The front suspension allows each wheel to compensate for changes in the road surface without affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel independently connects to the frame with a steering knuckle, ball joint assemblies, and upper and lower control arms.
Two tie rods connect to the steering arms on the knuckles and to a steering gear.
Rear wheel drive models have a front suspension that consists of the following components:
| • | Control arms |
| • | Stabilizer shaft |
| • | Shock/Coil spring modules |
The upper part of each Shock/Coil spring module bolts to the frame. Three insulators, a mounting plate and a nut secure the coil spring to the shock housing. One bolt secures the lower part of the shock to the lower control arm.
A spring steel stabilizer shaft controls the side roll of the front suspension. This shaft is mounted in rubber insulators that are held by clamps to the frame side rails. The ends of the stabilizer shaft connect to the lower control arms with link assemblies.
The upper ball joint assembly is bolted into the upper control arm and is serviceable. The assembly attaches to the steering knuckle with a prevailing torque nut.
The lower ball joint assembly is bolted into the control arm and is serviceable. The assembly attaches to the steering knuckle with a prevailing torque nut.
The upper and the lower control arms have pressed-in bushings. The bolts pass through the bushings and join the arms to the frame.
Ball joint assemblies have rubber grease seals. These seals prevent the entry of moisture and dirt. This prevents damage to the bearing surfaces. All ball joints have grease fittings for routine maintenance.
Four-wheel drive models have a front suspension that consists of the following components:
| • | Control arms |
| • | Stabilizer shaft |
| • | Shock absorbers |
| • | Torsion bars (right and left side) |
The upper part of each shock absorber extends through a frame bracket. Two insulators and a nut secure the upper part of the shock to the frame. A through bolt secures the lower part of the shock to the lower control arm.
A spring steel stabilizer shaft controls the side roll of the front suspension. This shaft is mounted in rubber insulators that are held by clamps to the frame side rails. The ends of the stabilizer shaft connect to the lower control arms with link assemblies.
The upper ball joint assembly is bolted into the upper control arm and is serviceable. The assembly attaches to the steering knuckle with a prevailing torque nut.
The lower ball joint assembly is bolted into the control arm and is serviceable. The assembly attaches to the steering knuckle with a prevailing torque nut.
The lower control arms also include a bolted on torsion bar anchor which is serviceable.
Torsion bars replace the conventional coil springs. The front end of the torsion bar attaches to the lower control arm. The rear of the torsion bar mounts into an adjustable arm at the torsion bar crossmember. This arm adjustment controls the vehicle trim height.
Both RWD and S4WD models have sealed front wheel bearings. These bearings are pre-adjusted and need no lubrication.
