CROSSMEMBER, Cradle, Engine And Suspension: Removal

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1. Remove the throttle body if necessary to install the engine support tool. Refer to THROTTLE BODY, REMOVAL (3.6L) , THROTTLE BODY, REMOVAL (5.7L) , THROTTLE BODY, REMOVAL (6.2L)THROTTLE BODY, REMOVAL (6.4L) .
2. Support the engine using (special tool #8984C, Fixture, Engine Lifting) (special tool #8534C, Fixture, Driveline Support) (1) or equivalent.
3. Remove the transmission skid plate. Refer to PLATE, SKID, TRANSMISSION, REMOVAL  .
4. Remove the front skid plate. Refer to PLATE, SKID, FRONT, REMOVAL  .

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5. Remove the engine mount nuts (2).
6. Remove the catalytic converter heat shield from the frame.

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   CAUTION:

   Steering column module is centered to the vehicles steering system. Failure to keep the system and steering column module centered and locked/inhibited from rotating can result in steering column module damage.

   NOTE:

   For further information,

   Refer to CLOCKSPRING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .

7. Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position with the steering wheel centered and locked with a steering wheel lock.
8. Remove the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt (1) and disconnect the coupler (2) from the steering shaft. Discard  the steering shaft coupler pinch bolt.
9. Remove the front wheel speed sensors. Refer to SENSOR, WHEEL SPEED, FRONT, REMOVAL .
10. Remove both brake calipers and hang to the side. Refer to CALIPER, DISC BRAKE, REMOVAL .

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11. Support the outside of the lower control arms with a suitable holding fixture and raise to normal ride height.
12. Remove the upper ball joint nuts and DISCARD  .
13. Separate the upper ball joints (2) from the knuckles (3) using (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint) (1).

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14. Remove the shock clevis bracket to lower control arm nut/bolts (1) and DISCARD  .

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15. Mark the front driveshaft (1) and pinion flange (2) for installation reference.
16. Remove the driveshaft (1) from pinion flange (2).

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17. Disconnect the steering gear wire harness connectors (1).

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18. Disconnect the steering gear wire harness connector (1).

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19. Remove the bolts (1) from the rear brackets.

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20. Using a grease pencil or equivalent, mark the location of the cradle (1) on the underbody.
21. Support the cradle (1) with suitable lifting device.
22. Remove the four cradle bolts (3) and separate the cradle crossmember (1) and brackets (2) from the vehicle.

As necessary;

• Remove the lower control arms. Refer to ARM, LOWER CONTROL, REMOVAL .
• Remove the front drive axle. Refer to REMOVAL .
• Remove the steering gear. Refer to GEAR, REMOVAL .
• Remove the sway bar. Refer to STABILIZER BAR, FRONT, REMOVAL .