Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Removal Procedure
- Remove the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement (LT5)Generator Replacement (LT1, LT4) .
- Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (LT1)Engine Support Fixture (LT4)Engine Support Fixture (LT5) .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod end stud nuts (1). Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
- Disconnect the intermediate shaft lower coupling from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
Disconnect the connectors (1) from the steering gear motor (2).
- Disconnect the connector (3) to the brake pressure modulator valve (4) and the inline connector (5).
- Remove the fasteners (7) from the electronic brake control module (EBCM)/brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) bracket (6).
- Support and reposition the EBCM/BPMV and bracket (6) away from the crossmember.
- If equipped with J55, remove the front brake caliper cooling deflectors. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Cooling Duct Deflector Replacement .
If replacing the cradle, use the J 33432-A transverse spring compressor and remove the front spring from the vehicle. Refer to Front Spring Replacement .
NOTE:Use the spring compressor to control spring preload for disconnecting both lower ball joints and shock absorbers.
- Disconnect both lower control arm ball joint studs at the knuckle on the opposite side, if removing the cradle to service other components. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
- Remove the lower shock attachment bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
- If removing the cradle to service other components, release the front spring tensioner using the J - 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor
- Remove the hood support struts from the sway bar brackets. Refer to Hood Strut Replacement .
Remove the sway bar bracket to frame fasteners (1).
Remove the left lower engine mounting nuts (1).
Remove the right lower engine mounting nuts (1).
- Remove both underbody side rail cross braces. Refer to Underbody Side Rail Cross Brace Replacement (Rear) Underbody Side Rail Cross Brace Replacement (Front) .
Remove the left front brake hose mounting bracket fastener (2) and set aside the left front brake hose (1).
- Remove the right front brake hose mounting bracket fastener (3) and set aside the right front brake hose (4).
Remove the engine harness retainers (1) from the front cradle assembly (2).
Remove the engine oil cooler coolant outlet hose clamps (1) and remove the engine oil cooler coolant outlet hose (2).
Remove the brake pipe retainers (1) from the front cradle (2).
- Support the front cradle (2) with a suitable jack.
Remove the front cradle mounting fasteners (1) and lower the front cradle (2) from the engine compartment.
NOTE:As the cradle is lowered, reposition the BPMV and steering gear harness and note the routing of the harness.
- If replacing the cradle, move the cradle assembly to a suitable work platform and transfer the following:
- Sway bar brackets and sway bar.
- Lower control arms.
- Front suspension spring.
Vehicle alignment is not required if 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 cradle and transferring components.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.