Frame Replacement: Removal

Install the engine support fixture. See ENGINE SUPPORT FIXTURE .
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the front tires and wheels.
Disconnect the fog lamp connectors and position the connectors aside.
Remove the radiator lower air deflector.
Remove the positive battery cable and the retainers from the frame and position aside.
Disconnect the power steering cooler pipe from the frame.
Secure the power steering cooler.
Remove the stabilizer shaft links and rotate the stabilizer shaft upward to gain access to the mounting bolts in the power steering gear.
Remove the mounting bolts from the power steering gear.
Secure the power steering gear.
Remove the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame. See ENGINE MOUNT STRUT .
Remove the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame.
Disconnect both front wheel speed sensor connectors (1), if equipped. See Fig 1 .
Remove both retainers (2) at the front wheel speed harness from the frame and from the lower control arms, if equipped. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Disconnecting/Connecting Front Wheel Speed Sensor Connectors
Courtesy of GM
Separate both of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle. See appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION.
Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts universal engine support table.
Remove and discard the bolts which secure the front frame to the body. See Fig 2 .

Fig 2: Removing/Installing Front Frame-To-Body Bolts
Courtesy of GM
Remove and discard the bolts which secure the rear frame to the body. See Fig 3 .

Fig 3: Removing/Installing Rear Frame-To-Body Bolts
Courtesy of GM
Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the body.
If you are replacing the frame, remove the following components:
- Both of the lower control arms.
- The stabilizer shaft.
- The spacers, the upper insulator, the lower insulator, and the retainers.