Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (3.8L)

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (3.8L)

Tools Required
J 39580 Universal Engine Support Table
Removal Procedure

1.Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .

2.Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .





3.Remove the fasteners retaining the rack and pinion at the left side of the vehicle.

4.Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

5.Remove the engine splash shield.

6.Separate the ball joints from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

7.Remove the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement Front Air Deflector Replacement .

8.Remove the brackets (2) securing the power steering lines at the engine frame by lifting the push pin (1).

9.Remove the brackets retaining the transmissions cooler lines to the engine frame.

10.Remove the fastener retaining the rack and pinion at the right side of the vehicle.

11.Support the rack and pinion with a wire to the body.

12.Remove the nut securing the front engine mount to the frame. Refer to Engine Front Mount Replacement .

1.Remove the fasteners securing the left transmission mount to the frame. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side .





2.Remove the fastener securing the rear transmission mount to the frame. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement .





1.Support the engine frame near the frame insulators using J 39580 or suitable jackstands.





1.Remove the engine frame insulator fasteners (3) retaining the engine frame (2) to the vehicle.

2.Lower the engine frame (2) from the vehicle.





1.Separate the engine frame insulators (3-6) from the engine frame. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Insulator Replacement Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Insulator Replacement .

2.If the engine frame is to be replaced, remove the lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

Installation Procedure

1.Install the lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .





2.Assemble the engine frame insulators (3-6) to the engine frame. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Insulator Replacement Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Insulator Replacement .





1.Using 16 mm (0.630 in) dowel pins in the alignment holes (1), align the engine frame (2) with the body.

Notice:Refer to Fastener Notice .

2.Install the engine frame insulator fasteners (3) to retain the engine frame (2) to the vehicle.

TightenTighten the fasteners to 191 N �m (141 lb ft).





1.Remove the jack stands supporting the engine frame.

1.Install the fasteners securing the left transmission mount to the frame. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side .





2.Install the fastener in order to secure the rear transmission mount to the bracket. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement .

3.Install the nut in order to retain the front engine mount to the frame. Refer to Engine Front Mount Replacement .





1.Install the fasteners in order to retain the rack and pinion to the engine frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

2.Install the brackets in order to retain the transmission cooler lines to the engine frame.

3.Install the brackets in order to retain the power steering lines (1, 2) at the engine frame.

4.Install the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement Front Air Deflector Replacement .

5.Install the ball joints to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

6.Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .





1.Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .

2.Lower the vehicle.

3.Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

4.Test drive the vehicle in order to ensure there are no performance issues.