball studs.
(4) Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts.
(5) Strike the steering knuckle with a brass ham-
mer to loosen knuckle from the ball studs. Remove
knuckle from ball studs (Fig. 5).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
(2) Install and tighten the bottom retaining nut to
109 N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque. Install new cotter pin.
(3) Install and tighten the top retaining nut to 101
N´m (75 ft. lbs.) torque. Install new cotter pin.
(4) Install the hub bearing and axle shaft.
(5) Connect the tie-rod or drag link end to the
steering knuckle arm.,(Refer to 19 - STEERING/
LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION) .
Fig. 4 Hub Bearing & Knuckle
1 - HUB BEARING
2 - KNUCKLE
Fig. 5 Steering Knuckle Removal/Installation
1 - AXLE YOKE
2 - UPPER BALL STUD
3 - LOWER BALL STUD
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - 10 FRONTWJ
HUB / BEARING (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

SHOCK
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.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from
the shock stud in the engine compartment (Fig. 8).
(2) Raise and support the front axle.
(3) Remove the lower mounting nuts from the axle
bracket (Fig. 9). Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower retainer and grommet on the
shock stud. Insert the shock absorber through the
shock tower hole.
(2) Install the lower shock studs into the axle
bracket.
(3) Install the mounting nuts and tighten to 28
N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(4) Remove support and lower the vehicle.(5) Install the upper grommet, retainer and nut on
the stud in the engine compartment. Hold the shock
stud witha8mmwrench and tighten the nut to 35
N´m (26 ft. lbs.).SPRING
DESCRIPTION
The coil springs mount up in the wheelhouse which
is part of the unitized body bracket. A rubber dough-
nut isolator is located between the top of the spring
and the body. The bottom of the spring seats on a
axle isolator made of rubber with a steel insert.
Fig. 7 Lower Suspension Arm
1 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
2 - FRAME RAIL BRACKET
3 - AXLE BRACKET
Fig. 8 Upper Shock Mounting
1 - RETAINER
2 - STUD
3 - NUT
4 - GROMMET
Fig. 9 Lower Shock Mounting
1 - SHOCK ABSORBER
2 - MOUNTING NUTS
2 - 12 FRONTWJ
LOWER CONTROL ARM (Continued)

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)

(6) Install the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the mounting bolt.
NOTE: It may be necessary to pry the axle assem-
bly over to install the track bar bolt.
(7) Remove the hydraulic jack from under the
vehicle.
(8) Tighten all suspension components to proper
torque.
(9) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(10) Remove support and lower vehicle.
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar extends across the front underside of the
chassis and is mounted to the frame rails. Links are
connected from the bar to the axle brackets. The sta-
bilizer bar and links are isolated by rubber bushings.
OPERATION
The stabilizer bar is used to control vehicle body
roll during turns. The spring steel bar helps to con-
trol the vehicle body in relationship to the suspen-
sion.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove link nuts and bolts (Fig. 13) and
remove the links.
(3) Remove the stabilizer bar retainer bolts (Fig.
13)from the frame rails and remove the stabilizer
bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the stabilizer bar on the frame rail
and install the retainers and bolts. Ensure the bar is
centered with equal spacing on both sides. Tighten
the bolts to 92 N´m (68 ft. lbs.).
(2) Install the links onto the stabilizer bar and
axle brackets and install the bolts and nuts finger
tight.
(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.).
TRACK BAR
DESCRIPTION
The bar is attached to a frame rail bracket and
axle bracket. The bar is forged and has non replace-
able isolator bushings at both ends.
OPERATION
The track bar is used to control front axle lateral
movement and provides cross car location of the axle
assembly.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the nut and bolt from the frame rail
bracket (Fig. 14).
(3) Remove the bolt from the axle shaft tube
bracket (Fig. 15). Remove the track bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar to the axle tube bracket.
Install the retaining bolt finger tight.
Fig. 13 Stabilizer Bar
1 - LINK
2 - STABILIZER BAR
3 - BUSHING
4 - RETAINER
Fig. 14 Track Bar Frame Rail Bracket
1 - FRAME RAIL
2 - TRACK BAR
2 - 14 FRONTWJ
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)

UPPER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION
The upper suspension arms are hydroformed steel
and use rubber bushings at each end of the arm.
OPERATION
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. The bush-
ings provide isolation from the axle.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and support the axle.
(2) Remove the upper suspension arm mounting
nut and bolt (Fig. 17) from the axle bracket.(3) Remove the nut and bolt (Fig. 17) at the frame
rail and remove the upper suspension arm.
INSTALLATION
(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.
(4) With the vehicle on the ground tighten the axle
bracket nut and the frame bracket bolt to 61 N´m (45
ft. lbs.).
(5) Check the alignment if new parts were
installed.
Fig. 17 Upper Suspension Arm
1 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
2 - FRAME BOLT
3 - AXLE BOLT
2 - 16 FRONTWJ

REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................17
WARNING.............................17
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR
SUSPENSION........................18
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................18
SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION...................19
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
SHOCK
DESCRIPTION.........................19
OPERATION...........................19
REMOVAL.............................19
INSTALLATION.........................19
SPRING
DESCRIPTION.........................20OPERATION...........................20
REMOVAL.............................20
INSTALLATION.........................20
STABILIZER BAR
DESCRIPTION.........................21
OPERATION...........................21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................21
UPPER BALL JOINT
DESCRIPTION - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM,
BUSHINGS, AND BALL JOINT............21
OPERATION - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM,
BUSHINGS, AND BALL JOINT............21
REMOVAL.............................21
INSTALLATION.........................22
UPPER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION.........................22
OPERATION...........................22
REMOVAL.............................22
INSTALLATION.........................23
REAR
DESCRIPTION
The rear suspension (Fig. 1) is comprised of :
²Drive axle
²Shock absorbers
²Coil springs
²Lower suspension arms
²Upper suspension arm
²Stabilizer bar
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings should be tightened with the vehi-
cle at normal ride height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. This will maintain vehicle
ride comfort and prevent premature bushing wear.
WARNING
WARNING:: 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 normalride position, vehicle ride comfort will be affected
and cause premature bushing wear.
Fig. 1 Rear Suspension
1 - SHOCK
2 - UPPER SUSPENSION ARM
3 - COIL SPRING
4 - STABILIZER BAR
5 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
WJREAR 2 - 17

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
components.2. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
3. Tire pressure. 3. Adjust tire pressure.
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE1. Weak or broken spring. 1. Replace spring.
2. Alignment. 2. Align vehicle to specifications.
3.Tires. 3. Replace tires.
4. Brakes. 4. Repair as necassary.
KNOCKING, RATTLING
OR SQUEAKING1. Worn shock bushings. 1. Replace shock.
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
components.5. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
IMPROPER TRACKING 1. Loose, worn or bent suspension
components.1. Inspect, tighten or replace components
as necessary.
2. Bent axle. 2.Replace axle.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Shock Absorber Upper Nut 108 80 Ð
Shock Absorber Lower Nut 115 85 Ð
Suspension Arm Upper Ball Joint Nut 142 105 Ð
Suspension Arm Upper Frame Bolts 100 74 Ð
Ball Joint Plate Bolts 136 100 Ð
Suspension Arms Lower Axle Bracket Nut 163 120 Ð
Suspension Arms Lower Frame Bracket Nut 156 115 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Retainer Bolts 54 40 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Bar Link Nut 54 40 Ð
Stabilizer Bar Bracket Link Nut 92 68 Ð
2 - 18 REARWJ
REAR (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
REAR SUSPENSION
LOWER CONTROL ARM
DESCRIPTION
The lower suspension arms are hydroformed steel
and use voided oval bushings at each 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.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and support the rear axle.
(2) Remove the lower suspension arm nut and bolt
from the axle bracket (Fig. 2).
(3) Remove the nut and bolt (Fig. 2) from the
frame rail and remove the lower suspension arm.
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
at the frame to 156 N´m (115 ft. lbs.). Tighten the
nut at the axle bracket to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
SHOCK
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.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle. Position a
hydraulic jack under the axle to support the axle.
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. 3).
(3) Remove the lower nut and bolt from the axle
bracket. Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the shock absorber in the frame bracket
and install the bolt and nut.
(2) Install the shock absorber in the axle bracket
and install the bolt and nut.
(3) Tighten the upper mounting nuts to 108 N´m
(80 ft. lbs.). Tighten the lower mounting nuts to 115
N´m (85 ft. lbs.).
(4) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
Remover 8278
Fig. 2 Lower Suspension Arm
1 - LOWER SUSPENSION ARM
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - FRAME BRACKET
WJREAR 2 - 19
REAR (Continued)