Front Cross-Member: Service and Repair

FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS-MEMBER

REMOVAL

1. Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place a suitable lifting device under front suspension crossmember.
3. Remove bolts attaching suspension strut to the lower control arm.
4. Disengage lower ball joints from lower control arms.

Fig. 13:

5. Remove 3 bolts attaching rear engine mount to crossmember (Fig.13). If equipped, manual transmission bracket will come down when these bolts are removed. It may be necessary to loosen damper mounting bolt at engine structural collar to allow bracket and damper to swing down sufficiently (Fig.13).
6. Remove bolts attaching front of suspension crossmember to frame rails under upper control arms.
7. Loosen bolts attaching rear of suspension cross-member to frame rail torque boxes.
8. Allow the front of the suspension crossmember to swing away from the frame rails.

Fig. 14:

9. Remove bolts attaching steering gear to top of suspension crossmember (Fig. 14).

CAUTION: Do not allow steering gear to hang by the pressure or return hoses, damage to hoses can result.

10. Using mechanics wire, tie steering gear to structure above.
11. Raise crossmember back into position.
12. Remove bolts attaching rear of crossmember to frame rail torque boxes.
13. Lower front suspension crossmember away from bottom of vehicle.

INSTALLATION

1. Raise front suspension crossmember into position on vehicle.
2. Loosely install bolts attaching rear of cross-member to frame rail torque boxes.
3. Lower crossmember and install bolts attaching steering gear to top of suspension crossmember.
4. Raise crossmember into position.
5. Tighten bolts holding rear of suspension cross-member to frame rail torque boxes.
6. Install bolts attaching front of suspension crossmember to frame rails under upper control arm.
7. Engage lower ball joint to lower control arms.
8. Install 3 bolts attaching rear engine mount to crossmember (Fig. 13). If equipped, make sure manual transmission bracket is positioned in place before installing bolts (Fig. 13). Tighten bolts to 65 N.m (48 ft.lbs.) torque.
9. Install bolts attaching suspension strut to lower control arm.
10. Lower vehicle.
11. After assembly is complete, check front end alignment and adjust as necessary.