Introduction

This disassembly guide shows how to remove the stock suspension from a 2018–2024 Jeep Wrangler (JL).

Removing the factory suspension is the first task when you plan to install lift springs, longer shocks, or upgraded control arms on your Wrangler JL.

This guide walks you through safely supporting the axles, freeing the brake lines, and unbolting the shocks, sway‑bar links, track bars, and parking‑brake cable so the coil springs can come out without stressing any hoses or wiring.

    • Raise the Jeep by the frame, remove both front wheels, and place floor jacks under the axle tubes to hold the weight.

    • Verify the axle is firmly supported before loosening any hardware.

    • The front bumper can stay installed; removing it only improves visibility.

    • Remove the brake‑line bracket bolt on each side with a 10 mm socket so the lines can move when the axle drops.

    • Remove the upper sway‑bar end‑link nut using an 18 mm socket and wrench.

    • Reach the lower bolt with an 18 mm socket, extension, and swivel adapter, then pull it out.

    • Repeat the procedure on the opposite side.

    • Remove the lower shock bolt on both sides using an 18 mm socket and impact driver.

    • Support the axle and take out the 21 mm track‑bar bolt with a socket, extension, and swivel adapter.

    • If access is tight, loosen the nut from the opposite side with a wrench.

    • Pry the two Christmas‑tree clips from the passenger‑side wire harness with a trim‑panel removal tool.

    • Slowly lower both jacks until the coil springs relax.

    • Watch brake hoses, ABS wires, and parking‑brake cables and stop lowering before they stretch.

    • Pull each spring toward the lower control arm and slide it out from behind the shock.

    • Lift the rubber isolator off the top of every spring and set it aside.

    • Raise the rear of the Jeep, remove the wheels, and place jacks under both axle tubes.

    • Remove the brake‑line bracket bolt on each side with a 10 mm socket to prevent hose tension.

    • Thread the bolts back into the brackets for safekeeping.

    • Remove the lower shock mounting bolt on both sides with an 18 mm socket.

    • With shocks out of the way, unbolt the lower end of each rear sway‑bar link using an 18 mm wrench and socket.

    • Extract the axle‑side track‑bar bolt using a 21 mm socket and impact driver.

    • Remove the 13 mm bolt securing the parking‑brake cable bracket with a long extension.

    • Gradually lower both pole jacks until the rear springs unload.

    • Slide each spring out of its seat and set it aside.

Conclusion

With both sets of coil springs, sway‑bar links, shocks, and track bars removed, the Wrangler’s axles are free for new suspension components. Verify no hoses or wiring are stretched, then move on to installing the upgraded parts of your choice.

To install new shocks, follow the steps in reverse.

Disassembly didn't go as planned? Ask our Jeep Wrangler JL Answers Community for help.

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