Front Suspension

Crossmember Replacement - Front Suspension

^ Tools Required
- J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor

Removal Procedure





1. Support the engine. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical 4.61 - (LH12).
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
4. Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod end stud nuts (3). Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.





5. Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensor links. Refer to Front Position Sensor Replacement - Electronic Suspension in Electronic Suspension Control (ESC).
6. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft lower coupling from the steering gear.
8. Remove the bolts from the electronic brake control module/brake pressure modulator valve (EBCM/BPMV) bracket. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) Bracket Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
9. Support and reposition the EBCM/BPMV and bracket away from the crossmember.
10. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts,
11. Remove the power steering fluid cooler from the crossmember.
12. Lift the power steering gear off of the crossmember and support.





13. Using the J 33432-A, remove the transverse spring from the vehicle. Refer to Front Transverse Spring Replacement.





14. Disconnect the lower shock absorber bolts from the lower control arms.





15. Remove the lower control arm bolts from the crossmember.
16. Place a transmission jack under the crossmember.
17. Remove the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to the following procedures:
^ Engine Mount Replacement - Left in Engine Mechanical - 4.61- (LH2).
^ Engine Mount Replacement - Right in Engine Mechanical - 4.6L (LH2).





18. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the crossmember.





19. Disconnect the electrical harness from the clips on the crossmember.
20. Disconnect the brake pipe from the clips on the crossmember.





21. Remove the crossmember mounting nuts.
22. Lower the crossmember out of the vehicle by removing the transmission jack from under the crossmember.

Installation Procedure





1. Raise the crossmember to the vehicle.
1.1. Align the crossmember dowel pins to the frame rails.
1.2. Align the engine mount studs.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install new crossmember mounting nuts.
^ Tighten the new crossmember mounting nuts to 110 Nm (81 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to one of the following procedures:
^ Engine Mount Replacement - Left in Engine Mechanical - 4.61- (LH2).
^ Engine Mount Replacement - Right in Engine Mechanical - 4.61- (LH2).





4. Fasten the wheel speed sensor wiring harness retaining clips to the crossmember.
5. Fasten the brake pipe to the retaining clips on the crossmember.





6. Connect the electrical harness to the clips on the crossmember.
7. Connect the brake pipe to the clips on the crossmember.





8. Install the transverse spring with the J 33432-A connected, to the crossmember.





9. Install the lower control arm to the crossmember.





10. Install the shock absorbers to the lower control arms.
^ Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).





11. Install the power steering gear to the crossmember.
^ Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
12. Install the bolts to the brake pressure modulator valve bracket. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) Bracket Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
13. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
14. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
15. Connect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensor links. Refer to Front Position Sensor Replacement - Electronic Suspension in Electronic Suspension Control (ESC).
16. Install the stabilizer shaft to the vehicle. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
17. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
18. Lower the vehicle.
19. Remove engine support fixture from the engine. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 4.6L (LH2).
20. Perform a vehicle front end alignment.