Front Crossmember
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION FRONT CROSSMEMBERThe front suspension crossmember must be installed in the design location to achieve proper front end suspension alignment. If the crossmember is removed without applying reference marks on the frame rails, align the crossmember according to the dimensions provided in this group.
NOTE: If the caged nuts in the frame rails become damaged and cannot be reused, a replacement nut can be obtained through a Mopar Parts supplier.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove steering column lower cover from instrument panel.
3. Remove knee blocker reinforcement.
4. Position steering so front wheels are straight ahead.
CAUTION: DO NOT ROTATE STEERING WHEEL AFTER DISENGAGING LOWER COUPLING FROM STEERING GEAR, DAMAGE TO AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING CAN RESULT.
Steering Coupling Boot:
5. Remove clinch bolt holding steering column coupling to steering gear shaft.
6. Remove steering column coupling from telescoping steering gear shaft.
7. Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
8. Position a drain pan under power steering pump and oil return hose coupling.
9. Using hose pinch-off pliers C-4390, pinch power steering oil return hose off between the cross-member coupling and the pump.
10. Loosen hose clamp at the crossmember coupling.
11. Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
12. While holding pressure relief valve nut on back of power steering pump. Remove flare nut holding high pressure hose to back of pump.
13. Separate high pressure hose from pump.
14. Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
15. Remove bolts holding anti-lock brake sensor leads to crossmember.
16. Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
17. Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of stabilizer bar. Refer to Steering and Suspension.
18. Disconnect lower ball joints from lower control arms. Refer to Steering and Suspension.
Rear Engine Mount:
19. Remove bolt holding rear engine mount to crossmember.
20. Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.
Crossmember:
21. Support crossmember on suitable lifting device.
Crossmember Mount:
22. Remove bolts holding crossmember to front frame rails.
Crossmember:
23. Remove crossmember from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If crossmember requires replacement. Refer to Steering and Suspension, to transfer steering and suspension components.
Crossmember:
1. Support crossmember on suitable lifting device.
2. Position crossmember to vehicle.
3. Loosely install bolts to hold crossmember to front frame rails.
4. Align crossmember to previously made marks on frame rails.
5. Tighten bolts holding crossmember to frame rails.
6. Install bolt holding rear engine mount to cross-member.
7. Connect lower ball joints to lower control arms. Refer to Steering and Suspension.
8. Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabilizer bar. Refer to Steering and Suspension
9. Install bolts to hold anti-lock brake sensor leads to crossmember.
10. Install high pressure hose to pump.
11. Connect return hose to metal tube.
12. Tighten hose clamp at the crossmember coupling.
13. Remove pinch-off pliers.
14. Position steering so front wheels are straight ahead.
15. Install steering column coupling to telescoping steering gear shaft.
16. Install clinch bolt to hold steering column coupling to steering gear shaft.
17. Install knee blocker reinforcement.
18. Install steering column lower cover from instrument panel.
19. Connect battery negative cable.