When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(7) Shift the automatic transmission to PARK and
the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
4WD, Selec-Trac (242 Full-Time 4WD Transfer
Case) And Automatic Transmission
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(7) Shift the automatic transmission to PARK and
the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
YJ VEHICLES
Use the following guidelines when the tow vehicle
is attached to the front of a disabled vehicle.
(1) Always tow with the front wheels lifted off the
surface and turned all the way to the right.
CAUTION: Use tow chains with T-hooks for con-
necting to the disabled vehicle's frame rails (Fig.
12). Never use J-hooks.
(2) Attach the T-hooks to the slots in the front end
of each frame rail (Fig. 13).
(3) Position each safety chain over the top of each
front spring and inboard of each front spring shackle.
(4) Double wrap each chain.
(5) Position the sling crossbar under the front
bumper.
Command-Trac (231 Part-Time 4WD Transfer
Case) And Manual Transmission
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(7) Shift the manual transmission to a forward
gear and the transfer case to NEUTRAL.Command-Trac (231 Part-Time 4WD Transfer
Case) And Automatic Transmission
(6) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(7) Shift the automatic transmission to PARK and
the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
SLING-TYPE, REAR-END TOWING
YJ VEHICLESÐUse wheel-lift equipment ONLY
when towing from the rear end of the vehicle is nec-
essary.
XJ VEHICLESÐUse the following guidelines
when the tow vehicle is attached to the rear of the
disabled vehicle.
(1) Attach J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes out-
board of the shock absorber.
(2) Place the sling crossbar under and forward of
the bumper.
(3) Attach safety chains around the frame rails.
2WD With Manual Or Automatic Transmission
(1) Attach J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes out-
board of the shock absorber.
(2) Place the sling crossbar under and forward of
the bumper.
(3) Attach safety chains around the frame rails.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering wheel.
(5) Clamp the steering wheel with the front wheels
in the straight ahead position. Do not use the steer-
ing column lock as a substitute for a clamping de-
vice.
(6) Shift the transmission to NEUTRAL.
Fig. 12 Tow Chains & Hooks
Fig. 13 Sling-Type, Front-End Towing (YJ Vehicles)
0 - 10 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
4WD, Command-Trac (231 Part-Time 4WD
Transfer Case) And Manual Transmission
(1) Attach J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes out-
board of the shock absorber.
(2) Place the sling crossbar under and forward of
the bumper.
(3) Attach safety chains around the frame rails.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering column.
(5) Clamp the steering wheel with the front wheels
in the straight ahead position. Do not use the steer-
ing column lock as a substitute for a clamping de-
vice.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(6) Shift the transmission to a forward gear and
the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
4WD, Command-Trac (231 Part-Time 4WD
Transfer Case) And Automatic Transmission
(1) Attach J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes out-
board of the shock absorber.
(2) Place the sling crossbar under and forward of
the bumper.
(3) Attach safety chains around the frame rails.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering column.
(5) Clamp the steering wheel with the front wheels
in the straight ahead position. Do not use the steer-
ing column lock as a substitute for a clamping de-
vice.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(6) Shift the transmission to PARK and the trans-
fer case to NEUTRAL.
4WD, Selec-Trac (242 Full-Time 4WD Transfer
Case) And Automatic Transmission
(1) Attach J-hooks around the axle shaft tubes out-
board of the shock absorber.
(2) Place the sling crossbar under and forward of
the bumper.
(3) Attach safety chains around the frame rails.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position to
unlock the steering column.
(5) Clamp the steering wheel with the front wheels
in the straight ahead position. Do not use the steer-
ing column lock as a substitute for a clamping de-
vice.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(6) Shift the transmission to PARK and the trans-
fer case to NEUTRAL.TOWING WHEN IGNITION KEYS ARE NOT
AVAILABLE
VEHICLE DOORS UNLOCKED
2WD Vehicles
Either one of two methods can be used:
²tow the vehicle with the drive shaft removed (refer
to Sling-Type, Front-End Towing); or
²place a tow dolly under the rear wheels (Fig. 14)
and tow with the front end raised (refer to Sling-
Type, Front-End Towing).
4WD, Command-Trac (231 Part-Time 4WD
Transfer Case) And Manual Transmission
(1) Shift the manual transmission to a forward
gear.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(2) Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
(3) The vehicle can now be towed with the front
wheels raised (refer to Sling-Type, Front-End Tow-
ing).
4WD, Command-Trac (231 Part-Time 4WD
Transfer Case) And Automatic Transmission
(1) Check and ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in PARK.
When the transfer case is in the NEUTRAL po-
sition, both axles are disengaged from the pow-
ertrain. This allows the vehicle to be towed
without removing the drive shafts.
(2) Shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL.
(3) The vehicle can now be towed with the front
wheels raised (refer to Sling-Type, Front-End Tow-
ing).
4WD, Selec-Trac (242 Full-Time 4WD Transfer
Case) And Automatic Transmission
(1) Check and ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in PARK.
Fig. 14 Sling-Type, Front-End Towing With Rear
Wheels On A Tow Dolly
JLUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE 0 - 11
DRIVETRAIN
INDEX
page page
Automatic Transmission.................... 23
Drive Shafts............................ 27
Front and Rear Axles..................... 26
Hydraulic Clutch......................... 22Manual Transmission...................... 22
Rubber and Plastic Hoses/Tubing............ 28
Transfer Case........................... 25
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
Check fluid level in the hydraulic clutch master
cylinder reservoir (Fig. 1) at the same time engine
oil is changed and oil filter is replaced. Add fluid as
necessary.
FLUID SPECIFICATION
The only fluid recommended for use in a hydraulic
clutch system is MOPAR Brake And Hydraulic
Clutch Fluid., or an equivalent fluid.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an unsealed container. In addition, do not use
fluid from a container that has been opened and al-
lowed to stand for an extended length of time.
Moisture in the air can be absorbed by the fluid,
which causes dilution with loss of effectiveness.
FLUID LEVEL
Remove the master cylinder fluid reservoir cap
(Fig. 2). The fluid level is determined by its height inrelation to the level indicator ring (Fig. 3) located in-
side the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid until the
height is level with the indicator ring.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE
The lube oil level in manual transmissions should
be determined at the same time as the engine oil is
changed and the oil filter is replaced. Add lube oil as
necessary.
Fig. 1 Hydraulic Clutch (YJ)ÐTypical
Fig. 2 Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Fluid
Reservoir
Fig. 3 Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Level
0 - 22 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCEJ
FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE
CONTENTS
page page
AXLE NOISE/VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS....... 16
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT............... 5
GENERAL INFORMATION.................. 1
MODEL 30 AXLE AND TUBE AXLE (2WD) . . 20TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS................ 47
XJ FRONT SUSPENSION................. 10
YJ FRONT SUSPENSION................. 13
GENERAL INFORMATION
FRONT SUSPENSION
XJ VEHICLES
The Cherokee front suspension is a link/coil design
comprised of (Fig. 1);
²Drive axle (4WD), tube axle (2WD)
²Track bar
²Stabilizer bar
²Upper and lower suspension arms
²Coil springs
²Dual-action shock absorbers²Jounce bumpers (used to limit the travel of the
suspension)
The link/coil suspension allows each wheel to adapt
to different road surfaces without greatly affecting
the opposite wheel. Wheels are attached to a hub/
bearings which bolts to the knuckles. The hub/bear-
ing is not serviceable and is replaced as a unit.
Steering knuckles pivot on replaceable ball studs at-
tached to the axle tube yokes.
The upper and lower suspension arms are different
lengths, with bushings at both ends. They bolt the
Fig. 1 XJ Front Suspension
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 1
axle assembly to the frame. The lower arms uses
shims at the frame mount to allow for adjustment of
caster and pinion angle. The suspension arm travel
(jounce or rebound) is limited through the use of rub-
ber bumpers.
Suspension components which use rubber bushings
should be tightened at vehicle ride height. This will
prevent premature failure of the bushing and main-
tain ride comfort. Bushings must never be lubricated.
The coil springs control ride quality and maintain
proper ride height. The coil springs mount up in the
fender shield which is part of the unitized body
bracket. A rubber isolator is located between the top
of the spring and the frame. The bottom of the spring
seats on a axle pad and is retained with a clip.
The shock absorbers dampen jounce and rebound of
the vehicle over various road conditions. The top of
the shock absorbers are bolted to the frame. The bot-
tom of the shocks are bolted to the axle spring
bracket.
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle front
sway during turns. The spring steel bar helps to con-
trol the vehicle body in relationship to the suspen-
sion. The bar extends across the front underside of
the chassis and connects to the frame rails. Links are
connected from the bar to the axle brackets. Stabi-
lizer bar mounts are isolated by rubber bushings.
The track bar is used to minimize front axle side-
to-side movement. The bar is attached to a frame rail
bracket with a ball stud and isolated with a bushing
at the axle bracket.
TUBE AXLE (2WD VEHICLES)
The front axle used on two-wheel drive vehicles is
a one-piece, tubular axle (Fig. 2). The tubular axle
mounts in the same bracketry as does the four-wheel
drive front axle. The steering knuckles and hub bear-
ing assemblies are the same as used on the Model 30
drive axle.
YJ VEHICLES
The Wrangler (YJ) front suspension is leaf spring
design comprised of (Fig. 3);
²Drive axle
²Track bar
²Stabilizer bar
²Leaf springs
²Dual-action shock absorbers
²Jounce bumpers (used to limit the travel of the
suspension)
The front suspension uses semi-elliptic multi-leaf
springs mounted on the drive axle. The rearward end
of the springs are mounted to the frame rail hangers
through rubber bushings. The bushings isolate road
noise as the springs move. The forward end of the
springs are attached to the frame with shackles. The
spring and shackles use rubber bushings to isolate
road noise. The shackles allow the springs to changetheir length as the vehicle moves over various road
conditions. The spring and axle travel (jounce or re-
bound) is limited through use of rubber bumpers
mounted on the frame.
Suspension components which use rubber bushings
should be tightened at vehicle ride height. This will
prevent premature failure of the bushing and main-
tain ride comfort. The bushings should never be lu-
bricated.
Fig. 2 Front AxleÐ 2WD Vehicles
Fig. 3 YJ Front Suspension
2 - 2 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ
The shocks absorbers dampen jounce and rebound
of the vehicle over various road conditions. The top of
the shock absorbers are bolted to the frame. The bot-
tom of the shocks are bolted to the axle bracket.
The stabilizer bar is used to minimize vehicle front
sway during turns. The spring steel bar helps to con-
trol the vehicle body in relationship to the suspen-
sion. The bar extends across the front underside of
the chassis and connects to the frame rails. Links are
connected from the bar to the axle brackets. Stabi-
lizer bar mounts are isolated by rubber bushings.
The track bar is used to minimize front axle side-
to-side movement. The track bar is attached to a
frame rail bracket and the axle bracket.
The bar uses bushings at both ends.
FRONT DRIVE AXLE
It is not necessary to remove the complete axle
from the vehicle for routine differential service. If
the differential housing or axle shaft tubes are dam-
aged, the complete axle assembly can be removed
and serviced.
For complete drive axle assembly removal and in-
stallation refer to Drive Axle Assembly Replacement
in this Group.
The removable cover provides for servicing without
removing axle from vehicle.
The integral type housing, hypoid gear design has
the centerline of the pinion set above the centerline
of the ring gear.
The Model 30 axle has the assembly part number
and gear ratio listed on a tag. The tag is attached to
the housing cover (Fig. 4). Build date identification
codes are stamped on the axle shaft tube cover side.XJ and YJ axles are equipped with an optional
A.B.S. brake system. The A.B.S. tone rings are
pressed onto the axle shaft near the hub and
knuckle. For additional information on the A.B.S.
system refer to Group 5, Brakes.
²XJ vehicles use a non-disconnect axle.
²YJ vehicles use a vacuum disconnect axle (Fig. 5).
STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL OPERATION
The differential gear system divides the torque be-
tween the axle shafts. It allows the axle shafts to ro-
tate at different speeds when turning corners.
Each differential side gear is splined to an axle
shaft. The pinion gears are mounted on a pinion
mate shaft and are free to rotate on the shaft. The
pinion gear is fitted in a bore in the differential case
and is positioned at a right angle to the axle shafts.
In operation, power flow occurs as follows:
²Pinion gear rotates the ring gear
²Ring gear (bolted to the differential case) rotates
the case
²Differential pinion gears (mounted on the pinion
mate shaft in the case) rotate the side gears
²Side gears (splined to the axle shafts) rotate the
shafts
During straight-ahead driving, the differential pin-
ion gears do not rotate on the pinion mate shaft. This
occurs because input torque applied to gears is di-
vided and distributed equally between the two side
gears. As a result, the pinion gears revolve with the
pinion mate shaft but do not rotate around it (Fig. 6).
When turning corners, the outside wheel must travel
a greater distance than the inside wheel. This difference
must be compensated for in order to prevent the wheels
from scuffing and skidding through the turn. To accom-
plish this, the differential allows the axle shafts to turn
at unequal speeds (Fig. 7). In this instance, the input
torque applied to the pinion gears is not divided
equally. The pinion gears now rotate around the pinion
mate shaft in opposite directions. This allows the side
gear and axle shaft attached to the outside wheel to ro-
tate at a faster speed.
Fig. 4 Model 30 Differential Cover
Fig. 5 Disconnect Feature
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 3
XJ FRONT SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
Axle Bushing Replacement................. 11
Coil Spring............................. 13
Lower Suspension Arm.................... 11
Service Information....................... 10
Shock Absorber.......................... 12Spring and Shock Diagnosis................ 12
Stabilizer Bar............................ 10
Track Bar.............................. 10
Upper Suspension Arm.................... 11
SERVICE INFORMATION
CAUTION: Suspension components that use rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
the normal height. It is important to have the
springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when
the fasteners are torqued. If the springs are not at
their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected along with premature bushing
wear. Rubber bushings must never be lubricated.
TRACK BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the cotter pin and nut from the ball
stud end at the frame rail bracket (Fig. 1).
A puller tool may be necessary to separate the
ball stud from the frame rail bracket.
(3) Remove the bolt and flag nut from the axle
shaft tube bracket (Fig. 1). Remove the track bar.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the track bar at axle tube bracket. Loosely
install the retaining bolt and flag nut (Fig. 1).
(2) It may be necessary to pry the axle assembly
over to install the track bar at the frame rail. Install
track bar at the frame rail bracket. Install the re-
taining nut on the stud (Fig. 1).
(3) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten the retaining bolt at the axle shaft
tube bracket to 100 Nzm (74 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Tighten the ball stud nut to 81 Nzm (60 ft. lbs.)
torque. Install a new cotter pin.
STABILIZER BAR
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the
axle brackets (Fig. 2).
(3) Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the links.
(4) Disconnect the stabilizer bar clamps from the
frame rails. Remove the stabilizer bar.
Fig. 2 Stabilizer BarFig. 1 Track Bar
2 - 10 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ
(2) Install the bolts and finger tighten the nuts
(Fig. 3).
(3) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
(4) Tighten the front and rear nuts to 115 Nzm (85
ft. lbs.) torque.
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A squeak noise from the shock absorber can be pro-
duced if movement between the rubber bushings and
the metal occurs. This noise can usually be stopped
by tightening the attaching nuts. If the squeak noisepersists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings, and
attaching components. Repair as necessary.
The shock absorber bushings do not require any
type of lubrication. Do not lubricate the bushings to
reduce bushing noise. Grease or mineral oil-base lu-
bricants will deteriorate the bushing rubber.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston into and out
of the cylinder four or five times. The action through-
out each stroke should be smooth and even.
SHOCK ABSORBER
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the nut, retainer and grommet from
the upper stud in the engine compartment (Fig. 6).
(2) Remove the lower nuts and bolts from the axle
bracket (Fig. 6). Remove the shock absorber.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the lower retainer and grommet on the
upper stud. Insert the shock absorber through the
shock tower hole.
(2) Install the lower bolts and nuts. Tighten nuts
to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Install the upper grommet and retainer on the
stud in the engine compartment. Install the nut and
tighten to 10 Nzm (8 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 6 Coil Spring & Shock Absorber
Fig. 5 Axle Bracket Bushing Installation
2 - 12 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ