Service Procedure

SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
2. Remove the left and right front wheel and tire assemblies.
3. Remove the left and right front wheel well splash shields.
4. Remove the LEFT lower control arm pivot bolt (Figure 1).

NOTE:
DO NOT remove the lower control arm at this time. The control arm needs to be in position to prevent deformation of the cradle bracket when tightening the reinforcement.

5. Clean all grease and dirt from the area around the lower control arm attaching bracket.
6. To ensure a proper reinforcement bracket fit, grind any raised, non-functional welding flash and debris from the lower control arm bracket and the engine cradle near the bracket.
7. Install the LEFT upper and lower reinforcement brackets around the lower control arm bracket. The brackets should closely conform to the existing bracket and engine cradle. No tools are required for installation.
8. Loosely install four (4) reinforcement bracket bolts and nuts.
9. Using a cross-sequence, tighten the reinforcement bracket bolts and nuts to 30 ft.lbs. (41 Nm).
10. Again, using a cross-sequence, further tighten the reinforcement bracket bolts and nuts to 50 ft.lbs. (68 Nm).
11. Carefully remove the lower control arm from the engine cradle bracket.

CAUTION:
Move the lower control arm only far enough to remove it from the bracket. Excessive lower control arm movement will cause the half-shaft to separate from the inner C/V joint.

12. Using the supplied cutter adapter (Miller Tool # 8553) and cutter bit (CBXR8371), cut two holes in the reinforcement bracket for the lower control arm pivot bolt as follows:

a. Install the cutter adapter and bit assembly on a 3/8" drive air ratchet.

NOTE: Due to the tight clearance inside of the bracket, use an air ratchet with a small head such as PSE # W-107, PSE # W-107XP or equivalent.

b. Using the original lower control arm bracket hole as a guide, cut two holes for the pivot bolt in the reinforcement bracket.

NOTE: Make sure that the cutter remains square to the surface and do not use excessive force or the cutter bit may fail prematurely.

IMPORTANT: After numerous holes, the cutter bit will become dull and require replacement. To replace the bit, secure the adapter to a 3/8" drive extension and clamp the extension in a vise. Then, using pliers, carefully turn the bit in a counter-clockwise direction, unthreading the bit from the adapter. Install a new bit finger tight onto the adapter. Use a glove or rag when installing the bit as it is very sharp. Do NOT use tools to install the bit as damage to the cutter may occur.

13. Install the lower control arm into the engine cradle bracket assembly.
14. Install the pivot bolt through the bracket assembly and the lower control arm. DO NOT tighten the bolt and nut at this time.
15. Repeat Steps 4 - 14 for the RIGHT side of the vehicle.
16. Position jack stands under the left and right lower control arms and then lower the vehicle so that the weight of the vehicle is supported by the front suspension.
17. Tighten the left and right lower control arm pivot bolts and nuts to 90 ft.lbs. (123 Nm)
18. Raise the vehicle on the hoist and remove the jack stands.
19. Install the left and right wheel well splash shields.
20. Install the left and right front tire and wheel assemblies. Tighten the lug nuts to 95 ft.lbs. (129 Nm).
21. Lower the vehicle.