Axle Identification; Axle Housing Service; Front Wheel Alignment; High Steering Effort - Jeep 1979 CJ-5 Technical & Service Manual

2F-4 AXLES
Fig. 2F-2 Model 44 Front Axle Code Number Location
A1LE i l E I T i F l C I T i l l
On Model 44 front axles, the axle code number is cast
into the upper surface of the reinforcing rib at the left
side of the axle housing (fig. 2F-2).
On Model 30 front axles, the axle code number is cast
into the bottom surface of the differential housing.
The axle build date and manufacturers build date are
stamped on the right-side axle tube adjacent to the axle
housing cover.
The axle build date is decoded as follows: The first
number represents the month, the second number the
day of the month, the third number the year, the letter
the shift, and the last number is the assembly line. If
there are two build dates, the latter date will indicate
when the brake components were installed.
The gear ratio tag attached to the left side of the axle
housing cover indicates the Jeep manufacturing refer-
ence part number and the numerical tooth combination
of the ring and pinion gears.
AXLE HOUSING SERVICE
The front axle housing should be inspected period-
ically for weld cracks or other damage that could cause
loss of lubricant, affect driving characteristics, or result
in front end misalignment.
N O T E : If the vehicle is driven through water that is
deep enough to cover the front hubs, the steering knuck-
les and brake components should be disassembled and
inspected for water/dirt contamination and damage. All
components should be cleaned thoroughly, examined
carefully, and lubricated as necessary before assembly.
During the inspection, pay particular attention to the
axle bearings and brake components. Damaged or con-
taminated parts should be replaced.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Toe-in and caster are the only adjustable front align-
ment angles. Camber is built into the axle during manu-
facture and cannot be adjusted.
An alignment rack should be used to check the align-
ment angles. The use of a rack will ensure more accurate
r e a d i n g s and avoid t h e possibility of incorrect
adjustments.
Toe-in is adjusted by lengthening or shortening the
steering tie rod. Caster is adjusted by installing tapered
shims between the front axle spring mounting pad and
front spring. Refer to Front Wheel Alignment in Chap-
ter 2N for measurement and adjustment procedures.
HIGH STEERING EFFORT
High steering effort or slow return of the steering
mechanism after turns may be the result of excessive
steering knuckle ball stud preload. If this condition oc-
curs and all other items affecting steering effort are
functioning normally, ball stud preload should be
checked as follows:
Ball S t i l Preleai M e a s y r e i e i t
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Remove front wheels.
(3) If vehicle has steering damper, disconnect
damper at tie rod and move damper aside.
(4) Unlock steering column.
(5) Disconnect steering connecting rod. On CJ mod-
els, disconnect rod at right-side steering knuckle. On all
other models, disconnect connecting rod at right-side of
tie rod.
(6) Remove cotter pin and and retaining nut attach-
ing tie rod to right-side steering knuckle. Discard cotter
pin.
(7) Rotate both steering knuckles through complete
arc several times. Work from right-side of vehicle to
rotate knuckles.
(8) Assemble socket and 0-50 foot-pound (0-68 N»m)
capacity torque wrench and install wrench on tie rod
retaining nut.
N O T E : The torque wrench must be positioned parallel
with the steering knuckle arm to obtain an accurate
reading.
(9) Rotate knuckles slowly and steadily through a
complete arc and measure torque required to rotate
knuckles.
(a) If reading is less than 25 foot-pounds (34
N»m) turning effort is within specifications and fault is
not in steering knuckle. Check steering gear, pump,
column.
(b) If reading is more than 25 foot-pounds (34
N«m) turning effort is excessive. Proceed to next step.
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