1988 JEEP CHEROKEE 4WD

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SU SPEN SIO N - F R O NT

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1988 FRONT SUSPENSION
Jeep Coil & Leaf Spring
Cherokee, Comanche, Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer, Wrangler
DESCRIPTION
Cherokee, Comanche and Wagoneer 2WD and 4WD front
suspensions consist of solid axle (tubular axle on 2WD), 4 control
arms, 2 coil springs and track bar. Track bar is used to minimize
front axle side-to-side movement. Stabilizer bar and shock absorbers
control suspension spring movement.
Grand Wagoneer and Wrangler models use leaf spring front
suspension with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Wrangler also uses
a track bar to maintain lateral position of front and rear axles.
ADJUSTMENTS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT section.
WHEEL BEARING
NOTE: Bearings should be cleaned, inspected, replaced (if
necessary) and lubricated before adjustment.
CAUTION: Never preload tapered roller bearings or damage to roller
ends will result. Bearings are designed to have a slightly
loose feel when properly adjusted.
2WD Models
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire
assembly. Remove hub dust cap, cotter pin and nut retainer. Ensure
bearings are thoroughly packed with lithium grease.
2) Rotate hub and rotor assembly by hand, and tighten
retainer nut to 17-25 ft. lbs. (23-34 N.m) to seat bearings.
3) Loosen retainer nut 1/2 turn while rotating hub. Then
retighten nut to 19 INCH lbs. (2 N.m). Install nut retainer and new
cotter pin. Clean hub dust cap and coat inside with clean grease.
Reverse removal procedure for remaining components.
4WD Models (Grand Wagoneer)
1) On models equipped with locking hubs, remove locking
hubs. See appropriate LOCKING HUBS article. On models without locking
hubs, remove hub dust cap and drive gear snap ring. See Fig. 1.
2) Remove drive gear, pressure spring and spring cup. On
all models, remove outer lock nut and lock washer. Tighten inner lock
nut to 50 ft. lbs. (68 N.m) while rotating wheel.
3) Back off inner lock nut 45-65 degrees while rotating
wheel. Install washer and outer lock nut. Tighten outer lock nut to
50 ft. lbs. (68 N.m). Reverse removal procedure to complete
installation.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

WHEEL BEARINGS
Removal (2WD Models)
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove
brake caliper. Suspend caliper with wire. DO NOT allow caliper to
hang on brake hose.
2) Remove hub dust cap, cotter pin, nut retainer, retainer
nut, washer and outer wheel bearing. See Fig. 1. Remove hub and rotor
assembly. Pry grease seal from hub. Remove inner wheel bearing.
Inspection
Clean bearings and hub in solvent and dry with compressed
air. Inspect bearings and races for wear.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust wheel bearing.
See WHEEL BEARING under ADJUSTMENTS in this article.
Removal
(4WD Grand Wagoneer)
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove
brake caliper. Suspend caliper with wire. DO NOT allow caliper to
hang on brake hose. Remove rotor from hub.
2) On models equipped with locking hubs, remove locking
hubs. See appropriate LOCKING HUBS article. On all other models,
remove hub dust cover and drive gear snap ring. See Fig. 1.
3) Remove drive gear, pressure spring and spring cup. On
all models, remove outer lock nut, lock washer, inner lock nut and
outer wheel bearing. Remove hub. Pry grease seal from hub. Remove
inner wheel bearing.
Inspection
Clean bearings and hub in solvent and dry with compressed
air. Inspect bearings and races for wear.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Adjust wheel
bearings. See WHEEL BEARINGS under ADJUSTMENTS in this article.
Removal
(4WD Models Except Grand Wagoneer)
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove
brake caliper. Suspend caliper with wire. Remove cotter pin, nut
retainer and axle shaft nut. Remove hub/carrier assembly from
steering knuckle. See Fig. 1.
2) Inspect bearings for roughness. If bearing roughness
exists, disassemble hub assembly.
Inspection
Clean bearings and hub in solvent and dry with compressed
air. Inspect bearings and races for wear.
Installation
Ensure hub, bearing carrier and wheel bearings are packed
with clean lithium grease. Reassemble hub assembly using new grease
seal. Reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification.
Install new cotter pin.

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of 2WD Hub/Rotor Assembly & 4WD
Hub/Bearing Carrier Assembly
Courtesy of Chrysler Motors.
SHOCK ABSORBER
Removal & Installation
1) With vehicle at normal riding height, remove nut, washer,
and rubber grommet from top of shock absorber. Note component
locations for reassembly reference.
2) Raise and support vehicle. Remove lower shock mounting
bolts from axle housing bracket. Remove shock absorber. Inspect units
for damage or leakage. Replace shock absorbers in pairs only. To
install, reverse removal procedure.
STEERING KNUCKLE
Removal
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove
brake caliper. Suspend caliper with wire. Remove brake rotor or
hub/bearing carrier assembly. See WHEEL BEARINGS in this article.
2) Remove axle shaft from left side of axle housing. To
remove right axle shaft, disconnect vacuum harness from shift motor.
Remove shift motor and axle shaft from housing. Remove caliper anchor
plate from steering knuckle.
3) On each steering knuckle, remove ball joint stud cotter
pin and retaining nuts. Using brass hammer, strike steering knuckle
at ball joint stud bore area to loosen ball joint from steering
knuckle.
4) Inspect split ring seat in steering knuckle ball joint
stud bore for damage. If damaged, use Split Ring Seat
Remover/Installer to remove split ring seat.

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TR AN SFE R C ASE - O VER HAU L ( 2 07/2 31)

1 988 J e ep C hero ke e
1983-96 TRANSFER CASES
Chrysler Corp., GM Corp., Jeep - New Process 207 & 231
Dodge; B1500 & Dakota
GMC/Chevrolet; "T" Series (Blazer & Jimmy)
Jeep; Cherokee, Comanche, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Wrangler
IDENTIFICATION
Transfer case can be identified by an I.D. tag, located on
rear case. I.D. tag provides model number, serial number and low range
ratio. Date of manufacture is the serial number (I.D. number). This
information is necessary when ordering parts.
DESCRIPTION
Model 231 transfer case is a part time, chain-driven, 4-
position unit with 2-piece aluminum case. Torque input in 4WD high and
low range is undifferentiated. 2WD operation is achieved by a vacuum
shift motor. Shift motor disconnects right front axle when 2WD is
selected. Vacuum shift motor is controlled by a vacuum switch located
on front of transfer case and actuated by shift sector.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT LINKAGE
Chrysler Corp.
Shift transfer case to 2H position. Raise and support
vehicle. Loosen lock bolt at trunnion. Ensure linkage rod slides
freely in trunnion. Verify transfer case range lever is fully engaged
in 2H position. Tighten lock bolt at trunnion. Lower vehicle. Check
shift linkage operation. Ensure transfer case shifts into and operates
properly in all gear ranges.
General Motors
Remove shift lever knob retainer. Remove shift lever knob.
Remove floor console. Place shift lever in Neutral. Pry control cable
end from shift lever. Loosen control cable lock nut. Check transfer
case to ensure it is in Neutral. Ensure shift lever is in Neutral.
Turn shift lever end of cable in or out as needed until it is aligned
with shift lever. Install control cable on shift lever. Tighten
control cable lock nut.
Jeep
Shift transfer case to 4L position. Raise and support
vehicle. Loosen lock bolt at trunnion. Ensure linkage rod slides
freely in trunnion. Verify transfer case range lever is fully engaged
in 4L position. Tighten lock bolt at trunnion. Lower vehicle. Check
shift linkage operation. Ensure transfer case shifts into and operates
properly in all gear ranges.
TESTING
VACUUM SWITCH
Shift to 2WD position. Locate vacuum switch on front of

transfer case. Apply 15 in. Hg vacuum to "L". See Fig. 1. Vacuum
should be present at "M". Connect a vacuum gauge to "N". Shift to 4WD
position. Apply vacuum to "L". Vacuum should be present at "N". If
switch fails any test, replace switch.
Fig. 1: Testing Vacuum Switch
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS

Will Not Shift Or Difficult To Shift Into Gear
Vehicle speed too high; slow vehicle to 2-3 MPH to shift.
Vehicle operated too long on dry paved surface; stop vehicle and place
in Reverse or Neutral to relieve driveline torque. Ensure transfer
case external linkage is not binding. Ensure correct fluid is used.
Internal parts may be worn or damaged.
Noisy In All Gears
Check fluid level. Ensure correct fluid is used. If fluid is
okay, locate possible internal mechanical problem.
Jumps Out Of Gear Or Noisy In 4WD
Transfer case not completely in gear; check shift linkage.
Range fork damaged. Shift fork pads are worn or shift fork binding.
Low range gear worn.
Fluid Leaking From Vent Or Seals
Transfer case overfilled. Vent plugged. Output shaft seals
are damaged or not installed properly.
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
FRONT OIL SEAL
Removal & Installation
1) Mark front drive shaft and flange for installation
alignment reference. Remove front drive shaft. Remove flange. Discard
washer and nut. Using a screwdriver, carefully remove oil seal. Ensure
seal contact surface is clean.
2) Apply ATF to seal lip and flange seal surface. Install NEW
oil seal. Install flange and NEW washer and nut. Tighten nut to
specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install front drive shaft
using alignment marks. Check transfer case fluid.
EXTENSION HOUSING OIL SEAL & BUSHING
Removal & Installation
1) Mark rear drive shaft and flange for installation
alignment reference. Remove rear drive shaft. Tap extension housing in
a clockwise direction and remove extension housing. DO NOT pry on
extension housing. Using a screwdriver, remove oil seal from extension
housing.
2) Using bushing driver, replace bushing in extension
housing. Install NEW extension housing oil seal. Apply silicone
sealant to extension housing mating surface. Install extension
housing. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
TRANSFER CASE
Removal
1) Shift transfer case into 4H and disconnect battery
negative cable. Raise vehicle, remove skid plate and drain fluid.
2) Mark front and rear output shaft yokes to drive shafts for
reassembly reference. Support transfer case and remove rear
crossmember. Remove drive shafts.
3) Disconnect vehicle speed sensor electrical connector and
vacuum (hoses) harness at transfer case. Remove shift lever or linkage\
rod from case. Remove transfer case attaching bolts. Remove transfer
case from vehicle.

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TR AN SFE R C ASE - N P/N V 2 42

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1987-96 TRANSFER CASES
Jeep - New Venture 242
Cherokee, Comanche, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer
IDENTIFICATION
Transfer case can be identified by an I.D. tag, located on
rear case. I.D. tag provides model number, serial number and low range
ratio. Date of manufacture is the serial number (I.D. number). This
information is necessary when ordering parts.
DESCRIPTION
Model 242 transfer case is a chain-driven, 2-piece aluminum
case, with full time operation. Torque input in 4WD high and low range
is undifferentiated.
ADJUSTMENTS
GEARSHIFT LINKAGE
Remove shift boot and shift to 4L position. Loosen trunnion
nut. Adjust trunnion and shift rod until rod fits freely. Tighten
trunnion nut and remove shim.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
Will Not Shift Or Difficult To Shift Into Gear
Check fluid level. Check linkage adjustment. Ensure transfer
case external linkage is not binding. Internal parts may be worn or
damaged.
Noisy In All Gears
Check fluid level. Ensure correct fluid is used. If fluid is
okay, locate noise and check for possible internal mechanical problem.
Jumps Out Of Gear Or Noisy In 4WD
Transfer case not completely in gear; check shift linkage.
Range fork damaged. Inserts are worn. Shift fork binding on shift
rail. Low range gear worn or damaged.
Fluid Leaking From Vent Or Seals
Transfer case overfilled. Vent plugged. Output shaft seals
are damaged or not installed properly.
Transfer Case Will Not Shift Through High Lock Range
Incomplete shift due to driveline torque load; momentarily
release accelerator pedal to complete shift. Check tire pressure and
tire wear. Vehicle overloaded; remove load and check shifting.
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
FRONT OIL SEAL

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TR AN SM IS SIO N R EM OVA L & IN STA LLA TIO N - M /T

1988 J e ep C hero ke e
1988 MANUAL TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
Jeep
Cherokee, Comanche, Grand Wagoneer, Pickup, Wagoneer,
Wrangler
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
TRANSMISSION
Removal
1) Remove screws attaching shift lever boot to floorpan.
Slide boot over lever. On models with T-176 transmission, press and
turn shift lever retainer counterclockwise to release lever.
2) Remove lever, boot, spring and seat as an assembly. On all
models, raise vehicle and support with safety stands. Disconnect rear
drive shaft from transfer case and wire out of way.
3) DO NOT allow shaft to hang free, as damage to universal
joint may result. Disconnect front parking brake cable at equalizer.
Remove rear cable clip from crossmember.
4) Place a jack under clutch housing to support engine.
Remove rear crossmember from frame. Disconnect speedometer cable,
back-up light switch wire and 4WD indicator switch wire.
5) Disconnect transfer case vent hose. Disconnect front drive
shaft and wire out of way. On Wrangler, remove transfer case shift
lever by removing shifter shaft retaining nut.
6) Remove cotter pins retaining shift control link pins in
shift rods and remove pins. Remove shifter shaft and disengage shift
lever from shift control links. Move lever out of the way.
NOTE: On some models, shifter shaft must be unthreaded from shift
lever in order to be removed. On other models, shaft can be
removed by sliding it out of lever.
7) Remove cotter pin and washers connecting link to shift
lever. Separate link from lever. Support transmission and transfer
case with jack.
8) Remove bolts securing transmission to clutch housing and
remove transmission and transfer case. Separate transfer case and
transmission.
Installation
1) Install pilot bushing lubricating wick and align throw out
bearing with splines in driven plate hub. Shift transmission into gear
using shift lever or a long screwdriver. This prevents clutch shaft
from rotating during installation and makes clutch shaft-to-driven
plate spline alignment easier.
2) Mount transmission on transmission jack. Raise
transmission and align transmission clutch shaft with splines in
driven plate hub.
3) When transmission is seated on clutch housing, install and
tighten transmission-to-clutch housing bolts. Apply Permatex No. 3
sealer to both sides of replacement transmission output shaft and
transfer case input shaft splines.
4) To install transmission, reverse removal procedure. Adjust
clutch and shift linkage.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS