GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Regal 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Frame Removal

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the air cleaner and the duct in order to gain access, as needed. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (3100) or Air Cleaner Element Replacement (3800) in Engine Controls.

    2. Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Install the Engine Support Fixture Refer to Engine Support Fixture (3100) or Engine Support Fixture (3800) in Engine Mechanical.
  4. Tighten the wing nuts in order to remove the slack from the hooks.
  5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  6. Position the jackstand under the engine for support.
  7. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the steering gear stub shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
  9. Remove the power steering cooler line pipe brackets as needed for access. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement with (3100) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement with (3800), in Power Steering System.
  10. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System in order to remove the following components:
    11. • The steering gear mounting bolts
    • The support steering gear
  11. Remove both of the lower ball joints from the lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  12. Remove the engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement with (3100) or Engine Mount Replacement with (3800), in Engine Mechanical.
  13. Remove the transaxle mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement or in Automatic Transaxle - 4T60-E or Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.

    14. Object Number: 319188 Size: SH
  14. Have an assistant hold the frame while you remove the body mount bolts.
  15. Remove the frame leaving the following components attached:
    16. • Both of the lower control arms
    • The stabilizer shaft
  16. Work the frame downward toward the rear of the vehicle.
  17. If you are replacing the frame, remove the following components. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    18. • Both of the lower control arms
    • The stabilizer shaft

    Object Number: 319192 Size: SH
  18. If you are replacing the frame, remove the following components:
    19. • The spacers
    • The upper insulator
    • The lower insulator
    • The retainers

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 319192 Size: SH

    Notice: The cab must be properly supported and the weight of the cab evenly distributed during cab mount replacement. Failure to provide proper support could result in damage to the vehicle.

    Important: Ensure that the insulators are completely seated against the frame.

  1. If previously removed, install the following components:
    2. • The lower insulator
    • The upper insulator
    • The spacers
    • The new retainers
  2. Install the following components. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension:
    3. • Both of the lower control arms
    • The stabilizer shaft

    Object Number: 319188 Size: SH
  3. With the aid of an assistant, perform the following steps:
    4. 3.1. Position the frame.
    3.2. Install the new body mount bolts. Do not tighten the bolts.
  4. Align the frame to the body by inserting two 19 mm (0.74 in) diameter by 203 mm (8.0 in) long pins in the alignment holes on the right side of the frame.

    5. 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.

  5. Install the frame bolts.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the frame bolts to 180 N·m (133 lb ft).

  6. Install the engine mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement with(3100) or Engine Mount Replacement with (3800), in Engine Mechanical.
  7. Install the transaxle mounts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T60-E or Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic Tranaxle - 4T65-E.
  8. Install the lower ball joints. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  9. Install the steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  10. Install the power steering cooler line pipe brackets, If previously removed. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement with (3100) or Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement with (3800), in Power Steering System.
  11. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear stub shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  12. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Remove the jackstand.
  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (3100) or Engine Support Fixture (3800) in Engine Mechanical.
  16. Connect the negative battery cable.
  17. Install the following components. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (3100) or Air Cleaner Element Replacement (3800) in Engine Controls:
    18. • The air cleaner
    • The duct
  18. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust if needed. Refer to Front Camber Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.