(7) Disconnect the manifold absolute pressure
(MAP) sensor electrical connector.
(8) Disconnect the vapor purge vacuum hose from
throttle body.
(9) Disconnect the PCV hose (Fig. 114).
(10) Remove the power steering reservoir attach-
ing bolts and only loosen the nut (Fig. 115). Lift res-
ervoir up to disengage lower mount from stud. Set
reservoir aside.Do notdisconnect hose.
(11) Disconnect the brake booster and leak detec-
tion pump (LDP) hoses from intake manifold (Fig.
116).
(12) Remove intake manifold bolts and remove the
manifold (Fig. 117).
(13) Cover the lower intake manifold with a suit-
able cover while the upper manifold is removed.
(14) Clean and inspect the upper intake manifold
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANI-
FOLD - CLEANING) and (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - INSPECTION).
CLEANING
(1) Discard gasket(s).
(2) Clean all sealing surfaces.
INSPECTION
Check manifold for:
²Damage and cracks.
Fig. 113 Intake Manifold Port Repair
1 - BRAKE BOOSTER PORT = 1/49±18 NPT PIPE TAP
1 - LDP/SPEED CONTROL PORT = 1/89±18 NPT PIPE TAP
2 - DRILL BIT = 7/169BRAKE BOOSTER PORT
2 - DRILL BIT = 11/329LDP/SPEED CONTROL PORT
3 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
Fig. 114 PCV & HOSE
1 - HOSE - PCV
2 - P C V VA LV E
Fig. 115 POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR
1 - POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
2 - BOLT - RESERVOIR TO MANIFOLD
3 - NUT - RESERVOIR TO COIL BRACKET
9 - 146 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CAUTION: The special screws used for attaching
the EGR tube and power steering reservoir to the
manifold must be installed slowly using hand tools
only. This requirement is to prevent the melting of
material that causes stripped threads. If threads
become stripped, an oversize repair screw is avail-
able. For more information and procedure (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE - MANIFOLD STRIPPED
THREAD REPAIR).
(7) Install the power steering reservoir (Fig. 115).
Tighten screws to manifold to 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(8) Connect throttle and speed control cables to
throttle body (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
INJECTION/THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE -
INSTALLATION)
(9) Attach make up air hose clip into the hole in
the throttle cable bracket.
(10) Connect the wiring connectors to the throttle
position sensor (TPS) and Automatic Idle Speed (AIS)
motor.
(11) Install air cleaner and air inlet hose assembly.
(12) Connect the inlet air temperature (IAT) sen-
sor electrical connector.
(13) Connect battery negative cable.
INTAKE MANIFOLD - LOWER
REMOVAL - LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
(1) Perform fuel system pressure release procedure
(before attempting any repairs).(Refer to 14 -
FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
(2) Drain the cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOL-
ING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Remove the upper intake manifold. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYS-
TEM/FUEL DELIVERY/FUEL LINES - STANDARD
PROCEDURE) (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL
DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FITTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
(5) Remove ignition coil and bracket (Fig. 119).
(6) Disconnect heater supply hose and engine cool-
ant temperature sensor (Fig. 120).
(7) Disconnect the fuel injector wire harness.
(8) Remove the fuel injectors and rail assembly
(Fig. 119).
(9) Remove radiator upper hose.
(10) Remove the intake manifold bolts.
(11) Remove lower intake manifold (Fig. 121).WARNING: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS MADE
OF VERY THIN METAL AND MAY CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY, HANDLE WITH CARE.
(12) Remove intake manifold seal retainers screws
(Fig. 121). Remove intake manifold gasket.
(13) Inspect and clean manifold. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/INTAKE MANIFOLD -
INSPECTION) (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/MANIFOLDS/
INTAKE MANIFOLD - CLEANING)
CLEANING
(1) Discard gasket(s).
(2) Clean all sealing surfaces.
INSPECTION
Check for:
²Damage and cracks of each section.
²Clogged water passages in end cross-overs (if
equipped).
Fig. 119 FUEL RAIL AND IGNITION COIL &
BRACKET
1 - FUEL RAIL
2 - BOLT - FUEL RAIL
3 - NUT - IGNITION COIL
4 - BOLT - IGNITION COIL
5 - IGNITION COIL
6 - BRACKET - IGNITION COIL
7 - STUD - IGNITION COIL
8 - SEPARATOR - SPARK PLUG CABLE
9 - BRACKET - SPARK PLUG CABLE SEPARATOR
10 - BOLT - SEPARATOR BRACKET
11 - BRACKET - SPARK PLUG CABLE SEPARATOR
9 - 148 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
INTAKE MANIFOLD - UPPER (Continued)
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VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE TIMING
VERIFICATION
(1) Remove front cylinder head cover and all 6
spark plugs.
(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke.
(3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial indicator
into #2 spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC
on the compression stroke.
(5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole.
(7) Place a 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
effect.
(8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator.
(9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in
serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR
NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the
timing chain cover removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position a scale next to timing chain so that
any movement of chain may be measured (Fig. 132).
(2) Position a torque wrench and socket on the
camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply force in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack to
the following torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
NOTE: With torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Holding a measuring scale along edge of chain
links (Fig. 132).(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 133).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 134) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
136).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 136).
Fig. 132 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 153
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(16) Remove camshaft position sensor from timing
chain cover (Fig. 136).
Fig. 133 OIL PICKUP TUBE
1 - BOLT
2 - OIL PICK-UP TUBE
3 - O-RING
Fig. 134 HEATER RETURN HOSE (Without Engine
Oil Cooler)
1 - CAP AND CLAMP (OIL COOLER EQUIPPED ONLY)
2 - HOSE ASSEMBLY - HEATER RETURN
3 - BOLT - HEATER TUBE ATTACHING
4 - BOLT - HEATER TUBE ATTACHING
Fig. 135 HEATER HOSES 3.3/3.8L (With Engine Oil
Cooler)
1 - HOSE - HEATER SUPPLY
2 - HOSE - HEATER RETURN
3 - TUBE ASSEMBLY - HEATER RETURN
4 - BOLT - TUBE ASSEMBLY
5 - BOLT - TUBE ASSEMBLY
6 - HOSE - HEATER RETURN/OIL COOLER OUTLET
Fig. 136 Engine Mount Bracket
1 - CAMSHAFT SENSOR
2 - BOLT - CAMSHAFT SENSOR
3 - BOLT - MOUNT BRACKET (VERTICAL)
4 - BRACKET - ENGINE MOUNT
5 - BOLT - MOUNT BRACKET (HORIZONTAL)
6 - PULLEY - IDLER
7 - BOLT - IDLER PULLEY
8 - SPACER - IDLER PULLEY BOLT
9 - BOLT - MOUNT BRACKET (HORIZONTAL)
9 - 154 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(17) Remove the water pump for cover removal
clearance. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/WATER
PUMP - REMOVAL)
(18) Remove the bolt attaching the power steering
pump support strut to the front cover (Fig. 137).
(19) Remove the timing chain cover fasteners.
Remove timing chain cover (Fig. 138).
INSTALLATION
(1) Be sure mating surfaces of chain case cover
and cylinder block are clean and free from burrs.
Crankshaft oil seal must be removed to insure cor-
rect oil pump engagement.
NOTE: DO NOT USE SEALER ON COVER GASKET
(2) Position new gasket on timing cover (Fig. 138).
Adhere new gasket to chain case cover, making sure
that the lower edge of the gasket is flush to 0.5 mm
(0.020 in.) passed the lower edge of the cover.
(3) Rotate crankshaft so that the oil pump drive
flats are in the vertical position.
(4) Position oil pump inner rotor so the mating
flats are in the same position as the crankshaft drive
flats (Fig. 138).
CAUTION: Make sure the oil pump is engaged on
the crankshaft correctly or severe damage may
result.
(5) Install timing cover (Fig. 138).
(6) Install timing chain cover bolts. Tighten M8
bolts to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.) and M10 bolts to 54 N´m
(40 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 139).
(7) Install crankshaft front oil seal. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/CRANKSHAFT OIL
SEAL - FRONT - INSTALLATION)
(8) Install water pump and pulley. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/WATER PUMP - INSTALLA-
TION)(9) Install crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer to 9
- ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER -
INSTALLATION)
(10) Install engine mount bracket (Fig. 136) and
tighten M10 to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.), M8 bolt to 28
N´m (21 ft. lb. lbs.).
(11) Install idler pulley on engine mount bracket
(Fig. 136).
(12) Install right side engine mount. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT -
INSTALLATION)
(13) Install camshaft position sensor (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/CAMSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(14) Connect the heater return hose at rear of tim-
ing chain cover (Fig. 134) or at water pump inlet
tube (if engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(15) Connect the radiator lower hose.
(16) Install A/C compressor.
(17) Install accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(18) Install oil pump pick-up tube with new
O-ring. Tighten attaching bolt to 28 N´m (250 in.
lbs.).
(19) Install oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - INSTALLATION)
(20) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(21) Fill crankcase with engine oil to proper level.
(22) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(23) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 137 Power Steering Pump Strut
1 - BOLT - LOWER
2 - STRUT - P/S PUMP
3 - BOLT - UPPER
Fig. 138 Timing Chain Cover and Gasket
1 - GASKET
2 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 155
TIMING CHAIN COVER (Continued)
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(2) Install sprocket using Special Tool 8452 (Fig.
142). Install sprocket until it is fully seats on the
crankshaft.(3) Install the timing chain and camshaft sprocket.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING
BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - INSTALLATION)
INSTALLATION - TIMING CHAIN AND
CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
(1) Rotate crankshaft so the timing arrow is to the
12 o'clock position (Fig. 140).
NOTE: Lubricate timing chain and sprockets with
clean engine oil before installation.
(2) While holding camshaft sprocket and chain in
hand, place timing chain around the sprocket, align-
ing the plated link with the dot on the sprocket. Posi-
tion the timing arrow to the 6 o'clock position (Fig.
140).
(3) Place timing chain around crankshaft sprocket
with the plated link lined up with the dot on the
sprocket. Install camshaft sprocket into position.
(4) Use a straight edge to check alignment of tim-
ing marks.
(5) Install camshaft sprocket bolt and washer.
Tighten bolt to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Rotate crankshaft 2 revolutions and check tim-
ing mark alignment (Fig. 140). If timing marks do
not line up, remove camshaft sprocket and realign.
(7) Install the timing chain cover. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - INSTALLATION)
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 140 Timing Mark Alignment
1 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET TIMING MARK (DOT)
2 - PLATED LINK
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET TIMING MARK (DOT)
4 - ARROWS
Fig. 141 CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET - REMOVAL
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 5048-6
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 5048-1
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8450
4 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
5 - SPECIAL TOOL 8539
Fig. 142 CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET - INSTALLATION
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8452-3
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8452-1
3 - CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
4 - THRUST BEARING / WASHER
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 157
TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS (Continued)
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OPERATION
Heat shields are needed to protect both the vehicle
and the environment from the high temperatures
developed near the catalytic converter.
Avoid application of rust prevention com-
pounds or undercoating materials to exhaust
system floor pan heat shields on cars so
equipped. Light over spray near the edges is
permitted. Application of coating will greatly
reduce the efficiency of the heat shields result-
ing in excessive floor pan temperatures and
objectionable fumes.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(2) Remove fasteners attaching applicable heat
shield (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Remove heat shield(s).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position heat shield(s) to underbody.
(2) Install heat shield fasteners and tighten to 2.6
N´m (23 in. lbs.) (Fig. 7), (Fig. 8), or (Fig. 9).
(3) Lower vehicle.
MUFFLER
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle on a body contact type hoist.
NOTE: To provide removal clearance between muf-
fler/resonator pipe and rear axle parts, the rear sus-
pension must be relieved of all body weight.
(2) Apply a penetrating oil to clamp nuts of com-
ponent requiring removal.
CAUTION: When servicing the exhaust system, care
must be exercised not to dent or bend the bellows
of the flex-joint. Should this occur, the flex-joint will
eventually fail, requiring replacement of the cata-
lytic converter.
(3) Disconnect the right side axle half shaft from
the rear differential module (AWD equipped only).
(4) Loosen the band clamp (Fig. 10) at the muffler
to converter pipe connection.
(5) Remove the exhaust hangers to body screws
(Fig. 10).
(6) Separate muffler pipe from converter pipe.
(7) Remove muffler/resonator assembly by moving
assembly forward and guiding the resonator through
the rear axle to body opening.
(8) Clean ends of pipes or muffler to assure mat-
ing of all parts. Discard broken or worn insulators,
rusted clamps, supports and attaching parts.When
replacement is required on any component of
the exhaust system, it is important that original
equipment parts (or equivalent) be used for the
following conditions:
²Ensure proper alignment with other components
in the system.
²Provide acceptable exhaust noise levels.
²Provide proper exhaust system back pressure for
maintaining emission and performance levels.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the muffler/resonator assembly by guid-
ing resonator between the rear axle and body.
(2) Connect the muffler pipe to the converter pipe
but do not tighten band clamp (Fig. 10).
(3) Position hangers to body and install screws
starting at the resonator working forward (Fig. 10).
Tighten hanger screws to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
Fig. 8 MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD
1 - HEAT SHIELD - MUFFLER
2 - SCREW (QTY. 6)
Fig. 9 RESONATOR PIPE HEAT SHIELD
1 - SCREW (QTY. 3)
2 - HEAT SHIELD - RESONATOR PIPE
3 - MUFFLER
RSEXHAUST SYSTEM11-7
HEAT SHIELDS (Continued)
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FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION
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
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 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE - REMOV-
AL).
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-9
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