Front Suspension

INSTALLATION

1. Support the crossmember with a transmission jack. Secure the crossmember to the jack.




2. To install each lower control arm on the crossmember:
a. Place the lower control arm (3) into the front suspension crossmember.
b. Insert the rear bolt (2) up through the crossmember and lower control arm (3). Install the nut on the top-end of the bolt, but do not tighten it at this time.
c. Install, but do not fully tighten, the front bolt (1) attaching the lower control arm (3) to the crossmember.
d. With no weight or obstruction on the lower control arm, tighten the lower control arm front mounting bolt (2) to 145 Nm (107 ft. lbs.).
e. With no weight or obstruction on the lower control arm, tighten the lower control arm rear mounting bolt nut to 145 Nm (107 ft. lbs.).





3. Slowly raise the crossmember (9) into mounted position using the transmission jack matching the crossmember to the marked locations on the body made during removal. As the crossmember is raised, guide the lower ball joints into the mounting holes in the lower control arms. Also, make sure the stabilizer bar is properly positioned on the crossmember.
4. Position the front crossmember reinforcement brackets (7) (one each side of vehicle) over the crossmember rear mounting bushings and install the mounting screws (8), but do not tighten at this time.





5. Install the four mounting bolts (6) securing the front crossmember (1) to the body. Tighten the crossmember mounting bolts to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
6. Tighten the crossmember reinforcement bracket mounting screws (8) to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).
7. Remove the transmission jack.





8. Position both stabilizer bar bushing retainers and install the screws (1) securing the stabilizer bushing retainers (3) to the crossmember. Tighten all four stabilizer bar cushion retainer screws to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).





9. Remove the bungee cord or other supporting the steering gear (2).
10. Install the two bolts (1) securing the steering gear (2) to the crossmember. Tighten the steering gear mounting bolts to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).





11. Position the heat shield (1) over the steering gear (2). Install the mounting screws and push-pins. Tighten the screws to 6 Nm (53 in. lbs.).





12. Position the power steering hose routing clamps (2) on the crossmember. Install and tighten the screws to 8 Nm (71 in. lbs.).

13. Install the rear engine mount, Engine Mount Insulator - Installation.
14. Install the fore/aft crossmember. Crossmember - Installation
15. If equipped, install the engine belly pan.

NOTE: If a new or cleaned lower control arm is being installed, it is important to have a film of general purpose grease around the ball joint mounting hole on the lower control arm to avoid any future corrosion issues. Make sure the grease does not get inside the ball joint mounting hole or on the ball joint stud during installation.





16. On each side of the vehicle, install a NEW ball joint stud nut (1). Tighten the nut to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).





17. On each side of the vehicle, install the tire and wheel assembly (1) Tires and Wheels - Installation. Install and tighten the wheel mounting nuts (3) to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
18. Lower the vehicle.
19. Perform wheel alignment as necessary. Service and Repair