Frame: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement

Special Tools

J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (Engine Support Fixture).
2. Support the radiator and condenser from above.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
5. Remove the front fender liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement (Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement).
6. Remove the engine splash shield. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement (Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement).




7. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
8. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.




9. Remove both stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Service and Repair).
10. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and secure the gear out of the way using mechanic's wire or equivalent, being sure not to overextend the intermediate shaft. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Steering Gear Replacement).




11. Remove the engine mount fasteners from the frame. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement (Engine Mount Replacement).




12. Remove the front transmission mount bolt from the frame.




13. Remove the left transmission mount fasteners from the frame.
14. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket fasteners from the frame.
15. Remove the brake lines from the retainers on the frame.
16. Remove the power steering outlet pipe/hose from the frame.
17. Remove the rear catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side) or Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side).




18. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580.




19. Remove the reinforcement bolts (1).




20. Remove the front frame bolts (1).
21. Remove the rear frame bolts (4).
22. Remove the frame reinforcements (3).
23. Raise the vehicle off of the frame.
24. Remove the following components if replacing the frame:

* The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
* The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (Front Suspension).

Installation Procedure

1. Install the following components on the suspension crossmember if removed:

* The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (Front Suspension).
* The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).




2. Lower the vehicle on to the frame.
3. Install the frame reinforcements (3).
4. Install the front frame bolts. Hand tighten ONLY.
5. Install the reinforcement bolts. Hand tighten ONLY.

Caution: Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

6. Tighten the rear frame bolts (4) to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees rotation.
7. Tighten the front frame bolts (1) to specifications to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees rotation.




8. Install the reinforcement bolts (1) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
9. Raise the vehicle.
10. Install the power steering outlet pipe/hose to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement (Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement).
11. Install the brake lines to the retainers on the frame.
12. Install the rear transmission mount bracket fasteners.




13. Install the left transmission mount fasteners to the frame.




14. Install the front transmission mount bracket bolt.




15. Install the engine mount fasteners to the frame. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement.
16. Install the power steering gear mounting fasteners.




17. Install both stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar. Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 65 Nm (48 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
18. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.




19. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles.

1. Tighten the ball stud to steering knuckle pinch nut to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
2. Reverse the nut 3/4 of a turn.
3. Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft) plus 60 degrees.

20. Install the rear catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side) or Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Right Side).
21. Install the front fender liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement (Front Wheelhouse Panel Splash Shield Replacement).
22. Install the engine splash shield. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement (Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement).
23. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
24. Lower the vehicle.
25. Remove the temporary radiator and condenser support.
26. Remove the engine support fixture.