Frame: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement

Special Tools

J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement (Front Bumper Fascia Replacement)
2. Using mechanics wire, support the radiator and AC condenser assembly to the vehicle body.
3. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (Engine Support Fixture).
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
5. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
6. Remove the electrical harness retainers, if equipped, securing the engine harness to the frame.
7. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the strut assemblies. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).
8. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Steering Gear).
9. Remove the six power steering pipe fasteners from the frame.
10. Using mechanics wire secure the power steering gear to the engine.
11. Separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).
12. Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement () and Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
13. Remove the engine mounts lower retaining fasteners.
14. Install J 39580 under the frame.
15. Lower the vehicle to the frame support table.
16. Remove the six frame mounting bolts.
17. With the aid of an assistant, carefully raise the body from the frame.
18. Ensure when raising the body the following items are clear from the frame:

* Steering knuckles
* Electrical wiring harnesses
* Power steering pipes

19. Remove the lower control arms. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement () and Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
20. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (Front Suspension).
21. With the aid of an assistant, remove the frame from the support fixture.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement () and Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).

Note: Do not tighten the stabilizer shaft mounting bolts at this time.

2. Install the stabilizer shaft to the frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (Front Suspension).
3. With the aid of an assistant, position and secure the new frame assembly to the support fixture.
4. With the aid of an assistant, carefully lower the body to the frame.
5. Ensure the following components are clear from the frame:

* Electrical wiring harness
* Steering knuckles
* Power steering pipes

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

6. Install the front frame mountings bolts and tighten to 160 Nm (118 lb ft).
7. Install the rear frame mountings bolts and tighten to 240 Nm (177 lb ft).
8. Raise the vehicle.
9. Install the engine mount lower retaining fasteners and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
10. Remove the J 39580 from under the vehicle.
11. Remove the mechanics wire supporting the power steering gear.
12. Install the power steering gear retaining fasteners. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Steering Gear).
13. Install the six power steering pipe to frame fasteners and tighten 20 Nm (15 lb ft)
14. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement () and Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
15. Install the outer tie rods to the knuckle assemblies. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).
16. Install the stabilizer links to the strut assemblies. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).
17. Remove the mechanics wire supporting the radiator.
18. Install the electrical harness retainers, if equipped, securing the engine harness to the frame.
19. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Tighten the stabilizer shaft fasteners to 17 Nm (13 lb ft).
22. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (Engine Support Fixture).
23. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement (Front Bumper Fascia Replacement)
24. Align the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications (Wheel Alignment Specifications).