Steering Linkage Replacement

NOTE: When servicing the steering linkage, use care to avoid damaging ball stud seals. Use puller C-3894-A, or equivalent to remove tie rod ends.

REMOVAL
1. Remove the cotter pin and nut from the tie-rod.
2. Remove the tie-rod end ball studs from steering knuckles.
3. Remove inner tie-rod ends from center link.
4. If equipped remove steering damper from center link and frame bracket.
5. Remove idler arm ball stud from center link. Remove idler arm stud plate from frame side rail.
6. Remove pitman arm ball stud from center link.





7. Mark the pitman arm and shaft positions for installation reference. Remove pitman arm with Puller C-4150A, or equivalent.

INSTALLATION
1. Position idler arm on the frame side rail and tighten to specification.
2. Center steering gear to alignment marks and install pitman arm.
3. Install the lock washer and retaining nut on the pitman shaft. Tighten the nut to 251 Nm (185 ft. lbs.).
4. Install center link to ball studs and tighten retaining nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.). Install new cotter pins.
5. Install tie-rod ends into center link and tighten the nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.). Install new cotter pins.
6. Install steering damper to frame bracket and center link (if equipped). Tighten frame mounting nut to 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs.). Tighten center link mounting nut to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) and install new cotter pin.
7. Install tie-rod ends into steering knuckles and tighten nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.). Install new cotter pins.
8. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to the surface. Center steering wheel and adjust toe. Refer to Alignment.

NOTE: Position the clamp on the sleeve so retaining bolt is located on the bottom side of the sleeve.

9. After adjustment, tighten the tie-rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolt to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).