Removal and Replacement

REMOVAL

The front cradle crossmember must be installed in the design location to achieve proper front end suspension alignment. If the cradle crossmember is removed without applying reference marks on the frame rails, align the cradle crossmember according to the dimensions provided in this group.

Fig. 20:

NOTE: If the caged nuts in the frame rails become damaged and cannot be reused, a replacement nut can be obtained through Mopar(R) (Fig. 20).

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove steering column lower cover from instrument panel.
3. Remove steering column cover backing plate. Refer to knee Diverter.
4. Position steering so front wheels are straight ahead.

CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel after disengaging lower coupling from steering gear, damage to air bag clock spring can result.

Fig. 21:

5. Remove clinch bolt attaching steering column coupling to steering gear shaft (Fig. 21).
6. Remove steering column coupling from telescoping steering gear shaft.
7. Hoist vehicle and support on safety stands.
8. Position a drain pan under power steering pump and oil return hose coupling.
9. Using a hose pinch-off pliers (C-4390), pinch power steering oil return hose off between the crossmember coupling and the pump.
10. Loosen hose clamp at the cradle crossmember coupling.
11. Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
12. While holding pressure relief valve nut on back of power steering pump, Remove flare nut attaching high pressure hose to back of pump.
13. Remove high pressure hose from pump.
14. Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
15. Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor leads to cradle crossmember.
16. Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
17. Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of stabilizer bar.
18. Disconnect lower ball joints from lower steering knuckles.

Fig. 22:

19. Remove the rear engine mount heat shield (Fig. 22).

Fig. 23:

20. Remove through bolt attaching rear engine mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 23).
21. Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of cradle crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.

Fig. 25:

22. Support cradle crossmember on suitable lifting device (Fig. 25).

Fig. 24:

23. Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front frame rails (Fig. 24).
24. Remove cradle crossmember from vehicle (Fig. 25).

INSTALLATION

NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.

1. Support crossmember on suitable lifting device (Fig. 25).
2. Position crossmember to vehicle.
3. Loosely install bolts attaching cradle crossmember to front frame rails.
4. Place upper half of bushing on top of crossmember aligned to receive square tube protruding upward from lower bushing half.
5. Align crossmember to previously made marks on frame rails.
6. Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to frame rails.
7. Install through bolt attaching rear engine mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 23) and tighten to 68 N.m (50 ft.lbs.) torque.
8. Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 22).
9. Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles.
10. Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabilizer bar.
11. Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor leads to cradle crossmember.
12. Install high pressure hose to pump.
13. Connect return hose to metal tube.
14. Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember coupling.
15. Remove pinch-off pliers.
16. Position steering so front wheels are straight ahead.
17. Install steering column coupling to telescoping steering gear shaft.
18. Install clinch bolt attaching steering column coupling to steering gear shaft.
19. Install steering column cover backing plate.
20. Install steering column lower cover from instrument panel.
21. Connect battery negative cable.