service DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

(4) Pistons will have a stamping in the approxi-
mate location shown in (Fig. 108). These stamps will
be either a directional arrow or a weight identifica-
tion for the assembly. L is for light and H is for
heavy. These assemblies should all be the same
weight class. Service piston assemblies are marked
with a S and can be used with either L or H produc-
tion assemblies. The weight designation stamps
should face toward the timing belt side of the engine.
(5) Pistons and connecting rods must be removed
from top of cylinder block. Rotate crankshaft so that
each connecting rod is centered in cylinder bore.
(6) Remove connecting rod cap bolts.Do not use
old bolts if reinstalling connecting rod.
(7) To protect crankshaft journal and fractured rod
surfaces, install Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides onto connecting rod (Fig. 110). Carefully push
each piston and rod assembly out of cylinder bore.
CAUTION: Care must be taken not to damage the
fractured rod and cap joint surfaces, as engine
damage many occur.
(8) Remove Special Tool 8189, connecting rod
guides and re-install bearing cap on the mating rod.
NOTE: Piston and rods are serviced as an assem-
bly.
PISTON RINGÐREMOVAL
(1) The identification mark on face of upper and
intermediate piston rings must point toward piston
crown.
(2) Using a suitable ring expander, remove upper
and intermediate piston rings (Fig. 111).
(3) Remove the upper oil ring side rail, lower oil
ring side rail and then oil ring expander from piston.
(4) Clean ring grooves of any carbon deposits.
PISTON RINGSÐINSTALLATION
(1) Install rings with manufacturers identification
mark facing up, to the top of the piston (Fig. 112).CAUTION: Install piston rings in the following
order:
a. Oil ring expander.
b. Upper oil ring side rail.
c. Lower oil ring side rail.
d. No. 2 Intermediate piston ring.
e. No. 1 Upper piston ring.
f. Install the side rail by placing one end between
the piston ring groove and the expander. Hold end
firmly and press down the portion to be installed
until side rail is in position.Do not use a piston
ring expander (Fig. 113).
(2) Install upper side rail first and then the lower
side rail.
(3) Install No. 2 piston ring and then No. 1 piston
ring (Fig. 112).
(4) Position piston ring end gaps as shown in (Fig.
114).
Fig. 109 Identify Connecting Rod to Cylinder
Fig. 110 Connecting Rod GuidesÐTypical
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 8189 CONNECTING ROD GUIDES
Fig. 111 Piston RingsÐRemoving and Installing
9 - 58 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(10) Install connecting rod lower bearing half and
cap. InstallNewbolts and tighten to 27 N´m (20 ft.
lbs.) plus 1/4 turn.
(11) Install cylinder head and oil pan. Refer to pro-
cedures in this section.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
OIL PUMP
(1) To remove the relief valve, proceed as follows:
(2) Remove the threaded plug and gasket from the
oil pump (Fig. 116).
CAUTION: Oil pump pressure relief valve must be
installed as shown in (Fig. 116) or serious damage
may occur.
(3) Remove spring and relief valve (Fig. 116).
(4) Remove oil pump cover screws, and lift off
cover.
(5) Remove pump rotors.
(6) Wash all parts in a suitable solvent and inspect
carefully for damage or wear (Fig. 117).
VALVE SERVICE WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD
REMOVED
REMOVAL
(1) With cylinder head removed, compress valve
springs using Special Tool C-3422-B with Adaptor
6526.(2) Remove valve retaining locks, valve spring
retainers, valve stem seals and valve springs.
(3) Before removing valves,remove any burrs
from valve stem lock grooves to prevent dam-
age to the valve guides.Identify valves to insure
installation in original location.
VALVE INSPECTION
(1) Clean valves thoroughly and discard burned,
warped and cracked valves.
(2) Measure valve stems for wear. Measure stem
about 60 mm beneath the valve lock grooves.
(3) If valve stems are worn more than 0.05 mm
(0.002 in.), replace valve.
VALVE GUIDES
(1) Remove carbon and varnish deposits from
inside of valve guides with a reliable guide cleaner.
(2) Using a small hole gauge and a micrometer,
measure valve guides in 3 places top, middle and bot-
tom (Fig. 118). Replace guides if they are not within
specification. For specifications, refer to Engine Spec-
ifications in this section.
(3) Check valve guide height (Fig. 119).
TESTING VALVE SPRINGS
(1) Whenever valves have been removed for inspec-
tion, reconditioning or replacement, valve springs
should be tested Special Tool C-647. As an example,
the compression length of the spring to be tested is
33.34 mm (1-5/16 in.). Turn tool table until surface is
in line with the 33.34 mm (1-5/16 in.) mark on the
threaded stud and the zero mark on the front. Place
spring over stud on the table and lift compressing
lever to set tone device (Fig. 120). Pull on torque
Fig. 116 Oil Pressure Relief Valve
1 ± RETAINER CAP
2 ± GASKET
3 ± OIL PUMP BODY
4 ± RELIEF VALVE
5 ± SPRING
Fig. 117 Oil Pump
1 ± OIL PUMP BODY
2 ± OIL PUMP COVER
3 ± OUTER ROTOR
4 ± INNER ROTOR
9 - 60 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

then set valve in place. Rotate the valve with light
pressure. If the blue is transferred to the center of
valve face, contact is satisfactory. If the blue is trans-
ferred to top edge of the valve face, lower valve seat
with a 15 degrees stone. If the blue is transferred to
the bottom edge of valve face raise valve seat with a
65 degrees stone.
(6) Valve seats which are worn or burned can be
reworked, provided that correct angle and seat width
are maintained. The intake valve seat must be ser-
viced when the valve seat width is 2.0 mm (0.079 in.)
or greater. The exhaust valve seat must be serviced
when the valve seat width is 2.5 mm (0.098 in.) or
greater. Otherwise the cylinder head must be
replaced.
(7) When seat is properly positioned the width of
intake and exhaust seats should be 0.75±1.25 mm
(0.030±0.049 in.) (Fig. 122).
(8) Check valve tip to spring seat dimensions A
after grinding the valve seats or faces. Grind valve
tip until within specifications. Measure from valve
tip to spring seat when installed in the head (mea-
surement A) (Fig. 123). For specifications, refer to
Engine Specifications in this section. The valve tip
chamfer may need to be reground to prevent seal
damage when the valve is installed.
CLEANING
Clean all valve guides, valves and valve spring
assemblies thoroughly with suitable cleaning solution
before reassembling.
VALVE INSTALLATION
(1) Coat valve stems with clean engine oil and
insert in cylinder head.
(2) Install new valve stem seals on all valves using
a valve stem seal tool (Fig. 124). The valve stem
seals should be pushed firmly and squarely over
valve guide.CAUTION: If oversize valves are used, there is only
one oversize valve available. The same stem seal is
used on both the standard and oversize valve.
(3) Install valve springs and retainers. Compress
valve springs only enough to install locks, taking
care not to misalign the direction of compression.
Nicked valve stems may result from misalignment of
the valve spring compressor.
CAUTION: When depressing the valve spring
retainers with valve spring compressor the locks
can become dislocated. Check to make sure both
locks are in their correct location after removing
tool.
(4) Check the valve spring installed height after
refacing the valve and seat (measurment B) (Fig.
123). Make sure measurements are taken from top of
spring seat to the bottom surface of spring retainer.
If height is greater than 40.18 mm (1.58 in.), install
Fig. 122 Valve Seat Refacing
Fig. 123 Spring Installed Height and Valve Tip to
Spring Seat Dimensions
1 ± GARTER SPRING
2 ± VALVE SPRING SEAT
3 ± CYLINDER HEAD SURFACE
Fig. 124 Valve Stem Oil Seal Tool
1 ± VALVE SEAL TOOL
2 ± VALVE STEM
9 - 62 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

CYLINDER BORE INSPECTION
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 134). If the cyl-
inder walls are badly scuffed or scored, the cylinder
block should be rebored and honed, and new pistons
and rings fitted. Whatever type of boring equipment
is used, boring and honing operation should be
closely coordinated with the fitting of pistons and
rings in order that specified clearances may be main-
tained.Refer to Honing Cylinder Bores outlined
in the Standard Service Procedures for specifi-
cation and procedures.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 134). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
For specifications, refer to Engine Specifications in
this section.
ADJUSTMENTS
ENGINE TORQUE STRUT ADJUSTMENT
The upper and lower torque struts need to be
adjusted together to assure proper engine positioning
and engine mount loading. Whenever a torque strut
bolt(s) is loosened, this procedure must be performed.
(1) Loosen the upper and lower torque strut
attaching bolt at the suspension crossmember and
shock tower bracket (Fig. 135).
(2) The engine position may now be adjusted by
positioning a suitable floor jack on the forward edge
of the transmission bell housing (Fig. 136).
NOTE: The floor jack must be positioned as shown
in (Fig. 136) to prevent minimal upward lifting of the
engine.(3) Carefully apply upward force, allowing the
upper engine to rotate rearward until the distance
between the center of the rearmost attaching stud on
the engine mount bracket (point ªAº) and the center
of the hole for the washer hose clip on the shock
tower bracket (point ªBº) is 119 mm (4.70 in.) (Fig.
137).
(4) With the engine held at the proper position,
tighten both the upper and lower torque strut bolts
to 118 N´m (87 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 135).
(5) Remove the floor jack.
Fig. 134 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
9 - 66 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
No. 3 41.928±41.947 mm
(1.650±1.651 in.)
No. 4 42.328±42.374 mm
(1.666±1.668 in.)
No. 5 42.728±42.747 mm
(1.682±1.6829 in.)
Bearing ClearanceÐ
Diametrical0.053±0.093 mm
(0.0027±0.003 in.)
Bearing Clearance (Max.
allowable)0.12 mm
(0.0047 in.)
End Play 0.05±0.39 mm
(0.002±0.015 in.)
Lift (Zero Lash)
Intake 7.2 mm
(0.283 in.)
Exhaust 7.03 mm
(0.277 in.)
Exhaust Valve Timing*
Closes (ATDC) 5.4É
Opens (BBDC) 43.7É
Duration 229.1É
Intake Valve Timing*
Closes (ABDC) 41.1É
Opens (ATDC) 13.9É
Duration 207.2É
Valve Overlap 84.8É
*All readings in crankshaft degrees, at 0.5 mm (0.019
in.) of valve lift.
Cylinder Head
Material Cast Aluminum
Gasket Thickness
(Compressed)1.15 mm
(0.045 in.)
Valve Seat
Angle 45É
Seat DiameterÐIntake 33 mm
(1.299 in.)
Seat DiameterÐExhaust 28 mm
(1.102 in.)
Runout (Max.) 0.05 mm
(0.002 in.)
Valve Seat WidthÐIntake
and Exhaust0.9±1.3 mm
(0.035±0.051 in.)DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Service LimitÐIntake 2.0 mm
(0.079 in.)
Service LimitÐExhaust 2.5 mm
(0.098 in.)
Valve Guide
Diameter I. D. 5.975±6.000 mm
(0.235±0.236 in.)
Guide Bore Diameter
(Std.)11.0±11.02 mm
(0.4330±0.4338 in.)
Guide Height (spring seat
to guide tip)13.25±13.75 mm
(0.521±0.541 in.)
Valves
Face Angle Intake and
Exhaust45±45.5É
Head DiameterÐIntake 32.12±33.37 mm
(1.303±1.313 in.)
Head DiameterÐExhaust 28.57±28.83 mm
(1.124±1.135 in.)
Valve Margin
Intake 1.15±1.48 mm
(0.0452±0.0583 in.)
Service Limit 0.95 mm
(1/32 in.)
Exhaust 1.475±1.805 mm
(0.058±0.071 in.)
Service Limit 1.05 mm
(3/64 in.)
Valve Length (Overall)
Intake 114.69±115.19 mm
(4.515±4.535 in.)
Exhaust 116.94±117.44 mm
(4.603±4.623 in.)
Valve Stem Tip Height
Intake 45.01±46.07 mm
(1.77±1.81 in.)
Exhaust 43.51±44.57 mm
(1.71±1.75 in.)
Valve Stem Diameter
Intake 5.934±5.952 mm
(0.2337±0.2344 in.)
9 - 70 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Exhaust 5.906±5.924 mm
(0.2326±0.2333 in.)
Valve Stem to Guide Clearance
Intake 0.048±0.066 mm
(0.0018±0.0025 in.)
Max. Allowable 0.076 mm
(0.003 in.)
Service Limit 0.25 mm
(0.010 in.)
Exhaust 0.0736±0.094 mm
(0.0029±0.0037 in.)
Max. Allowable 0.101 mm
(0.004 in.)
Service Limit 0.25 mm
(0.010 in.)
Valve Springs
Free Length (Approx.) 46.75 mm
(1.84 in.)
Nominal Force (Valve
Closed)331 N @ 39.8 mm
(70 lbs. @ 1.57 in.)
Nominal Force (Valve
Open)711 N @ 32.6 mm
(160 lbs. @ 1.28 in.)
Installed Height 40.18 mm
(1.580 in.)
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Camshaft Sensor
Pick-upÐBolts9.6 Ð 85
Camshaft SprocketÐBolt 115 85 Ð
Connecting Rod
CapÐBolts27 +
1¤4
turn20 +
1¤4
turnÐ
Structural CollarÐBolts Refer to Procedure
Crankshaft Main Bearing
Cap/Bedplate
ÐM8 Bolts 34 25 Ð
ÐM11 Bolts 81 60 Ð
Crankshaft Damper 136 100 Ð
Cylinder HeadÐBolts Refer to Procedure
Cylinder Head CoverÐ
Bolts12 Ð 105
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Drive Plate to Crankshaft 95 70 Ð
Engine Mount Bracket
RightÐBolts61 45 Ð
Engine Mounting Refer to Procedure
Exhaust Manifold to
Cylinder HeadÐBolts23 Ð 200
Exhaust Manifold Support
Bracket (Federal and
LEV)
ÐM8 Nut 28 Ð 250
ÐM10 Bolt 54 40 Ð
ÐM12 Bolt 95 70 Ð
Exhaust Manifold Support
Bracket (ULEV)54 40 Ð
Engine Torque Strut
Bracket to EngineÐBolts61 45 Ð
Powertrain Bending
StrutÐFront
ÐLong Bolts 101 75 Ð
ÐShort Bolts 61 45 Ð
Intake ManifoldÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Filter Adaptor 80 60 Ð
Oil Filter 20 15 Ð
Oil PanÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Pan DrainÐPlug 27 20 Ð
Oil Pump to Block 28 Ð 250
Oil Pump Cover
PlateÐBolts12 Ð 105
Oil Pump Pick-up
TubeÐBolt28 Ð 250
Oil Pump Relief
ValveÐCap41 30 Ð
PCV Valve 5.6 Ð 50
Rocker Arm ShaftÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Spark Plugs 28 Ð 250
Timing Belt CoverÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Timing Belt Tensioner
AssemblyÐBolts28 Ð 250
Water PumpÐBolts 12 Ð 105
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 71
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
EXHAUST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE
EXHAUST NOISE
(UNDER HOOD)1. Exhaust manifold cracked or broken. 1. Replace manifold.
2. Manifold to cylinder head leak. 2. Tighten manifold and/or replace gasket.
3. Exhaust Flex joint to manifold leak. 3. Tighten fasteners or replace gasket.
4. Exhaust flex joint. 4. Replace catalytic converter assembly.
5. Pipe and shell noise from front exhaust
pipe.5. Characteristic of single wall pipes.
EXCESSIVE
EXHAUST NOISE1. Leaks at pipe joints. 1. Tighten or replace clamps at leaking
joints.
2. Burned, blown, or rusted out exhaust
pipe or muffler.2. Replace muffler or exhaust pipes.
3. Restriction in muffler or tailpipe. 3. Remove restriction, if possible or replace
as necessary.
4. Catalytic converter material in muffler. 4. Replace muffler and converter assembly.
Check fuel injection and ignition systems for
proper operation.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
EXHAUST PIPE AND MUFFLER
REMOVAL
WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER WORK AROUND OR ATTEMPT
TO SERVICE ANY PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
UNTIL IT IS COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE
TAKEN WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC
CONVERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CON-
VERTER RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT
PERIOD OF ENGINE OPERATING TIME.
(1) Raise vehicle on hoist and apply penetrating oil
to band clamp fastener of component being removed.
NOTE: Do not use petroleum-based lubricants
when removing/installing muffler or exhaust pipe
isolators as it may compromise the life of the part.
A suitable substitute is a mixture of liquid dish
soap and water.
(2) Remove exhaust system ground strap.
(3) Loosen band clamp and remove support isola-
tors at muffler. Remove muffler from exhaust pipe
(Fig. 7).(4) Loosen band clamp at the catalytic converter to
intermediate pipe joint (Fig. 7)
(5) Remove intermediate pipe support isolator.
Separate at slip joint and remove intermediate pipe
(Fig. 7).
(6) Clean ends of pipes and muffler to assure mat-
ing of all parts. Discard broken or worn isolators,
rusted or overused clamps, supports, and attaching
parts.
NOTE: When replacement is required on any com-
ponent of the exhaust system, you must use origi-
nal equipment parts (or their equivalent).
INSTALLATION
When assembling exhaust systemdo nottighten
clamps until components are aligned and clearances
are checked.
(1) Assemble intermediate pipe to catalytic con-
verter and the isolator support to the underbody (Fig.
7).
(2) Install the muffler to intermediate pipe and the
isolator supports to the underbody.
(3) Working from the front of system; align each
component to maintain position and proper clearance
with underbody parts (Fig. 9). Tighten band clamps
to 47 N´m (35 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 8).
11 - 4 EXHAUST SYSTEMPL

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
REMOVAL
WARNING: THE NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERA-
TURE OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS VERY HIGH.
THEREFORE, NEVER ATTEMPT TO SERVICE ANY
PART OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM UNTIL IT IS
COOLED. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN
WHEN WORKING NEAR THE CATALYTIC CON-
VERTER. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CONVERTER
RISES TO A HIGH LEVEL AFTER A SHORT PERIOD
OF ENGINE OPERATION TIME.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with the ULEV emission
package are equipped with an additional catalytic
converter that is integral to the exhaust manifold.
Refer to Exhaust Manifold in Group 9, Engine for
procedure.
(1) Remove muffler and exhaust pipe. Refer to pro-
cedure in this section.
(2) Disconnect downstream oxygen sensor electri-
cal connector.
(3) Remove exhaust manifold support bracket
(Federal and LEV only) (Fig. 10).
(4) Remove catalytic converter to exhaust manifold
attaching fasteners and remove converter from vehi-
cle (Fig. 11) or (Fig. 12).
(5) Remove and discard flange gasket.
NOTE: When replacement is required on any com-
ponent of the exhaust system, original equipment
parts (or equivalent) must be used.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: When assembling exhaust system do not
tighten clamps until all components are aligned and
clearances are checked.(1) Assemble catalytic converter to exhaust mani-
fold connection. Use a new flange gasket.
1 ± HEAT SHIELD
2 ± FLOOR PAN
3 ± BAND CLAMP
4 ± FLOOR PAN
5 ± TANK STRAP
6 ± FUEL TANK
7 ± SPARE TIRE TUB
8 ± REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
9 ± FLOOR PAN
10 ± SPARE TIRE TUB
11 ± MUFFLER12 ± BUMPER BEAM
13 ± HEAT SHIELD
14 ± OXYGEN SENSOR CLEARANCE (LEV)
15 ± FLOOR PAN
16 ± FEDERAL & LEV
17 ± OXYGEN SENSOR CLEARANCE (FEDERAL)
18 ± HEAT SHIELD
19 ± FLOOR PAN
20 ± CROSSMEMBER
21 ± TAIL PIPE
22 ± FASCIA
Fig. 10 Exhaust Manifold Support BracketÐFederal
& LEV
1 ± BRACKET
2 ± BOLT (M10)
3 ± BOLT (M12)
4 ± NUT
Fig. 11 Catalytic Converter to Exhaust Manifold
ConnectionÐFederal & LEV
1 ± PRESSED-IN STUDS
2 ± NUTS
3 ± GASKET
PLEXHAUST SYSTEM 11 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

FRAMES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION......................5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER........5SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME DIMENSIONS......................9
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS................13
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.................15
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FRONT SUSPENSION
The front suspension crossmember must be prop-
erly installed to achieve design camber, caster set-
tings and wheel stagger. The crossmember can be
installed out of position on the frame rails due to its
design. Bolts and cage nuts hold the rear of the
crossmember to the frame torque boxes. Bolts and
J-nuts hold the front of the crossmember to the
frame rails. No designed in locating device is used to
position the crossmember in the vehicle. Before
removing the crossmember mark the frame torque
box around the rear mounting location to aid instal-
lation. A crossmember that is removed during service
must be installed in the same position from which it
was removed. To verify that crossmember is in the
proper position, refer to the dimensions provided.
Front end dimensions are gauged from the principal
locating point (PLP) holes located under the frame
torque boxes rearward of the front wheels. After
removal and installation of the crossmember is per-
formed, verify that front suspension alignment is
within specifications. If camber, caster settings and
wheel stagger is not within specifications, loosen and
reposition crossmember to bring suspension within
specifications. Refer to Group 2, Front Suspension for
additional information.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
CAUTION: If the front suspension crossmember is
being replaced due to collision damage, inspect the
steering column lower coupling for damage. Refer
to STEERING COLUMN in the STEERING service
manual group for the procedure.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group in this
service manual for the correct lifting procedure.
(2) Remove both front tire and wheel assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove both stabilizer bar links from the vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Remove each link by holding the upper
retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
(4) Remove the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts and retainers (Fig. 1), and remove the stabilizer
bar with cushions attached from the vehicle.
(5) Remove the nut and pinch bolt clamping each
ball joint stud to the steering knuckle (Fig. 2).
Fig. 1 Stabilizer Bar
1 ± STABILIZER BAR CUSHION RETAINERS
2 ± CUSHIONS
3 ± FRONT STABILIZER BAR
4 ± STABILIZER BAR LINKS
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 5

(3) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-
mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
(4) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 6). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember mounting bolts to
a torque of 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the
front two crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the lower control arm front pivot bolts
to a torque of 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Attach the steering gear to the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 4). Install the four power
steering gear mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting
bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(7) Remove the wire or cord suspending the power
steering gear to the underbody.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, install the two screws securing the cooler
to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler.
(9)
Install each ball joint stud into the steering
knuckle aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with
the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
(10) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and
nut (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(11) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right
forward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 5). Follow the procedure
described in the ENGINE service manual group to
properly align and tighten the torque strut and it's
mounting bolts.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 7).(12)
First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each cush-
ion must point toward the front of the vehicle and sit
directly on top of the raised beads formed into the
stamping on the crossmember. Next, install the cush-
ion retainers, matching the raised beads formed into
the cushion retainers to the grooves formed into the
cushions. Install the cushion retainer bolts, but do not
completely tighten them at this time.
(13) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing. Do not fully tighten
the link assemblies at this time.
(14) Install the tire and wheel assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(16) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(17) Tighten the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts to a torque of 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.).
(18) Check the front wheel alignment on the vehi-
cle. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPEN-
SION service manual group.
Fig. 7 Downward Curve
1 ± STABILIZER BAR
2 ± LINK
3 ± DOWNWARD CURVE
4 ± CUSHION RETAINER
13 - 8 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)