Removal Procedure
Vehicle alignment is not required if the cradle is being lowered or dropped to perform another procedure. This vehicle is equipped with a cradle to body aligning feature: cradle to body through holes or self-aligning pins that are part of the cradle or body. Only align if replacing the cradle with a NEW part and transferring components.
Intermediate Steering Shaft (2) - Remove - Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
Disconnect the steering gear electrical connectors. (1)
- Wiring Harness Retainer (2) - Disengage [2x]
- Install the engine support fixture. Engine Support Fixture
- Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
Front Bumper Fascia Center Air Deflector (2) - Loosen - Front Bumper Fascia Center Air Deflector Replacement
Underbody Front Air Deflector (2) - Remove - Underbody Front Air Deflector Replacement
Exhaust Front Pipe (3) - Remove - Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (LTG)
Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod (3) @Knuckle - Remove - Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement
Lower Control Arm (1) @Knuckle - Remove - Lower Control Arm Replacement
Front Stabilizer Shaft Link (1) @ Front Stabilizer Shaft - Separate - Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
- NOTE:
During cradle removal, additional care may be needed at transmission mount bracket to assist in separation.
Transmission Rear Mount Bracket Fastener (2) - Remove - For 5ET50 (MKE)), see TRANSMISSION REAR MOUNT REPLACEMENT , for 9T50 (M3E), see TRANSMISSION MOUNT STRUT BRACKET REPLACEMENT (REAR) for VT40 (MRG), see TRANSMISSION MOUNT STRUT BRACKET REPLACEMENT
Install EN-39580 support stand under the drivetrain and front suspension cradle.
- Lower the vehicle until the drivetrain and front suspension frame is resting lightly on the jackstands.
- Drivetrain and Front Suspension Support Bolt (1) - Remove [4x]
- Drivetrain and Front Suspension Support Bolt (2) - Remove [6x]
- With the aid of an assistant, carefully raise the body from the frame.
Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle (1) - Remove