Front Lower

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
- J 24319-B Steering Linkage Puller
- J 36202 Torsion Bar Loading/Unloading Tool
- J 36607 Ball Joint Separator
- J 36618 Lower Control Arm Bushing Service Set (Series 30)
- J 9519-23 Ball Joint C-Clamp





1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Single Front or Rear Wheels) in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
3. Unload the torsion bar using the J 36202.
3.1. Mark the adjuster bolt for installation.
3.2. Slide the bar forward in order to remove the adjuster arm.
3.3. Remove the adjuster arm.
- Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (S4WD-All Except 4 Door Utility).
- For the 4 Door Utility models, refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (S4WD-4 Door Utility).
4. Remove the outer axle shaft nut (2) and the washer (3) from the hub assembly (4).
5. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement (Front Delco) in Brakes and Traction Control .
6. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement (K Models Below 8600 GVW) or Brake Rotor Replacement (K Models Above 8600 GVW) in Brakes and Traction Control .
7. Remove the lower shock absorber bolt from the control arm. Compress the shock. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (S4WD).
8. Using the J 24319-B, disconnect the inner tie rod end from the relay rod.
9. Support the lower control arm with a jack.
10. Remove the stabilizer link from the control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (All Except C3500HD).
11. Remove the halfshaft assembly (5). Refer to Wheel Drive Shafts Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.





12. Remove the cotter pin and the nut from the upper ball joint.
13. Using the J36607, disconnect the upper ball joint from the knuckle.





14. Remove the lower control arm nuts and the washers.
15. Remove the bolts.
16. Remove the lower control arm and the knuckle as a unit.
17. Remove the front bushing.
17.1. Using a punch, unbend the crimps.
17.2. Remove the bushing using J 36618, J 36618.
18. Remove the rear bushing (no crimp).
18.1. Removing the bushing using J 9519-23, J 36618.
18.2. If the bushings on the K1 and K2 vehicles are worn or damaged, replace the lower control arm.


Installation Procedure





1. Using the J 36618 and the J 9519-23, install the front bushing.
- This applies to the K3 vehicle only.
- After installing the bushing, crimp the bushing in place.
2. Using the J 36618 and the J 9519-23, install the rear bushing.
3. Install the lower control arm and the knuckle assembly to the crossmember and the frame bracket. Install the front leg of the lower control arm into the crossmember before installing the rear leg into the frame bracket.
4. Install the bolts in the direction shown.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Important: Tighten the nuts with the control arm at the proper Z height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection Procedure in Suspension General Diagnosis.

- Tighten the front nut prior to tightening the rear nut.
5. Install the new nuts.
- Tighten the nuts to 165 Nm (121 ft. lbs.).
6. Prelube the steering knuckle seal.
7. Start the drive axle through the hub.





8. Connect the ball joint to the knuckle.
9. Install the ball joint nut.
- Tighten the nut to 128 Nm (94 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the cotter pin. Bend the pin ends against the side of the nut.
11. Install the torsion bar adjuster arm.
11.1. Slide the bar rearward in order to install the sides of the nut.
11.2. Using the J 36202, load the torsion bar.
11.3. Install the adjuster bolt and screw the bolt down to the installation mark.
- Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (S4WD-All Except 4 Door Utility). For the 4 Door Utility models, refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (S4WD-4 Door Utility).





12. Install the halfshaft assembly (5). Refer to Wheel Drive Shafts Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
13. Install the lower shock absorber bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (S4WD).
14. Install the stabilizer link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (All Except C3500HD).
15. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Single Front or Rear Wheels) in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
16. Lower the vehicle.
17. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.