OMG what a pain in the butt. Friday I got a small shipment from Racingbeat. Got my camber adjustment rod and toe eliminator bushings. Since I was under the car already, I figured I would complete my poly bushing install.

There was one bushing on each side of the car. Both of which require removal of the a-arm or whatever you call it. The only problem is, the bolts for the arms are imposible to take off without cutting, and if you cut the bolt, you can no longer have the adjustability of rear toe.

I had to drop the entire rear 'subframe'. I removed my exhaust Y pipe and actually had the rear diff on the ground. Once you drop that, you can pull the A-arms right off. Why did I do this?? I dont know! im crazy! Dont do it! One bushing on each side isnt worth it.

I actually was able to remove the A-arm without dropping the rear end. The problem became that I could not line up the 2 front large bolts of the subframe while the rear end was still attached. Once the entire rear subframe was detached, I was able to line up everything. I used 4 jacks to line everything back up.

This is by far the biggest ball-buster job I have ever done with this car. I mean, i've pulled the turbo and installed my own exhaust. This whole task is cranking on 12 hours from the time I pulled the car into the garage. Another 2-3 hours and it will be done. DO NOT drop your rear end unless you have to!!

 

A little tip if anyone tries this. Install the toe adjusting bolt backwards so that it can be removed later.

 

yeah i tried to remove those control arm bolts too. i was like wtf

 

never break a rear wheel stud! just to get it out, requires a new wheel bearing

 

I just replaced my front diff mount, did it on a frame lift, All I took off was the y pipe, then the 2 bolts that held the subframe on, then with a big prybar popped the subframe off the 2 bolts, replaced the mount, and threw it all to gether in 3 hours, I used the prybar to line up one side with a bolt and set a tripod under the otherside, while trying to line it up with the prybar I had an assistant let the lift down just enough to get the subframe over the bolt.......though I didn't mess with the side mount bushing

 

Dropping the rear-end isn;t as bad as people make it out to be. I know air tools are a big help, but suck it up man! It's really not as hard as you make it out to be.

 

you need 3 people for re-install of the subframe for it to be easy.. one on each side and one at the end of the floor jack. works like a charm

dave

 

2 people with 2 jacks is enough, but I can see how it would be a class one PITA solo. But honestly, this was very simple for me, just patience.

PaulC

 

Yeah, I replaced one of my trailing arms after I bent it spinning into a curb on my NA. I did it in my driveway w/ 2 car jacks and only basic tools. Didn't even remove the exhaust. I guess you could do one side at a time w/ out dropping the whole subframe?

 

My problem was I could not get the bolts to line up right. I had to undo all the subframe bolts. Its such a stupid design under there.

 

the hardest part for me with the subframe reinstall was lineing up the diff. mount with the subframe, it was a pita but it was worth it in the end