2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE front suspension

BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the upper suspension arm from axle.
(2) Position Spacer 8279 over the axle bushing on
a 4x2 vehicle and right side on a 4x4 vehicle.
(3) Place Receiver 7932-1 over flanged end of the
bushing. (Fig. 2).
(4) Place small end of Remover/Install 7932-2
against other side of the bushing.
(5) Install bolt 7604 through remover, bushing and
receiver.
(6) Install Long Nut 7603 and tighten nut too pull
bushing out of the axle bracket.
(7) Remove nut, bolt, receiver, remover and bush-
ing.
NOTE: On 4x2 vehicle and right side of 4x4 vehicle,
leave Spacer 8279 in position for bushing installa-
tion.
INSTALLATION
(1) Place Receiver 7932-1on the other side of the
axle bracket.
(2) Position new bushing up to the axle bracket.,
and large end of Remover/Install 7932-2 against the
bushing (Fig. 3).
(3) Install bolt 7604 through receiver, bushing and
installer.
(4) Install Long Nut 7603 and tighten nut to draw
the bushing into the axle bracket.(5) Remove tools and install the upper suspension
arm.
HUB / BEARING
DESCRIPTION
The bearing used on the front hub of this vehicle is
the combined hub and bearing unit type assembly.
This unit assembly combines the front wheel mount-
ing hub (flange) and the front wheel bearing into a
one piece unit. The wheel mounting studs are the
only replaceable component of the hub/bearing
assembly.
OPERATION
The hub/bearing assembly is mounted to the steer-
ing knuckle and is retained by three mounting bolts
accessible from the back of the steering knuckle. The
hub/bearing unit is not serviceable and must be
replaced as an assembly if the bearing or the hub is
determined to be defective.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper, caliper anchor, rotor
and ABS wheel speed sensor,(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
ELECTRICAL/FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the cotter pin, nut retainer and axle
hub nut.
(5) Remove the hub bearing mounting bolts from
the back of the steering knuckle. Remove hub bear-
Fig. 2 Bushing Removal
1 - RECEIVER
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - BOLT
4 - REMOVER/INSTALLER
5 - LONG NUT
Fig. 3 Bushing Installation
1 - REMOVER/INSTALLER
2 - AXLE BRACKET
3 - BOLT
4 - RECEIVER
5 - LONG NUT
WJFRONT 2 - 9

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)

(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)

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

PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT
REMOVAL
NOTE: Different length propeller shafts are used for
different drivetrain applications. Ensure that the
correct propeller shaft is used.
(1) Place vehicle on floor or drive-on hoist with full
weight of vehicle on suspension.
(2) Shift the transmission and transfer case, if nec-
essary, into the Neutral position.
(3) Measure the distance from the face of the C/V
joint cup to the end of the C/V joint boot (Fig. 8).
(4) The correct length is 142.7 mm (5.61 in.).
NOTE: If the measurement is not correct, the wrong
shaft may have been installed or a mating compo-
nent (front axle or transfer case) may be installed
incorrectly. Investigate and correct as necessary.
(5) Mark a line across the companion flange at the
transfer case and C/V joint at the rear of the front
propeller shaft for installation reference.
(6) Mark a line across the C/V joints and the pin-
ion companion flanges for installation reference.
(7) Remove bolts from the front C/V joint to the
pinion companion flange.
(8) Remove bolts from the rear C/V joint to the
transfer case companion flange.
(9) Push the propeller shaft forward to clear trans-
fer case companion flange and remove the shaft.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Different length propeller shafts are used for
different drivetrain applications. Ensure that the
correct propeller shaft is used.
(1) Install the shaft between companion flanges.
(2) The shaft should rotate freely in the pinion
flange.
(3) Align marks on the companion flanges with the
marks on the C/V joints.
(4) Install bolts to the front C/V joint and tighten
bolts to 32 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the bolts to the rear C/V joint and
tighten bolts to 32 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).
(6) Verify propeller shaft length.
(7) Lower vehicle.
PROPELLER SHAFT - FRONT
4.7L
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove crossmember/skid plate as necessary to
gain access to the propeller shaft.
(3) Shift transmission and transfer case, if neces-
sary into Neutral.
(4) Mark a line across the yoke at the transfer
case, link yoke and propeller shaft yoke at the rear of
the front propeller shaft for installation reference
(Fig. 9).
(5) Mark a line across the propeller shaft yoke and
pinion shaft yoke for installation reference.
Fig. 8 MEASUREMENT
1 - C/V JOINT CUP
2 - C/V BOOT END
3 - MEASUREMENT
Fig. 9 REFERENCE MARKS ON YOKES
1 - REFERENCE MARKS
3 - 6 PROPELLER SHAFTWJ

FRONT TUBE AXLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
FRONT TUBE AXLE
REMOVAL.............................14INSTALLATION.........................14
FRONT TUBE AXLE
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a lifting device under the axle and
secure axle to lift.
(3) Remove the wheels and tires.
(4) Remove the brake rotors (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - REMOVAL)
and calipers.
(5) Disconnect wheel sensor wiring harness from
the vehicle wiring harness.
(6) Remove stabilizer bar links at the axle.
(7) Remove shock absorbers from axle brackets.
(8) Removet track bar.
(9) Remove tie rod and drag link from the steering
knuckle.
(10) Remove steering damper from the axle
bracket.
(11) Remove upper and lower suspension arms
from the axle brackets.
(12) Lower the lift enough to remove the axle. The
coil springs will drop with the axle.
(13) Remove the coil springs from the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: The weight of the vehicle must be sup-
ported by the springs before suspension arms and
track bar fasteners are tightened. If not at their nor-mal ride position, ride height and handling could be
affected.
(1) Install springs and retainer clips and tighten
retainer bolts to 21 N´m (16 ft. lbs.).
(2) Lift and position axle under the vehicle and
align it with the spring pads.
(3) Position upper and lower suspension arms in
the axle brackets and loosely install bolts and nuts.
(4) Install track bar to the axle bracket and loosely
install bolt.
(5) Install shock absorbers and tighten bolts to 23
N´m (17 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install stabilizer bar links to the axle brackets
and tighten nuts to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.).
(7) Install drag link and tie rod to the steering
knuckles.
(8) Install steering damper to the axle bracket and
tighten nut to 75 N´m (55 ft. lbs.).
(9) Install the brake rotors and calipers.
(10) Connect wheel speed sensor wiring harness, if
equipped.
(11) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(12) Remove lift from the axle and lower the vehi-
cle.
(13) Tighten upper suspension arm nuts to 75 N´m
(55 ft. lbs.). Tighten lower suspension arm nuts to
115 N´m (85 ft. lbs.).
(14) Tighten track bar bolt at the axle bracket to
100 N´m (74 ft. lbs.).
(15) Check the front wheel alignment.
3 - 14 FRONT TUBE AXLEWJ

Condition Possible Causes Correction
Axle Noise 1. Insufficient lubricant. 1. Fill differential with the correct
fluid type and quantity.
2. Improper ring gear and pinion
adjustment.2. Check ring gear and pinion
contact pattern.
3. Unmatched ring gear and pinion. 3. Replace gears with a matched
ring gear and pinion.
4. Worn teeth on ring gear and/or
pinion.4. Replace ring gear and pinion.
5. Loose pinion bearings. 5. Adjust pinion bearing pre-load.
6. Loose differential bearings. 6. Adjust differential bearing
pre-load.
7. Mis-aligned or sprung ring gear. 7. Measure ring gear run-out.
Replace components as necessary.
8. Loose differential bearing cap
bolts.8. Inspect differential components
and replace as necessary. Ensure
that the bearing caps are torqued
tot he proper specification.
9. Housing not machined properly. 9. Replace housing.
VARI-LOKT
(1) Park the vehicle on a level surface or raise
vehicle on hoist so that the vehicle is level.
(2) Remove the axle fill plug.
(3) Verify that the axle fluid level is correct. The
fluid level is correct if the fluid is level with the bot-
tom of the fill hole.
(4) Shift the transfer case into the 4WD full-time
position.
(5) Drive the vehicle in a tight circle for 2 minutes
at 5mph to fully prime the pump.
(6) Block the tires opposite the axle to be tested to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
(7) Shift the transfer case into the 4WD Low posi-
tion and the transmission into the Park position.
(8) Raise both the wheels of the axle to be tested
off of the ground.
(9) Rotate the left wheel by hand at a minimum of
one revolution per second while an assistant rotates
the right wheel in the opposite direction.
(10) The left wheel should spin freely at first and
then increase in resistance within 5 revolutions until
the wheels cannot be continuously rotated in opposite
directions.
(11) The Vari-loktdifferential has engaged prop-
erly if the wheels cannot be rotated in opposite direc-
tions for a moment. After the wheels stop rotating for
a moment, the fluid pressure will drop in the differ-
ential and the wheels begin to rotate once again.
(12) If the system does not operate properly,
replace the Vari-loktdifferential.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Position a suitable lifting device under the
axle.
(3) Secure axle to lift.
(4) Remove the wheels and tires.
(5) Remove the brake calipers and rotors (Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS
- REMOVAL) from the axle.
(6) Disconnect the wheel sensor wiring harness
from the vehicle wiring harness.
(7) Disconnect the vent hose from the axle shaft
tube.
(8) Mark propeller shaft and yoke/pinion flange for
installation alignment reference.
(9) Remove propeller shaft.
(10) Disconnect stabilizer bar links at the axle.
(11) Disconnect shock absorbers from axle brack-
ets.
(12) Disconnect track bar.
(13) Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the
steering knuckle.
(14) Disconnect the steering damper from the axle
bracket.
(15) Disconnect the upper and lower suspension
arms from the axle brackets.
(16) Lower the lifting device enough to remove the
axle. The coil springs will drop with the axle.
(17) Remove the coil springs from the axle.
3 - 20 FRONT AXLE - 186FBIWJ
FRONT AXLE - 186FBI (Continued)