Is changing the cradle my best option?

Tiny
JOSHAQUARIOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
  • 90,000 MILES
Van came from upstate NY lot of rust. I was recently changing the control arms CV shafts tie rods and struts. I had to lower the sub-cradle and no problems until I removed the subframe bolts and bushings. One snapped off and broke whatever nut it screws up into in the subframe or wherever it goes and the other took out the thread with it, so it won’t thread back in. I had already anticipated it and got new bolts and bushings, but they are useless as it stands. The cradle is being held up by a chain right now so the rear doesn’t sag and put pressure on the rack and pinion linkage. I have access to a less rusty donor van. Is swapping out the cradle the best option? Only option besides a weld? What does the swap entail?
Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 AT 10:21 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,582 POSTS
It looks like they do have a carriage nut that you can replace to fix the broken and stripped out threads. I would spray wd40 over the remaining bolts and nuts before you begin and allow it to soak in for a few hours. Here are the instructions on how to change the engine cradle out. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Thursday, April 6th, 2023 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
JOSHAQUARIOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Is there any way to access that caged nut? (I understand it’s caged, lol) I mean what’s the best way? Cutting a hole? The caged but definitely broke free on the passenger rear one and the driver’s side the nut lost its thread. And thank you so much for the info so far, it definitely feels like privileged info and is harder to find than most people would think, barring access to a shop’s manuals.
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Thursday, April 6th, 2023 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
JOSHAQUARIOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I will get you pics of everything when I get under the van again and I will send you pics of the repair too.
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Thursday, April 6th, 2023 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,582 POSTS
Can you upload images of the problem so I can help you with the repair?
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Saturday, April 8th, 2023 AT 1:10 PM

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