Installation

1. Install steering gear assembly on front suspension crossmember. Install the 2 long steering gear assembly to front crossmember mounting bolts into the mounting isolators. Then install the 2 short bolts into the saddle bracket. Tighten the 4 steering gear mounting bolts to a torque of 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.).





2. Install the power steering fluid pressure and return lines on the ports of the power steering gear. Tighten power steering fluid pressure and return lines to steering gear tube nuts to a torque of 31 Nm (275 inch lbs.).





3. Using transmission jack, raise front suspension crossmember and steering gear against body of vehicle. Start the 2 rear bolts into tapping plates, attaching front suspension crossmember to body of vehicle. Then install the 2 front bolts, attaching front suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle. Tighten the 4 mounting bolts evenly, until front suspension crossmember is against body of vehicle at the 4 mounting points. Then torque the 4 mounting bolts to 2 Nm (20 inch. lbs.) to hold front suspension crossmember in position.

CAUTION: When front suspension crossmember is installed back in vehicle, crossmember MUST be aligned with positioning marks previously scribed into body of vehicle. This MUST be done to maintain NET BUILD front suspension alignment settings.











4. Using a soft face hammer, tap front suspension crossmember into position, until it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning marks on body of vehicle. When front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned, torque the 2 rear crossmember mounting bolts to 163 Nm (120 ft. lbs.). Then torque the 2 front crossmember to frame rail attaching bolts to 163 Nm (120 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the engine support bracket on the front of the front suspension crossmember. Install the 2 support bracket to suspension crossmember attaching bolts and tighten to a torque of 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).





6. Install bolt attaching engine support bracket to transaxle mounting bracket. Tighten bolt to a torque of 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).





7. Install the 2 bolts attaching the rear support bracket, for the under engine support bracket, to the rear of the front suspension crossmember. Tighten bolts to a torque of 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).





8. Install vehicle wiring harness connector onto power steering fluid pressure switch on steering gear assembly. Be sure locking tab on wiring harness connector is securely latched to pressure switch.
9. Install the antilock brakes hydraulic control unit mounting bracket on the front suspension crossmember. Install the 3 mounting bracket to crossmember attaching bolts and tighten to a torque of 28 Nm (250 inch lbs.).





10. Loosely install the 2 shock absorber clevis to lower control arm attaching nuts and bolts.





11. Install tie rod seal boot heat shield on tie rod end.

Fig. 24:

12. Install tie rod end into steering knuckle. Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut. Then using a crowfoot and 11/32 socket, torque tie rod end attaching nut to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).





13. Install the 2 stabilizer bar bushing clamp to body attaching bolts and securely tighten.

Fig. 25:

CAUTION: When supporting lower control arm with jack stand, do not position jack stand under the ball joint cap on the lower control arm. Position in area of lower control arm shown.

14. Lower vehicle to the ground with a jack stand positioned under the lower control arm. Continue to lower vehicle so the total weight of the vehicle is supported by the jack stand and lower control arm.
15. Tighten the shock absorber clevis to lower control arm bushing thru-bolt to a torque of 92 Nm (68 ft. lbs.).
16. Install the wheel and tire assemblies back on vehicle. Tighten the wheel nuts in proper sequence to a torque of 129 Nm (95 ft. lbs.) torque.

CAUTION: Before connecting steering column intermediate shaft coupler onto steering gear shaft, front wheels must be pointed straight ahead and steering wheel must be in center position.





17. From interior of vehicle, reconnect the steering column intermediate shaft coupler on the steering gear shaft. Install steering gear coupler retaining pinch bolt and torque to 27 Nm (240 inch lbs.). Be sure to install the upper to lower steering coupler retaining bolt, retention pin.

CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid.

18. Fill power steering pump fluid reservoir to the (Full-Cold) proper level.
19. Start the engine and let run for a few seconds. Then turn the engine off.
20. Add fluid if necessary.
21. Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
22. Start engine and turn steering wheel several times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in system. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect system for leaks. Fill pump reservoir to correct level with Mopar (R), Power Steering Fluid, or equivalent.
23. Lower front wheels of vehicle back on the ground.

CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the steering gear inner tie rod boots to become twisted.

24. Check front alignment and adjust the front Toe setting on the vehicle.
25. Tighten tie rod jam nut to 74 Nm (55 ft.lbs.) torque.
26. Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rods.