The front axle (4) is a one-piece, steel-forged I-beam section. The outer ends of the axle center are machined in order to accommodate the steering kingpins and the knuckles (6). Kingpin inclination is built into the knuckle end. The front axle is available in the following weight:

3 675 kg (8,100 lbs)

The steering arm (1) and the tie rod arms (5) attach to the knuckle (6) with bolts.

The stepped kingpin is located in the following locations:

The lower bushings are greased through fittings in the lower covers; excess grease is purged through skirt-type seals. The upper bearing is packed with grease during assembly.

The upper bearing is pre-loaded against a thrust washer by placing a shim or a spacer between the inner race and the axle beam kingpin boss, then by tightening the pivot pin prevailing torque locknut to a specified torque.

The upper bearing cover is press fit into the knuckle. The lower cover is a gasket and a flat plate retained with bolts.

The springs are tapered leaf type with an eye-and-compression shackle. All springs and shackles are rubber bushed.

The spring assembly rests on the shock mounting bracket, and both are attached to the front axle with U-bolts. A rubber bumper is attached to the frame. This bumper hangs suspended above the spring center.

The stabilizer assembly consists of the following components:

Twin-tube shock absorbers provide damping. The shock absorbers are mounted vertically behind the front axle. The top and bottom attachments are pin-type with rubber insulators. The shock absorber upper mounting is a stamping that is attached to the frame. The lower attachment is a forging between the axle spring seat and the spring.

The front wheel bearings consist of two tapered roller bearings. These bearings are closed at the outer end by a cap and a gasket. The bearings are closed at the inner end by a seal. Lubricate these bearings using grease.