Frame Replacement (3.5L)

Frame Replacement (3.5L)

Special Tools

J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture.
2. Support the radiator and condenser from above.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
5. Remove the front fender liner.
6. Remove the engine splash shield.




7. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles.
8. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.




9. Remove both stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar.
10. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and secure the gear out of the way using mechanic's wire or equivalent, being sure not to overextend the intermediate shaft.




11. Remove the engine mount fasteners from the frame.




12. Remove the front transmission mount bolt from the frame.




13. Remove the left transmission mount fasteners from the frame.
14. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket fasteners from the frame.
15. Remove the brake lines from the retainers on the frame.
16. Remove the power steering outlet pipe/hose from the frame.
17. Remove the rear catalytic converter.




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




19. Remove the reinforcement bolts (1).




20. Remove the front frame bolts (1).
21. Remove the rear frame bolts (4).
22. Remove the frame reinforcements (3).
23. Raise the vehicle off of the frame.
24. Remove the following components if replacing the frame:
* The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
* The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the following components on the suspension crossmember if removed:
* The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
* The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.




2. Lower the vehicle on to the frame.
3. Install the frame reinforcements (3).
4. Install the front frame bolts. Hand tighten ONLY.
5. Install the reinforcement bolts. Hand tighten ONLY.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

6. Tighten the rear frame bolts (4).

Tighten the bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees rotation.

7. Tighten the front frame bolts (1) to specifications.

Tighten the bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees rotation.




8. Install the reinforcement bolts (1).

Tighten the bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).

9. Raise the vehicle.
10. Install the power steering outlet pipe/hose to the frame.
11. Install the brake lines to the retainers on the frame.
12. Install the rear transmission mount bracket fasteners.




13. Install the left transmission mount fasteners to the frame.




14. Install the front transmission mount bracket bolt.




15. Install the engine mount fasteners to the frame.
16. Install the power steering gear mounting fasteners.




17. Install both stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar.

Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 65 N.m (48 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.

18. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.




19. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles.
1. Tighten the ball stud to steering knuckle pinch nut to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
2. Reverse the nut 3/4 of a turn.
3. Tighten to 50 N.m (37 lb ft) plus 60 degrees.

20. Install the rear catalytic converter.
21. Install the front fender liner.
22. Install the engine splash shield.
23. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
24. Lower the vehicle.
25. Remove the temporary radiator and condenser support.
26. Remove the engine support fixture.