Front Frame Replacement

Front Frame Replacement

Tools Required

J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Removal Procedure

1. Support the engine. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the front tires and wheels.
4. Remove the front fender liner enough to gain access to the front frame bolts.
5. Remove both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
6. Remove the stabilizer shaft.
7. Remove the power steering gear heat shield.
8. Remove the power steering gear bolts.
9. Remove the power steering gear from the frame.
10. Use mechanics wire secure the power steering gear to the exhaust pipe.
11. Remove the front engine splash shield.
12. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame.
13. Use mechanics wire to secure the power steering cooler line out of the way.
14. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors.
15. Remove the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
16. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles.
17. Remove the engine mount nuts.
18. Remove the transaxle mount nuts.




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




20. Remove the frame front bolts (2).
21. Remove the frame rear bolts (4).
22. Remove the frame strap bolts (3) and straps (5).
23. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the vehicle.
24. If you are replacing the frame, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the frame insulators from the frame.
2. Remove the lower control arms from the frame.

Installation Procedure

1. If you are replacing the frame, perform the following steps:

1. Install the lower control arms to the frame.
2. Install the frame insulators to the frame.

2. Position the transaxle table with the frame under the vehicle.






Important: Ensure that the power steering cooler line does not become trapped by the engine mount during this step.

3. Lower the vehicle until the frame is close to the vehicle.
4. Adjust the utility straps as necessary in order to align the powertrain mounts with the frame.

Important: Ensure that the alignment pins remain installed during the frame installation.

5. Inserting two 19 mm (0.75 in) diameter X 203 mm (8.0 in) long guide pins or drill bits into the frame right side alignment holes in order to align the frame.






Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

6. Install the frame front bolts (2).

Tighten the bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).

7. Install the frame straps (5) and bolts (3).

Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

8. Install the frame rear bolts (4).

Tighten the bolts to 240 N.m (177 lb ft).

9. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
10. Install the transaxle mount nuts.
11. Install the engine mount nuts.
12. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
13. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
14. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles.
15. Install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame.
16. Install the front engine splash shield.
17. Install the power steering gear to the frame.
18. Install the power steering gear bolts.
19. Install the power steering gear heat shield.
20. Install the stabilizer shaft.
21. Install both tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
22. Install the front fender liner.
23. Install the front tires and wheels.
24. Lower the vehicle.
25. Remove the engine support fixture.
26. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust the toe angle if necessary. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment.