Frame Replacement

Frame Replacement (LNJ) (3.4L)

Special Tools

J 43828 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure




1. Secure the radiator to the upper radiator support.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the side splash shield-to-frame fasteners.
5. Remove the front air dam-to-frame fasteners.




6. Remove the rear transaxle mount-to-frame bolts.




7. Remove the front transaxle mount through bolt.




8. Remove the steering gear-to-frame bolts.
9. Using mechanics wire, secure the steering gear to the exhaust.




10. Remove the stabilizer shaft clamp-to-frame bolts.




11. Remove the lower ball joint cotter pins. Discard the cotter pins.




12. Loosen the lower ball joint castle nut until the nut is level with the top of the ball stud.

Caution: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

13. Using the J 43828 , separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.




14. Remove the frame-to-body bolts. Discard the bolts.
15. Carefully lower the frame from the vehicle.
16. Remove the lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).

Installation Procedure

1. Install the lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
2. Raise the frame to the body.





Note: Do not tighten the fasteners at this time.

3. Loosely install new frame-to-body bolts.




4. Connect the ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

5. Install the ball stud castle nut and tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb in).

Note:
* Do not loosen the castle nut in order to align the cotter pin slots.
* Ensure the cutter pin ends do not contact the wheel speed sensor harness.

6. Continue to tighten the castle nut to align the slots with the opening in the ball stud and install the ball stud cotter pin.




7. Remove the mechanics wire and install the steering gear to the frame. Tighten the bolts to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).




8. Install the front transaxle mount through bolt and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).




9. Install the rear transaxle mount-to-frame bolts and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
10. Install the stabilizer shaft clamp and tighten the bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
11. Tighten the frame-to-body bolts to 155 Nm (114 lb ft).
12. Install the front air dam fasteners.
13. Install the side splash shield-to-frame fasteners.
14. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Release the radiator from the upper radiator support.
17. Align the front suspension. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment (Service and Repair).