SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front Cradle Crossmember to Fram Rail Attaching Bolts (4) 163 120 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M14 (9) 167 123 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M12 (1) 108 80 Ð
Reinforcement Plate to Crossmember Attaching Bolt Size M10 (4) 68 50 Ð
Rear Engine Mount to Crossmember Attaching Through Bolt 68 50 Ð
Radiator Support Crossmember Attaching Bolts 51 38 Ð
FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER
This vehicle uses a one piece cast aluminum cradle
for the front cradle crossmember. The cradle cross-
member is used as the attaching points for the lower
control arms, stabilizer bar and steering gear. The
cradle also has the power steering hoses and the
chassis brake tubes attached to it.
WARNING: If a threaded hole in the suspension cra-
dle needs to be repaired, only use the type of
thread insert and installation procedure specified
for this application.
The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmem-
ber that are used for attachment of the lower control
arm rear bushing retainer, power steering hose and
chassis brake tubes can be repaired. The repair is
done by the installation of a Heli-Coiltthread insert
which has been specifically developed for this appli-
cation. Refer to the Mopar Parts Catalog for the spec-
ified Heli-Coiltthread insert to be used for this
application. The procedure for installing the Heli-
Coiltthread insert is detailed in the Service Proce-
dures section in this group of the service manual.
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR
WARNING: When performing this procedure use
only the thread inserts which are specified in the
Mopar Parts Catalog for this repair procedure.
These thread inserts have been specifically devel-
oped for this application and use of other types of
thread inserts can result in an inferior long term
repair.
The threaded holes in the front cradle crossmem-
ber, if damaged, can repaired by installing a Heli-
Coiltthread insert.The threaded holes that are repairable using the
thread insert, are the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer mounting bolt holes, routing bracket attach-
ing locations for the power steering hoses, and brake
hose attachment holes.
This repair procedure now allows the threaded
holes in the cradle crossmember to be repaired, elim-
inating the need to replace the cradle crossmember if
damage occurs to one of the threaded holes.
The thread inserts for this application are specified
by part number in the Mopar Parts Catalog.Do not
use a substitute thread insert.
The specific tools and equipment required to install
the thread insert are listed below. Refer to the
instructions included with the thread insert for the
detailed procedure used for the installation of the
thread insert.
NOTE: The thread inserts for this application are for
the repair of M8x1.25 and M10x1.5 threads. Be sure
the correct tools are used for the required thread
insert size.
TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M8x1.25 Thread
²8.3mm (5/16 in.) Drill Bit
²120É Countersink
²Heli-CoiltTap #4863-8
²Heli-CoiltGage #4624-8
²Heli-CoiltHand Inserting Tool 7751-8
²Needle Nose Pliers ± For Removal Of Thread
Insert Driving Tang
TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M10x1.5 Thread
²10.5mm (25/64 in.) Drill Bit
²120É Countersink
²Heli-CoiltTap #4863-10
²Heli-CoiltGage #4624-10
²Heli-CoiltHand Inserting Tool 7751-10
RSFRAMES & BUMPERS13-9
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)
²Needle Nose Pliers ± For Removal Of Thread
Insert Driving Tang
REMOVAL
The front cradle crossmember must be installed in
the design location to achieve proper front end sus-
pension alignment. If the cradle crossmember is
removed without applying reference marks on the
frame rails, align the cradle crossmember according
to the dimensions provided in this group.
NOTE: If the caged nuts in the frame rails become
damaged and cannot be reused, a replacement nut
can be obtained through MoparT.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Remove steering column lower cover from
instrument panel. Refer to Group 8E, Instrument
Panel and Systems.
(3) Remove knee blocker reinforcement. Refer to
Group 8E, Instrument Panel and Systems.
(4) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
CAUTION: Do not rotate steering wheel after disen-
gaging lower coupling from steering gear, damage
to air bag clock spring can result.
(5) Remove clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft (Fig. 10).
(6) Remove steering column coupling from tele-
scoping steering gear shaft.
(7) Hoist vehicle and support on safety stands.
(8) Position a drain pan under power steering
pump and oil return hose coupling.
(9) Using a hose pinch-off pliers (C-4390), pinch
power steering oil return hose off between the cross-
member coupling and the pump.
(10) Loosen hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(11) Disconnect return hose from metal tube.
(12) While holding pressure relief valve nut on
back of power steering pump, Remove flare nut hold-
ing high pressure hose to back of pump.
(13) Remove high pressure hose from pump.
(14) Allow power steering fluid to drain into pan.
(15) Remove bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(16) Position anti-lock brake leads out of the way.
(17) Disconnect stabilizer bar links from ends of
stabilizer bar. Refer to Group 2, Suspension.
(18) Disconnect lower ball joints from lower steer-
ing knuckles. Refer to Group 2, Suspension.
(19) Remove the rear engine mount heat shield
(Fig. 11).(20) Remove through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12).
(21) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails to aid installation.
(22) Support cradle crossmember on suitable lift-
ing device (Fig. 14).
(23) Remove bolts attaching crossmember to front
frame rails (Fig. 13).
(24) Remove cradle crossmember from vehicle (Fig.
14).
Fig. 10 STEERING COUPLING
1 - STEERING SHAFT BOOT
2 - STEERING SHAFT
3 - CROSSMEMBER
4 - STEERING GEAR
5 - MOUNT
6 - TRANSAXLE
Fig. 11 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR ENGINE MOUNT
13 - 10 FRAMES & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension, to transfer suspen-
sion components and Group 19, Steering, to trans-
fer steering components.
(1) Support crossmember on suitable lifting device
(Fig. 14).
(2) Position crossmember to vehicle.(3) Loosely install bolts attaching cradle cross-
member to front frame rails.
(4) Align crossmember to previously made marks
on frame rails.
(5) Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to
frame rails.
(6) Install through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 12) and tighten to
68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) .
(7) Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 11).
(8) Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension.
(9) Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabi-
lizer bar. Refer to Group 2, Suspension.
(10) Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(11) Install high pressure hose to pump.
(12) Connect return hose to metal tube.
(13) Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(14) Remove pinch-off pliers.
(15) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
(16) Install steering column coupling to telescoping
steering gear shaft.
(17) Install clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft.
(18) Install knee blocker reinforcement. Refer to
Group 8E, Instrument Panel and Systems.
(19) Install steering column lower cover from
instrument panel. Refer to Group 8E, Instrument
Panel and Systems.
(20) Connect battery negative cable.
FRONT CROSSMEMBER
MOUNT BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Using paint or grease pencil, mark outline of
cradle crossmember on frame rails.
(2) Loosen bolts attaching crossmember to frame
rails.
(3) Remove bolt on bushing that requires replace-
ment.
(4) Allow cradle crossmember to drop down enough
to gain clearance for bushing removal.
(5) Remove bushing from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply rubber lubrication or soap to replace-
ment bushing.
(2) Insert lower half of bushing into square hole in
cradle crossmember.
Fig. 12 REAR MOUNT
1 - BOLT
2 - REAR MOUNT BRACKET
3 - THROUGH BOLT
4 - REAR MOUNT
Fig. 13 Cradle Crossmember Mount
1 - CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
2 - BRAKE HOSE MOUNT
3 - STEERING TIE ROD
4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
5 - FRAME RAIL
RSFRAMES & BUMPERS13-11
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)
(3) Place upper half of bushing on top of cross-
member aligned to receive square tube protruding
upward from lower bushing half.
(4) Squeeze bushing halves together to ensure they
are properly mated.
(5) Lift cradle crossmember upward to close gap
between the bushing and frame.
(6) Verify that lower bushing is fully seated into
cradle crossmember and upper bushing.(7) Install bolt attaching bushing and crossmember
to frame rail hand tight.
(8) Align cradle crossmember to reference marks
on frame rails.
(9) Tighten cradle crossmember to frame rails
attaching bolts to 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.) torque.
Fig. 14 Cradle Crossmember
1 - ENGINE OIL PAN
2 - TRANSAXLE
3 - LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER5 - LIFT DEVICE
6 - SPINDLE
13 - 12 FRAMES & BUMPERSRS
FRONT CROSSMEMBER MOUNT BUSHINGS (Continued)
(8) Disconnect the fuel filler vent tube. Squeeze
tabs and pull apart (Fig. 16).
(9) Disconnect the fuel fill hose at the fuel tank
filler metal tubeNOT AT THE FUEL TANK(Fig.
16).
(10) Disconnect fuel line and vapor line at the
front of the fuel tank.
The fuel pump module electrical connector
has a retainer that locks it in place.
(11) Slide fuel pump module electrical connector
lock to unlock (Fig. 17).
(12) Push down on connector retainer (Fig. 18) and
pull connector off module.
(13) Lower tank from vehicle. Remove fuel filler
vent tube from frame (Fig. 19).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position fuel tank on transmission jack. Con-
nect rollover valve hose. Connect fuel filler tube vent
hose and tighten clamp.
(2) Raise tank into position and carefully work
filler metal tube into the rubber hose on fuel tank. A
light coating of clean engine oil on the tube end may
be used to aid assembly.
(3) Feed filler vent line thru frame rail. Careful
not to cross lines.
(4) Tighten strap bolts to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
torque. Tighten T strap bolt to 28.2 N´m (250 in.
lbs.). Remove transmission jack.(5) Tighten filler hose clamp to 3.3 N´m (30 in.
lbs.).
CAUTION: Ensure straps are not twisted or bent
before or after tightening strap nuts.
(6) Connect fuel pump/module electrical connector.
Place retainer in locked position.
(7) Lubricate the fuel supply line with clean 30
weight engine oil, install the quick connect fuel fit-
ting. Refer to Tube/Fitting Assembly in the Fuel
Delivery section of this section.
(8) Attach filler vent line to filler tube. Pull on
connector to make sure of connection.
Fig. 16 FUEL FILLER AND VENT TUBE
1 - Filler Tube
2 - Vent Tube
Fig. 17 Fuel Line Retainers and Pump Connector
Lock
1 - PUSH
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
3 - QUICK CONNECT RETAINERS
Fig. 18 Pump Module Connector Retainer and Lock
1 - PUSH DOWN ON RETAINER
2 - CONNECTOR LOCK
RSFUEL DELIVERY14-11
FUEL TANK (Continued)
NOTE: Power steering pump maximum relief pres-
sure is 9,653 to 10,342 kPa (1,400 to 1,500 psi.).
(9) Close analyzer valve fully three times and
record highest pressure indicated each time. All three
readings must be above specifications and within 345
kPa (50 psi) of each other.
²If power steering pump pressures are above
specifications, but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each
other, replace pump.
²If power steering pump pressures are within 345
kPa (50 psi) of each other, but are below specifica-
tions, replace pump.
CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against
the stops for more than 2 to 4 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
(10) Completely open the valve on the Power
Steering Analyzer. Turn the steering wheel to theextreme left until the stop in the steering gear is
met, then turn the steering wheel to the right until
the right stop is met. Record the highest indicated
pressure at each position. Compare the recorded
readings to the specifications. If the highest output
pressures are not the same against either stop, the
steering gear is leaking internally and must be
replaced.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STEERING
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover POWER STEERING NOISE, STEERING
WHEEL FEEL, and POWER STEERING FLUID.
POWER STEERING NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
OBJECTIONABLE HISS
OR WHISTLE*1. Damaged or mispositioned
steering column shaft/coupling dash
panel seal.1. Reposition or replace steering
column shaft/coupling dash panel seal.
2. Noisy valve in power steering
gear.2. Replace power steering gear.
3. Mis-routed power steering hose. 3. Check routing of power steering
hoses. Ensure hoses do not come in
unwanted contact with other
components and objects.
RATTLE OR CLUNK 1. Power steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.1. Inspect power steering gear
mounting bolts. Replace as necessary.
Tighten to the specified torque.
2. Front suspension crossmember
mounting fasteners loose at frame.2. Tighten the front suspension
crossmember mounting fasteners to the
specified torque.
3. Loose tie rod (outer or inner). 3. Check tie rod pivot points for wear.
Replace worn/loose parts as required.
4. Loose lower control arm mounting
bolts at front suspension
crossmember.4. Tighten control arm mounting bolts to
the specified torques.
5. Lower control arm pivot bushing
worn.5. Replace lower control arm pivot
bushing.
6. Loose strut assembly mounting
fasteners at tower.6. Tighten strut assembly fasteners to
the specified torque.
7. Power steering fluid pressure
hose touching the body of the
vehicle.7. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
fitting to specified torque. Do not bend
tubing.
RSSTEERING19-3
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
8. Internal power steering gear
noise.8. Replace power steering gear.
9. Damaged front suspension
crossmember.9. Replace front suspension
crossmember.
10. Stabilizer bar link ball joints
worn.10. Replace stabilizer bar link.
POPPING NOISE 1. Worn outer tie rod. 1. Replace outer tie rod.
CHIRP OR SQUEAL
(POWER STEERING
PUMP)1. Loose power steering pump drive
belt.1. Check and adjust power steering
pump drive belt to specifications or
replace automatic tensioner where
applicable. Replace belt if worn or
glazed.
WHINE, GROWL, MOAN
OR GROAN (POWER
STEERING PUMP)**1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level and check for leaks (make
sure all air is bled from the system
fluid).
2. Power steering hose touching
vehicle body or frame.2. Adjust hose to proper position by
loosening, repositioning, and tightening
fitting to specified torque. Do not bend
tubing. Replace hose if damaged.
3. Extreme wear of power steering
pump internal components.3. Replace power steering pump and
flush system as necessary.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose clamp on power steering
fluid return hose.1. Tighten or replace hose clamp.
2. Missing O-Ring on power steering
hose connection.2. Inspect connection and replace
O-Ring as required.
3. Low power steering fluid level. 3. Fill power steering fluid reservoir to
proper level and check for leaks.
4. Air leak between power steering
fluid reservoir and power steering
pump.4. Replace power steering pump (with
reservoir).
SQUEAK OR RUBBING
SOUND1. Steering column shroud rubbing. 1. Realign shrouds as necessary.
2. Steering column shaft rubbing. 2. Move or realign item rubbing shaft.
3. Clockspring noisy. 3. Remove clockspring. Reinstall wheel.
If noise is gone, replace clockspring.
4. Steering gear internally noisy. 4. Replace steering gear.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING NOISE.1. Incorrect tire or wheel size. 1. Replace incorrect size tire or wheel
with size used as original equipment.
2. Interference between steering
gear and other vehicle components.2. Check for bent or misaligned
components and correct as necessary.
3. Steering gear internal stops worn
excessively allowing tires to be
steered excessively far.3. Replace steering gear.
19 - 4 STEERINGRS
STEERING (Continued)
ing gear. This travel pushes and pulls the tie rods to
change the direction of the vehicle's front wheels.
Power assist steering provided by the power steer-
ing pump is controlled by an open center, rotary type
control valve which directs oil from the pump to
either side of the integral rack piston upon demand.
Road feel is controlled by the diameter of a torsion
bar which initially steers the vehicle. As required
steering effort increases, as in a turn, the torsion bar
twists, causing relative rotary motion between the
rotary valve body and the valve spool. This move-
ment directs oil behind the integral rack piston
which, in turn, builds up hydraulic pressure and
assists in the turning effort.
Manual steering control of the vehicle can be main-
tained if power steering assist is lost. However,
under this condition, steering effort is significantly
increased.
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING: POWER STEERING FLUID, ENGINE
PARTS AND EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY BE
EXTREMELY HOT IF ENGINE HAS BEEN RUNNING.
DO NOT START ENGINE WITH ANY LOOSE OR DIS-
CONNECTED HOSES. DO NOT ALLOW HOSES TO
TOUCH HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYST.
WARNING: FLUID LEVEL SHOULD BE CHECKED
WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO PREVENT PERSONAL
INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS.
CAUTION: When the system is open, cap all open
ends of the hoses, power steering pump fittings or
power steering gear ports to prevent entry of for-
eign material into the components.
REMOVAL - GEAR
CAUTION: Positioning the steering column in the
locked position will prevent the clockspring from
being accidentally over-extended when the steering
column is disconnected from the intermediate
steering coupler.
(1) Remove cap from power steering fluid reser-
voir.
(2) Using a siphon pump, remove as much fluid as
possible from the power steering fluid reservoir.
(3) With the ignition key in the locked position
turn the steering wheel to the left until the steering
wheel is in the locked position.
(4) With the vehicle on the ground, disconnect the
steering column shaft coupler from the steering gear
intermediate coupler (Fig. 2).(5) Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this service man-
ual, for the required lifting procedure to be used for
this vehicle.
(6) Remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
(7) Remove hoses at power steering cooler and
allow fluid to drain.
(8) On both sides of vehicle, remove nut attaching
outer tie rod end to steering knuckle (Fig. 3).
Remove nut by holding tie rod end stud with a
socket while loosening and removing nut with
wrench.
(9) Remove both tie rod ends from steering knuck-
les, using Puller, Special Tool C-3894±A (Fig. 4).
(10) Remove the lower control arm rear bushing
retainer bolts located on each side of each lower con-
trol arm rear bushing.
NOTE: The bolts fastening the cradle crossmember
reinforcement are of two different thread sizes. Note
the location of the various sizes.
(11) Remove the bolts attaching the cradle cross-
member reinforcement to the front suspension cradle
crossmember (Fig. 5). Remove the 2 bolts fastening
the reinforcement and rear of cradle crossmember to
the body of the vehicle. Remove the reinforcement.
(12) If the vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel-
Drive, remove the power transfer unit (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/POWER TRANSFER
UNIT - REMOVAL).
Fig. 2 Steering Column Shaft To Intermediate Shaft
Attachment
1 - STEERING COLUMN SHAFT COUPLER
2 - NUT
3 - SAFETY PIN
4 - INTERMEDIATE SHAFT
5 - PINCH BOLT
19 - 18 GEARRS
GEAR (Continued)