GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 39580 Universal Engine Support Table

Removal Procedure

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  2. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.4L or to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
  3. Install the engine support Fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L or to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Remove the steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering.

  7. Object Number: 378919  Size: SH
  8. Use a strap in order to secure the power steering gear.
  9. Remove the engine mount to frame nuts. Refer to Engine Mount and Bracket Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L or to Engine Mount and Bracket Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
  10. Remove the transaxle mount to frame nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic transaxle - 4T65-E.
  11. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement in Power Steering.
  12. Use utility wire to secure the power steering cooler.

  13. Object Number: 460829  Size: SH
  14. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors (1).
  15. Remove the front wheel speed harness retainers from the frame and the lower control arms (2).
  16. Separate both of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.

  17. Object Number: 333118  Size: SH
  18. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580 .
  19. Remove and DISCARD all frame-to-body bolts.
  20. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the body.

  21. Object Number: 540082  Size: SH
  22. If you are replacing the frame, remove the following components:
  23. • The spacers, the upper insulators, the lower insulators, and the retainers. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement and to Rear Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement .
    • Both of the lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • The stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 540082  Size: SH
  1. If previously removed, install the following components:
  2. Important: Ensure that the insulators are completely seated against the frame.

    • The spacers, the upper insulators, the lower insulators, and the retainers. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement and to Rear Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement .
    • Both of the lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    • The stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

    Object Number: 333118  Size: SH
  3. Position the engine support table with the frame under the vehicle.
  4. Lower the vehicle to the frame.
  5. Align the frame to the body by inserting two 19 X 203 mm (0.74 X 8.0 in) pins in the alignment holes on the right side of the frame.
  6. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  7. Install the NEW frame-to-body bolts.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 180 N·m (133 lb ft).

  9. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount and Bracket Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L or to Engine Mount and Bracket Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
  10. Install the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic transaxle - 4T65-E.
  11. Connect the lower ball joints to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  12. Install the steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering.
  13. install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement in Power Steering Gear and Pump.

  14. Object Number: 460829  Size: SH
  15. Connect the front wheel speed sensor connectors (1).
  16. Install the front wheel speed harness retainers from the frame and the lower control arms (2).
  17. Remove the universal support table.
  18. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L or to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
  21. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
  22. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.4L or to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
  23. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust if needed. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.