Home ReviewsRefund
Home/GMC/Sierra 3500 HD/GMC Sierra 3500 HD (2007-2012)/Repair manual/Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers/Frame and Underbody: Removal & Installation
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers All sections

Frame and Underbody: Removal & Installation GMC Sierra 3500 HD

Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers 15 illustrations ~1015 words

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-317166-S17709202752009060900000) .
  2. Remove the mounting bolts for the oil pan skid plate.
  3. Remove the oil pan skid plate.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-317166-S17709202752009060900000) .
  5. Remove the mounting bolts for the oil pan skid plate.
  6. Remove the oil pan skid plate.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the oil skid plate on the frame.
  2. Install the oil skid plate mounting bolts and tighten to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Engine Shield Replacement
Scheme 3: Engine Shield Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
1Engine Shield Bolts (Qty: 4) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 20 N.m (15 lb ft)
2Engine Shield
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Crossmember Replacement (1500, 2500 LD)
Scheme 4: Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Crossmember Replacement (1500, 2500 LD)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the oil pan skid plate. Refer to Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement (2500/2500 with RPO NZZ) .
1Engine Front Crossmember Nut (Qty: 4) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 105 N.m (77 lb ft)
2Engine Front Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 4) Procedure Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
3Lower Control Arm Crossmember
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Crossmember Replacement (2WD 2500HD, 3500)
Scheme 5: Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Crossmember Replacement (2WD 2500HD, 3500)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the oil pan skid plate. Refer to Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement (2500/2500 with RPO NZZ) .
1Engine Front Crossmember Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 70 N.m (52 lb ft) plus 110 degrees
2Engine Front Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 2) Procedure Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
3Engine Front Crossmember Nut (Qty: 2) Tighten: 70 N.m (52 lb ft) plus 110 degrees
4Engine Front Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 2) Procedure Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
5Lower Control Arm Crossmember
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Crossmember Replacement (4WD 2500 HD, 3500)
Scheme 6: Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Crossmember Replacement (4WD 2500 HD, 3500)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the oil pan skid plate. Refer to Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement (2500/2500 with RPO NZZ) .
1Engine Front Crossmember Nut (Qty: 4) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 70 N.m (52 lb ft) Plus 110 Degrees
2Engine Front Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 4) Procedure Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
3Lower Control Arm Crossmember
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (2WD 1500/2500)
Scheme 7: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (2WD 1500/2500)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
1Transmission Mount to Crossmember Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 40 N.m (30 lb ft)
2Transmission Crossmember Nut (Qty: 4) Tighten: 97 N.m (70 lb ft)
3Transmission Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 4) Tip: Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
4Transmission Crossmember
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (4WD 1500/2500)
Scheme 8: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (4WD 1500/2500)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
1Transmission Mount to Crossmember Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 40 N.m (30 lb ft)
2Transmission Crossmember Nut (Qty: 4) Tighten: 97 N.m (70 lb ft)
3Transmission Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 4) Tip: Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
4Transmission Crossmember
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (2WD 2500 HD/3500)
Scheme 9: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (2WD 2500 HD/3500)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
1Transmission Mount to Crossmember Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 40 N.m (30 lb ft)
2Transmission Crossmember Nut (Qty: 4) Tighten: 97 N.m (70 lb ft)
3Transmission Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 4) Tip: Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
4Transmission Crossmember
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (4WD 2500 HD/3500)
Scheme 10: Transmission Support Crossmember Replacement (4WD 2500 HD/3500)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
1Transmission Mount to Crossmember Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 40 N.m (30 lb ft)
2Transmission Crossmember Nut (Qty: 4) Tighten: 97 N.m (70 lb ft)
3Transmission Crossmember Bolt (Qty: 4) Tip: Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
4Transmission Crossmember
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .
  1. Remove the master cylinder. Perform the following steps: Remove the nuts retaining the master cylinder to the brake booster. Remove the master cylinder from the brake booster. Secure the cylinder away from the booster.
  2. Raise the vehicle on the hoist. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-317166-S17709202752009060900000) .
  3. Remove the park brake equalizer intermediate cable. Perform the following steps: Remove the nut from the park brake equalizer intermediate cable. Remove the intermediate cable from the equalizer. Depress the retaining tabs that secure the park brake cable to the frame. Pull slightly on the cable from the mounting area in order to provide slack for body movement without binding the cable.
  4. Remove the body mount bolts.
  5. Properly support the body in the area that the mounts will be replaced.
  6. Lower the chassis accordingly in order to remove the cushions (1) as necessary.
  1. Install the cushions (1) as necessary and raise the chassis accordingly.
  2. Perform the following procedure before installing the bolts. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
  3. Install the body mount bolts and tighten to 60 N.m (44 lb ft) plus 170 degrees.
  4. Install the park brake equalizer intermediate cable. Perform the following steps: Pull rearward on the park brake cable to the original position. Secure the cable retaining tabs to the frame. Install the intermediate cable end to the equalizer. Install the nut to the threaded end of the intermediate cable. Tighten the nut to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Install the master cylinder. Perform the following steps: Mount the master cylinder to the brake booster. Install the master cylinder mounting nuts and tighten to 36 N.m (27 lb ft).
  1. Remove the master cylinder. Perform the following steps: Remove the nuts retaining the master cylinder to the brake booster. Remove the master cylinder from the brake booster. Secure the cylinder away from the booster.
  2. Raise the vehicle on the hoist. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-317166-S17709202752009060900000) .
  3. Remove the park brake equalizer intermediate cable. Perform the following steps: Remove the nut from the park brake equalizer intermediate cable. Remove the intermediate cable from the equalizer. Depress the retaining tabs that secure the park brake cable to the frame. Pull slightly on the cable from the mounting area in order to provide slack for body movement without binding the cable.
  4. Remove the body mount bolts.
  5. Properly support the body in the area that the mounts will be replaced.
  6. Lower the chassis accordingly in order to remove the cushions (1) as necessary.
  1. Install the cushions (1) as necessary and raise the chassis accordingly.
  2. Perform the following procedure before installing the bolts. Remove all traces of the original adhesive patch. Clean the threads of the bolt with denatured alcohol or equivalent and allow to dry. Apply Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488).
  3. Install the body mount bolts and tighten to 60 N.m (44 lb ft) plus 170 degrees.
  4. Install the park brake equalizer intermediate cable. Perform the following steps: Pull rearward on the park brake cable to the original position. Secure the cable retaining tabs to the frame. Install the intermediate cable end to the equalizer. Install the nut to the threaded end of the intermediate cable. Tighten the nut to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Install the master cylinder. Perform the following steps: Mount the master cylinder to the brake booster. Install the master cylinder mounting nuts and tighten to 36 N.m (27 lb ft).

Scheme 11

Scheme 11: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side (Chevrolet)
Scheme 11: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side (Chevrolet)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Right Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw (Qty: 5) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 2.5 N.m (22 lb in)
2Right Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Plastic Retainer (Qty: 8)
3Right Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Tip: Disconnect any electrical harnesses/connectors and attached parts from the right side front wheelhouse liner as needed. Use the reverse procedure to install to help with the proper alignment of the right side front wheelhouse liner.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 12

Scheme 12: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side (GMC)
Scheme 12: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side (GMC)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Right Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw (Qty: 5) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 2.5 N.m (22 lb in)
2Right Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Plastic Retainer (Qty: 9)
3Right Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Tip: Disconnect any electrical harnesses/connectors and attached parts from the right side front wheelhouse liner as needed. Use the reverse procedure to install to help with the proper alignment of the right side front wheelhouse liner.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 13

Scheme 13: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (Chevrolet)
Scheme 13: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (Chevrolet)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Left Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw (Qty: 4) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 2.5 N.m (22 lb in)
2Left Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Plastic Retainer (Qty: 6)
3Left Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Bolt Tighten: 10 N.m (89 lb in)
4Left Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Tip: Disconnect any electrical harnesses/connectors and attached parts from the left side front wheelhouse liner as needed. Use the reverse procedure to install to help with the proper alignment of the left side front wheelhouse liner.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (GMC)
Scheme 14: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (GMC)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the tire/wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Left Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw (Qty: 5) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 2.5 N.m (22 lb in)
2Left Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Plastic Retainer (Qty: 8)
3Left Side Front Wheelhouse Liner Tip: Disconnect any electrical harnesses/connectors and attached parts from the left side front wheelhouse liner as needed. Use the reverse procedure to install to help with the proper alignment of the left side front wheelhouse liner.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side
Scheme 15: Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Left Side
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the left front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (Chevrolet) or Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Left Side (GMC) .
1Lower Left Engine Splash Shield Bolts (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 12 N.m (106 lb in)
2Lower Left Engine Splash Shield
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 16

Scheme 16: Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side
Scheme 16: Engine Splash Shield Replacement - Right Side
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the right front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side (Chevrolet) or Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Right Side (GMC) .
1Lower Right Engine Splash Shield Plastic Retainers (Qty: 2)
2Lower Right Engine Splash Shield

Scheme 17

Scheme 17: Assist Step Replacement
Scheme 17: Assist Step Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
1Assist Step Assembly
2Assist Step Bolt (Qty: 4) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tip: Secure the forward and rearward bolts first after the assist step has been installed. Tighten: 18 N.m (13 lb ft)
3Assist Step Bracket Nut (Qty: 2) Tighten: 18 N.m (13 lb ft)
4Rocker Panel Bolt (Qty: 2) Tighten: 18 N.m (13 lb ft)
5Front Fender Extension Screw (Qty: 2) Tip: Do not exceed the recommended torque specification as noted. Tighten: 6 N.m (53 lb in)
6Front Fender Extension
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .
  1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness connector (3) from the trailer wiring recepticle (4).
  2. Remove the retainers (1) securing the trailer wiring harness (2) to the hitch platform.
  3. Remove the hitch platform bolts (5) from the bumper weld nuts (4).
  4. Remove the nuts (7) and bolts (1) securing the hitch platform to the frame rails.
  5. Remove the hitch platform bolts (6) from the frame weld nuts (2).
  6. Remove the hitch platform from the vehicle.
  1. Position the hitch platform to the vehicle.
  2. Install the hitch platform bolts (6) to the frame weld nuts (2). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
  3. Install the bolts (1) and nuts (7) securing the hitch platform to the frame rails. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 113 N.m (83 lb ft).
  4. Install the hitch platform bolts (5) to the bumper weld nuts (4). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
  5. Install the retainers (1) securing the trailer wiring harness (2) to the hitch platform.
  6. Connect the trailer wiring harness connector (3) to the trailer wiring recepticle (4).
  1. Remove the hitch platform bolts (5) from the bumper weld nuts (4).
  2. Remove the nuts (7) and bolts (1) securing the hitch platform to the frame rails.
  3. Remove the hitch platform bolts (6) from the frame weld nuts (2).
  4. Remove the hitch platform from the vehicle.
  1. Position the hitch platform to the vehicle.
  2. Install the hitch platform bolts (6) to the frame weld nuts (2). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
  3. Install the bolts (1) and nuts (7) securing the hitch platform to the frame rails. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 113 N.m (83 lb ft).
  4. Install the hitch platform bolts (5) to the bumper weld nuts (4). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).

More articles — Frame and Underbody