Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Removal and Installation

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Removal and Installation


Special Tools


J-39580 Engine Support Stand

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Removal Procedure

Note:Suspension components attached to the frame use Torque-to-Yield fasteners and must be DISCARDED and replaced with NEW Torque Angle Yield (TAY) fasteners. The frame to body fasteners are not TAY fasteners.

1.Using mechanics wire, support the radiator and AC condenser assembly to the vehicle body.

2.Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture for the 3.6L engine or Engine Support Fixture for the 2.0L, 2.5L engines.





3.If equipped with vacuum controlled engine mounts, disconnect the vacuum filter (1) from the radiator assembly.





4.Remove the left engine mount fastener (1).

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





6.Remove the right engine mount fastener (1).

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

8.Remove the lower noise shield. Refer to Engine Compartment Lower Noise Shield Replacement .

9.Remove the front wheelhouse panel splash shields. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Splash Shield Replacement Front Wheelhouse Splash Shield Replacement .

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





11.Disconnect the electric power steering electrical connectors (1). Refer to FEP Connectors .

12.Disconnect the lower steering intermediate shaft from the electric power steering assembly. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

13.If equipped, disconnect the electrical connectors from the engine mount vacuum control solenoids (2).





14.Disconnect the electrical harness (1) from the frame (3).





15.Remove the frame brace fasteners (2 and 3).

16.Remove the frame braces (1) from the vehicle.





17.If equipped, disconnect the engine mount vacuum line (1).

Note:Mark position of right and left lower stablizer shaft links.

18.Disconnect the right and left lower stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

19.Disconnect the outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .

20.Disconnect the front lower control front links from the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Front Link Replacement .

21.Disconnect the front lower control rear links from the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Link Replacement .





22.Disconnect the ride height sensor (2) connector from the ride height sensor (1).

23.Disconnect the engine oil cooler inlet and outlet hose from the cradle, if equipped. Refer to Engine Oil Cooler Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement .





24.Install
J-39580 stand under the frame.

25.Lower the vehicle to the frame support table.

26.Remove the six frame mounting bolts (1, 2).

27.With the aid of an assistant, carefully raise the body from the frame.

28.Ensure when raising the body the following items are clear from the frame:

-Vacuum lines

-Steering knuckles

-Electrical wiring harnesses

-Oil coolers lines

Installation Procedure

Note:Suspension components attached to the frame use Torque-to-Yield fasteners and must be DISCARDED and replaced with NEW Torque Angle Yield (TAY) fasteners. The frame to body fasteners are not TAY fasteners.

1.With the aid of an assistant, position and secure the new frame assembly to the support fixture.

2.With the aid of an assistant, carefully lower the body to the frame.

3.Ensure the following components are clear from the frame:

-Vacuum lines

-Steering knuckles

-Electrical wiring harnesses

-Oil cooler lines

Caution:Refer to Fastener Caution .





4.Install the four frame mountings bolts (1) and tighten to100 N �m (74 lb ft).

5.Install the two center frame to body bolts (2) and tighten to100 N �m (74 lb ft).

6.Connect the right and left lower stabilizer shaft links to the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

Note:Ensure correct position from the previously marked spots.

7.Tighten the NEW stabilizer shaft fasteners and tighten22 N �m (16 lb ft).

8.Connect the outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .

9.Connect the front lower control front links to the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Front Link Replacement .

10.Connect the front lower control rear links to the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Link Replacement .





11.Connect the ride height sensor (2) connector to the ride height sensor (1).

12.Connect the oil cooler lines to the front suspension frame, if equipped. Refer to Engine Oil Cooler Inlet and Outlet Hose Replacement .

13.Raise the vehicle.

14.Remove the
J-39580 stand from under the vehicle.





15.If equipped, connect the engine mount vacuum line (1).





16.Apply red loctite � 743 or equivalent to the fasteners (2), then install the frame braces (1) and fasteners to the vehicle and tighten the fasteners to50 N �m (37 lb ft).

17.Install the nuts (3) and tighten to50 N �m (37 lb ft)





18.Connect the electric power steering electrical connectors (1).

19.Connect the lower steering intermediate shaft to the electric power steering assembly. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

20.If equipped, connect the electrical connectors to the engine mount vacuum control solenoids (2).





21.Connect the electrical harness (1) to the frame (3).





22.If equipped with vacuum controlled engine mounts, connect the vacuum filter (1) to the radiator assembly.

23.Remove the mechanics wire supporting the radiator assembly.

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

25.Install the front wheelhouse panel splash shields. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Splash Shield Replacement Front Wheelhouse Splash Shield Replacement .





26.Remove the right engine mount fastener (1).

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

28.Install the lower noise shield. Refer to Engine Compartment Lower Noise Shield Replacement .

29.Lower the vehicle.





30.Install the right engine mount to engine mount bracket fastener (1). Refer to Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side for the 2.0L, 2.5L, engines or Engine Mount Bracket Replacement - Right Side for the 3.6L engine.





31.Install the left engine mount to engine mount bracket fastener (1). Refer to Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side for the 2.0L, 2.5L, engines or Engine Mount Bracket Replacement - Left Side for the 3.6L engine.

32.Remove the engine support fixture.