Frame Replacement Automatic Transmission

1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 2.2L or Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
4. Remove the front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement in Body Front End.
5. Disconnect the Antilock Brake System (ABS) sensor from the wheel speed sensor and frame.
6. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
7. Remove the brake modulator assembly from the support bracket. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
8. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
9. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and secure the gear out of the way using mechanic's wire or equivalent, being sure not to overextend the intermediate shaft. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
10. Remove the front transmission mount bracket bolts. Refer to Transmission Front Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E.
11. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket bolts. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E.



12. Remove the brake lines from the retainers on the crossmember (2).
13. Lower the vehicle until the suspension crossmember (2) rests on the jack stands.
14. Remove the front suspension crossmember support bolts (3).
15. Remove the rear suspension crossmember support bolts (4).
16. Remove the suspension crossmember to body bolts (1).
17. Raise the vehicle off of the suspension crossmember (2).
18. Remove the following components if replacing the suspension crossmember:

•	The lower control arms

•	Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

•	The front transmission mount

•	Refer to Transmission Front Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E.

•	The rear transmission mount

•	Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E

•	The stabilizer shaft

•	Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

•	The lower radiator support panel

•	Refer to Radiator Support Replacement in Engine Cooling.

1. Install the following components on the suspension crossmember if removed:

•	The stabilizer shaft

•	Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

•	The rear transmission mount

•	Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E.

•	The front transmission mount

•	Refer to Transmission Front Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E.

•	The lower control arms

•	Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

•	The lower radiator support panel

•	Refer to Radiator Support Replacement in Engine Cooling.




2. Lower the vehicle on to the frame (3).
3. Install the lower control arm rear bolt (1). Hand tighten the bolts.
4. Install the frame to body rear bolts (2). Hand tighten the bolts.
5. Install the frame to body front bolts (4). Hand tighten the bolts.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

6. Tighten the suspension crossmember bolts in the following order:

Tighten

1. Tighten the frame to body rear bolts to 100 N·m (73 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
2. Tighten the frame to body front bolts to 100 N·m (73 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
3. Tighten the lower control arm to body bolts to 245 N·m (180 lb ft).
7. Raise the vehicle and support with jack stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
8. Install the brake lines to the retainers on the crossmember (2).
9. Install the rear transmission mount bracket bolts. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E.
10. Install the front transmission mount bracket bolts. Refer to Transmission Front Mount Replacement in Automatic Transmission - 4T40-E/4T45-E.
11. Remove the mechanic's wire, or equivalent, and install the power steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
12. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
13. Install the brake modulator assembly to the support bracket. Refer to Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
14. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
15. Connect the ABS sensor to the wheel speed sensor and frame.
16. Install the front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement in Body Front End.
17. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
18. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical-2.2L or Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.1L.
19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding in Power Steering System.