Chrysler Town, Dodge Caravan. Manual

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-Coil

t thread insert

which has been specifically developed for this appli-
cation. Refer to the Mopar Parts Catalog for the spec-
ified Heli-Coil

t thread insert to be used for this

application. The procedure for installing the Heli-
Coil

t thread 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-
Coil

t thread 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

• 8.3mm (5/16 in.) Drill Bit

• 120° Countersink

• Heli-Coilt Tap #4863-8

• Heli-Coilt Gage #4624-8

• Heli-Coilt Hand Inserting Tool 7751-8

• Needle Nose Pliers – For Removal Of Thread

Insert Driving Tang

TOOL REQUIREMENT FOR M10x1.5 Thread

• 10.5mm (25/64 in.) Drill Bit

• 120° Countersink

• Heli-Coilt Tap #4863-10

• Heli-Coilt Gage #4624-10

• Heli-Coilt Hand Inserting Tool 7751-10

• Needle 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 Mopar

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).

FRAME & BUMPERS

13 - 9

Chrysler Town, Dodge Caravan. Manual - part 339