Frame: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (Engine Support Fixture).
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 radiator air lower deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Deflector Replacement (Service and Repair).
5. Remove the two steering gear retaining bolts.
6. Using mechanics wire suspend the steering gear from the powertrain.
7. Remove the left catalytic converter and pipe assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (LF1) (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side).
8. On AWD vehicles, remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Propeller Shaft Replacement).




9. Remove the front transmission mount through bolt (1).




10. Remove the rear transmission mount through bolt (1).




11. Remove the lower ball joint fastener (2).
12. Separate the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles (1). Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
13. Remove the electrical harness and the power steering cooler line from the clips in the frame.
14. Mark the position of the support to the body with spray paint.
15. Carefully lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the support table.
16. Remove the reinforcement bolts.
17. Remove the two rear frame-to-body bolts.
18. Remove the two front frame-to-body bolts.
19. Carefully raise the vehicle to separate the frame from the body.
20. If replacing the frame, transfer components as necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. Carefully lower the vehicle until contacts the frame assembly.
2. Position the rear support assembly to the vehicle using the previous paint markings.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

3. Install the 2 rear frame to body bolts and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
4. Install the 2 front frame to body bolts and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
5. Install the reinforcement bolts and tighten to 45 Nm (33 lb ft) plus 30 degrees.
6. Remove the mechanics wire and install the steering gear with NEW bolts and tighten to 60 Nm (44 lb ft) plus 120 degrees.
7. Install the electrical harness and the power steering cooler line to the clips in the frame.




8. Connect the ball joint studs to the steering knuckles (1). Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (Front Suspension).
9. Install the ball joint fastener (2) to the ball joint and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) plus an additional 130 degrees.




10. Install the rear transmission mount through bolt (1) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).




11. Install the front transmission mount through bolt (1) and nut. Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
12. On AWD vehicles, install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Propeller Shaft Replacement).
13. Install the left catalytic converter and pipe assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side (LF1) (Catalytic Converter Replacement - Left Side).
14. Remove the engine support fixture.
15. Install the radiator air lower deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Deflector Replacement (Service and Repair).
16. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
17. Lower the vehicle.
18. Check the wheel alignment.