Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Removal and Installation


Special Tools


J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Removal Procedure

1.Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement .

2.Using mechanics wire, support the radiator and AC condenser assembly to the vehicle body.

3.Install the engine support fixture. For V6 engine, refer to Engine Support Fixture , for V8 engine, refer to Engine Support Fixture .

4.Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

5.Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

6.Remove the front end lower structure braces if equipped. Refer to Front End Lower Structure Brace Replacement .

7.Remove the electrical harness retainers, if equipped, securing the engine harness to the frame.

8.Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

9.Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

10.Remove the six power steering pipe fasteners from the frame.

11.Using mechanics wire, secure the power steering gear to the engine.

12.Separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .

13.Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement and Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement .

14.Remove both engine mount lower retaining fasteners.

15.Install
J 39580 engine support stand under the frame.

16.Lower the vehicle to the frame support table.

17.Remove the six frame mounting bolts.

18.With the aid of an assistant, carefully raise the body from the frame.

19.Ensure when raising the body the following items are clear from the frame:

-Steering knuckles

-Electrical wiring harnesses

-Power steering pipes

Installation Procedure

Note:This vehicle is equipped with self alignment pins which aid in the proper reinstallation of the drivetrain and front suspension frame.

1.With the aid of an assistant, carefully lower the body to the frame.

2.Ensure the following components are clear from the frame:

-Electrical wiring harness

-Steering knuckles

-Power steering pipes

Caution:Refer to Fastener Caution .

3.Install the front frame mountings bolts and tighten to160 N �m (118 lb ft).

4.Install the rear frame mountings bolts and tighten to240 N �m (177 lb ft).

5.Raise the vehicle.

6.Install the engine mount lower retaining fasteners and tighten to50 N �m (37 lb ft).

7.Remove the
J 39580 engine support stand from under the vehicle.

8.Remove the mechanics wire supporting the power steering gear.

9.Install the power steering gear retaining fasteners. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

10.Install the six power steering pipe to frame fasteners and tighten20 N �m (15 lb ft).

11.Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement and Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement .

12.Install the outer tie rods to the knuckle assemblies. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .

13.Install the stabilizer links to the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

14.Remove the mechanics wire supporting the radiator.

15.Install the electrical harness retainers, if equipped, securing the engine harness to the frame.

16.Install the front end lower structure braces if equipped. Refer to Front End Lower Structure Brace Replacement .

17.Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

18.Lower the vehicle.

19.Remove the engine support fixture. For V6 engine, refer to Engine Support Fixture , for V8 engine, refer to Engine Support Fixture .

20.Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement .