Installation
1. Install steering gear assembly on front suspension crossmember. Install the 4 steering gear assembly to front crossmember mounting bolts. Torque the 4 steering gear mounting bolts to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.).
2. Using the transmission jack, raise front suspension crossmember and steering gear against body and frame rails 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, 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.
3. Using a soft face hammer, tap front suspension crossmember into position, until it is aligned with the 2 previously scribed positioning marks on body of vehicle. When front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned, torque the 2 rear crossmember/lower control arm 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.).
4. If vehicle is equipped with power steering, install power steering fluid pressure and return hoses into correct fluid ports on power steering gear assembly. Torque power steering fluid pressure and return lines to steering gear tube nuts to 31 Nm (275 inch lbs.).
5. If vehicle is equipped with power steering, install power steering pressure and return hose routing bracket and attaching screw on front suspension crossmember. Torque hose routing bracket to crossmember attaching bolt to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
6. If the vehicle is equipped with power steering, 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.
7. Install tie rod end into the 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 55 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
8. Install engine/transaxle bobble strut back on front suspension crossmember bracket. Install and securely tighten the dampener to crossmember attaching bolt.
9. Install the wheel and tire assemblies back on vehicle. Tighten the wheel nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
10. Lower vehicle.
11. From interior of vehicle, reconnect the steering gear coupler with the steering column shaft coupler. Install steering gear coupler retaining pinch bolt and torque to 28 Nm (250 inch lbs.). Be sure to install the upper to lower steering couplet retaining bolt, retention pin.
CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission fluid.
12. Fill power steering pump fluid reservoir to the (Full-Cold) proper level.
13. Start the engine and let run for a few seconds. Then turn the engine off.
14. Add fluid if necessary.
15. Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Adjust the front Toe setting on the vehicle. Refer to Alignment.
Outer Tie Rod End Jam Nut:
19. Tighten tie rod jam nut to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
20. Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rods.