My son drove the Cat up on to a guard rail. Damaged the radiator, radiator shroad assemebly, front right rim and tire, motor oil cooler, the K frame is bent, and the oil pan.
I need help replacing the k frame aka front crossmember. Looks like a hard job. Are there any write ups on the proper procedures for removing the just the k frame and leaving the engine in place? If not, are there procedures to drop k frame with the engine on it?

 

Have a look around at some of the motor mount/subframe bushing threads as it involves the same procedure. For the size of the job, it is actually quite easy because it drops out from 4 mounting points.

 

As Plums says, not that difficult but it is heavy. Both the vehicle and the engine must be supported safely.

A pic may help show where and what the attachment points are:

1. Vee mounts (circled in red)
2. Rear Mounts (circled in blue)
3. Engine Mounts (circled in yellow)



The main issue is how to support the weight of the vehicle under the front jacking points and the weight of the engine from above. Needs sufficient height to be able to lower the crossbeam and pull it clear beneath the radiator.

Graham

 

For the engine support the most convenient tool can be found at the tool rental store. It is a engine support meant to support engines while doing transmission work on FWD vehicles. Looks remarkablly similar to the official Jaguar special tool.

 

Will someone please tell me if the 1998 XJ8 vs XJR has the same part number for the Kframe - I show MNC2241AD in ebay.

 

Hi
I looked up the Engine Cradle part# MNC2241AK on Gaudin Jaguar.com and on the JEPC (Jaguar Electronic Parts Catalog) - they both seem to confirm that the XJ8 and XJR use part# MNC2241AK- Engine Cradle.

Look at this JPEG file that shows the pricing and the part illustration:



Ebay has 2 of these listed currently.

Jim Lombardi

 

Check the bottom welded seam front and rear on any prospective used part purchase (arrowed in red):



The Cross Beam can rot through on the seam itself and the bottom of the vertical section.

Minor surface rust in not an issue.

Graham

 

Hi
Here is an Extract from JTIS manual for Front Crossbeam Removal & Install that I uploaded to my mediafire account:

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?7andc24ddlfs28o

Jim Lombardi