2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

Front subframe replaceable?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-20-06, 09:54 PM
  #1  
XBL** Ownicus

Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
uRizen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: St. Paul, Minnnesota
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Front subframe replaceable?

I was under my car today and noticed that the front subframe is getting a bit rusty around the passenger side engine mount. I took the wire brush to it and there were no holes but the metal was pretty pitted. I undercoated it so it shouldn't rust any more but it looks like the front subframe is removable.

Has anyone replaced theirs? It lookes like it can be done with the motor in. I'd just need to put a hoist on it, remove the engine mounts and lower control arms + sway bard and power steering rack and it it looks like four bolts holding it to the frame.
Old 04-20-06, 10:02 PM
  #2  
Full Member

 
Lucky13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
of course you can replace it if you wanted to. If you already rust painted it though i dont think you should waste your time. Im assuming its not bent or damaged. The engine would need to be supported as you already know.
Old 04-20-06, 10:49 PM
  #3  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
tinvestor's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: bartlett IL
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
here is mine removed sand blasted and coated with blue bedliner. some other detailing and polishing of aluminum control arms.
Attached Thumbnails Front subframe replaceable?-dcp_0597_web_web.jpg  

Last edited by tinvestor; 04-20-06 at 10:51 PM.
Old 04-20-06, 10:53 PM
  #4  
Senior Member

iTrader: (4)
 
Rotary_Knight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: California
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Yep I'm on my third one....damn racing! ^Tinvestor that's some clean work you got there.
Old 04-20-06, 11:32 PM
  #5  
XBL** Ownicus

Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
 
uRizen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: St. Paul, Minnnesota
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by a_drift
Yep I'm on my third one....damn racing! ^Tinvestor that's some clean work you got there.
That's what I've been worried about. If it's already weakened I might bring on failure if I really push it someday down the road. Tinvestor's subframe looks great though and I've been wanting to install my poly bushing kit and replace my steering rack with a manual unit so I might as well look into putting a new clean subframe in at the same time since everything is going to be pulled out at some time anyways.
Old 04-21-06, 10:38 AM
  #6  
Tear you apart

iTrader: (10)
 
Jager's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Bemidji Minnesota
Posts: 5,883
Received 32 Likes on 30 Posts
Originally Posted by uRizen
That's what I've been worried about. If it's already weakened I might bring on failure if I really push it someday down the road. Tinvestor's subframe looks great though and I've been wanting to install my poly bushing kit and replace my steering rack with a manual unit so I might as well look into putting a new clean subframe in at the same time since everything is going to be pulled out at some time anyways.
I actually just removed my subframe in my SHO (apart of the ATX removal). Again, call me if any assistance is needed. I like doing this kind of **** .

Anyways!

Good luck!
Old 04-21-06, 10:43 AM
  #7  
Tear you apart

iTrader: (10)
 
Jager's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Bemidji Minnesota
Posts: 5,883
Received 32 Likes on 30 Posts
Originally Posted by uRizen
That's what I've been worried about. If it's already weakened I might bring on failure if I really push it someday down the road. Tinvestor's subframe looks great though and I've been wanting to install my poly bushing kit and replace my steering rack with a manual unit so I might as well look into putting a new clean subframe in at the same time since everything is going to be pulled out at some time anyways.
I actually just removed my subframe in my SHO (apart of the ATX removal). Again, call me if any assistance is needed. I like doing this kind of **** .

Anyways!

Good luck!
Old 04-21-06, 10:49 AM
  #8  
Senior Member

iTrader: (4)
 
Rotary_Knight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: California
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Yea I've done this replacement too many times now! It seems the control arms are srtonger than the damn subframe. They dont bend but the subframe does in an accident? Oh well, but it's pretty easy to do. Just undo the control arms, the engine mounts, and the four bolts holding the subframe. If you have a cherry picker to hold the engine from the top it'll be easier to do so you have more room to work with, but you can support the engine with a jack and some wood to even out pressure.
Old 04-21-06, 11:29 AM
  #9  
Rattle can retard

 
Flobb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: St. Peters, MO
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by a_drift
Yea I've done this replacement too many times now! It seems the control arms are srtonger than the damn subframe. They dont bend but the subframe does in an accident? Oh well, but it's pretty easy to do. Just undo the control arms, the engine mounts, and the four bolts holding the subframe. If you have a cherry picker to hold the engine from the top it'll be easier to do so you have more room to work with, but you can support the engine with a jack and some wood to even out pressure.
in the middle of replacing mine. exaclty like you say, control arm mount bent slightly in accident but actual arm is fine.
i supported the motor both ways, cherry picker above and jack below. still plenty of room to work.
none of the nuts/bolts are too hard to get off.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fjwheeler
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
22
01-09-22 01:02 PM
rexone
The Bad & Fugly Businesses
2
08-23-15 06:24 AM
RaY358
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
5
08-19-15 11:44 PM
JIMMY54
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
2
08-12-15 05:40 PM



Quick Reply: Front subframe replaceable?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:36 AM.