Removal/Installation

Fig. 1 Exploded View Of Front Suspension:

NOTE: For torque specifications refer to Steering and Suspension/Suspension/Specifications/Mechanical.

1. Loosen two upper strut to body attaching nuts, Fig. 1.
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts, then remove drive axle shaft retaining pin, nut and washer.
3. Raise and support front of vehicle. Support vehicle on suitable jackstands.
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
5. Install modified outer seal protector J-28712 or equivalent.
6. Remove brake caliper and position aside, leaving brake line attached.
7. Remove brake disc attaching screws and the disc.
8. Remove outer tie rod to steering arm attaching nuts, then separate tie rod from arm using tool No. J-24319-01 or other suitable puller.
9. Remove lower ball joint retaining clip and stud nut, then separate ball joint from steering knuckle using tool J-36226 or equivalent. Disregard ``This Side Towards Wheel'' marking on tool. Tool must be turned to opposite position when used on these vehicles.
10. Support drive axle, then separate the axle from front wheel hub using tool No. J-37105 or equivalent and remove two strut to body attaching nuts and steering knuckle and strut assembly from vehicle.
11. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque strut to body attaching nuts to specification.
b. Torque lower ball joint nut to specification.
c. Torque tie rod attaching nut to specification.
d. Torque disc to wheel hub bolt to specification.
e. With weight of vehicle on wheels, torque new drive axle to hub nut to 74 ft. lbs., then back off nut and retorque to 15 ft. lbs. Tighten nut an additional 1/4 turn, then install cotter pin. If necessary, loosen nut slightly to align cotter pin holes.