Front Subframe Installation

Installation

• · Install the steering gear and suspension arms onto the subframe. Tighten the steering gear mounting bolts to the specified torque. Tighten the suspension arm mounting bolts only lightly; final tightening will be performed after the vehicle is lowered onto its wheels.
• · Position the subframe with the attached components at the installation location and install the mounting nuts and bolts, tightening them to the specified torque.
• · Install the powertrain mount through bolt and tighten it to the specified torque.
• · Secure the power steering cooler bracket with the bolt.
• · Install the powertrain support crossmember and secure it with the bolts. Install the plugs, and install all components removed from the crossmember in reverse order of removal. Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque. Check that the crossmember is securely fastened, then release the powertrain and remove the lifting device.
• · Secure the power steering return hose to the bracket above the steering gear.
• · Install the exhaust pipes.
• · Connect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint to the steering gear pinion shaft, aligning the marks made during removal. If new parts without marks are being installed, set the front wheels, steering gear and steering wheel exactly in the straight-ahead position, then connect the parts. Install the pinch bolt and tighten it to the specified torque.
• · Connect the pressure and return line fittings to the steering gear housing using new gaskets.
• · Connect the return hose to the power steering reservoir.
• · Install the lower suspension ball joints onto the lower control arms. Secure each joint with one bolt and two nuts, and tighten the bolts and nuts to the specified torque (127 N·m).
• · Connect the stabilizer bar links and tighten the mounting nuts to the specified torque (64 N·m), holding the links from turning in the same way as during removal.
• · Insert the tie rod end ball joint stud into the tapered hole in the steering knuckle arm, install the nut, tighten it to the specified torque (56 N·m) and install a new cotter pin. If the slots in the nut do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten the nut further until they align. Perform this procedure on both sides of the vehicle.
• · Install the wheel hub nut and tighten it to the specified torque, holding the hub from rotating using the same method as during removal. After tightening, check that the hub rotates freely. Repeat on the other wheel. · Install new cotter pins on the nut and install the dust caps. · Install the lower splash shields, if equipped. · Install the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground, then tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque.
• · Rock the vehicle up and down several times to allow the suspension components to settle into position.
• · Tighten the lower arm pivot bolt and lower arm support bolts to the specified torque in the following order: first the front pivot bolt, then the front support bolt, and finally the rear support bolt.