A rack and pinion steering gear is made up of two
main components, the pinon shaft and the rack. The
gear cannot be adjusted or internally serviced. If a
malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear must be
replaced as an assembly.

REMOVAL

NOTE: The steering column on vehicles with an automatic transmission may not be equipped with an inter-
nal locking shaft that allows the ignition key cylinder to be locked with the key. Alternative methods of lock-
ing the steering wheel for service will have to be used.

1. Lock the steering wheel.

2. Drain and siphon the power steering fluid from the reservoir.

3. Raise the vehicle.

4. Remove and discard the steering coupler pinch bolt.

5. Remove the power steering hoses from the rack & pinion.

6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

7. Remove the tie rod end nuts and separate tie rod ends from the knuckles with Special tool 8677 (Refer to 19 -

STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - REMOVAL).

8. Remove the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - REMOVAL).

DR/DH

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

19 - 31

9. Remove the rack & pinion mounting bolts (1)..

10. Remove the rack & pinion (2) from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Before installing gear inspect bushings and replace if worn or damaged.

NOTE: In the frame there is two holes for the mounting of the steering gear one is slotted and one is round,
When tightening the gear to specifications make sure to tighten the mounting bolt with the hole first to
avoid movement of the steering gear.

1. Install the gear on the front crossmember and

tighten the mounting bolts (2) to 319 N·m (235 ft.
lbs.) LD torque specification. Or tighten the
mounting bolts to 251N·m (185 ft. lbs.) 4X2 HD
torque specification &.

19 - 32

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

DR/DH

2. Slide the shaft coupler onto the gear. Install new pinch bolt and tighten to 49 N·m (36 ft. lbs.).

3. Clean and dry the tie rod end studs and the knuckle tapers.

4. Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuckles and tighten the nuts to 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.) then an additional

90°. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/TIE ROD END - INSTALLATION).

5. Install the pressure power steering hose to the steering gear and tighten to 32 N·m (23 ft. lbs.). (Refer to 19 -

STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTALLATION).

6. Install the return power steering hose to the steering gear and tighten to 71 N·m (52 ft. lbs.) LD torque spec-

ification. Or tighten the mounting bolts to 54N·m (40 ft. lbs.) 4X2 HD torque specification. (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP/HOSES - INSTALLATION).

7. Install the front skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - INSTALLATION).

8. Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

9. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

10. Fill the system with fluid, (Refer to 19 - STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

11. Adjust the toe position. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE CHART

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

N·m

Ft. Lbs.

In. Lbs.

Rack and Pinion Steering

Gear

Gear to Frame Bolts

319

235

—

Rack and Pinion Steering

Gear

Gear to Frame Bolts

2WD HD

251

185

—

Rack and Pinion Steering

Gear

Coupler Bolt

—

Tie Rod End

Knuckle Nut

Then tighten an additional

90°

Then tighten an additional

90°

—

Tie Rod End

Jam Nut

—

Power Steering Line

Pressure Line

—

Power Steering Line

Pressure Line To Pump

—

Power Steering Line

Return Line

—

Power Steering Line

Return Line

—

DR/DH

GEAR - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

19 - 33

Content .. 1497 1498 1499 1500 ..