front subframe replacement
 

i hit a curb in my car last night. the steering rack took the hit and has bent one of rack mounts on the sub frame back a few inches.

obviously i need to replace the front sub frame. im going to do this without removing the engine.

has anyone done this before? i would be very grateful for some tips of a how to guide?

thanks

Many times, dammit.

Just support the engine, disconnect the steering rack(so it doesn't drop) and tie rods, brake lines, motor mounts, shock tops, etc and use a hoist with straps running down past the motor to drop the sub frame.

i have no hoist and cant get one as this is my only car. i have a few jacks and axle stands so i rekon i could work something out with them.

thanks for the reply

Do you have a big tree in the yard you could use as a hoist? Jack the car up, strap motor to tree, lower car... Have to start high so that you will have room to get under it after lowering it.

If not at least take pics so we can feel your pain as you go through this.

Next time power out of the corner, lol

Na itll be getting done in a my garage. If you've ever seen a uk garage you will know they are tiny.

I am not looking forward to it.

I built my supra in a garage that size. Never again! Couldn't get the doors half way open. Fml. Maybe you could use the rafters, or an upper shock mount bridge, __/---------\__ >cell phone rendering . Anyway, good luck with that.

I did it in a larger environment. You need a engine support bar that you place on the fenders and tie to the engine.

It's just alot of work nothing too difficult BUT the motor mounts. They will take 50% of your time (getting them back in in the subframe) and that's not because the other half is a quick job.

I plan on holding the engine up with a trolley jack and piece of wood on the sump rather than a brace or hoist. Is there any reason that won't work?

Its just that the jack itself is in your way. Yes it can be done, its just not the friendliest way.

That is not gonna happen. To remove the subframe you need to lower it while keeping the engine up. The pan is located within the contours of the subframe so putting a jack there will prevent the subframe from going very far. It needs to be done from above.

Thought these pictures might help you:
http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/sho...t=56506&page=2

Yes, I do enjoy browsing CR's build threads. Laugh and I cut you.

I got it off today and stripped it all down. Jacked the sump up slightly form the back and dropped the subframe off no problem. Really wasn't a difficult job tbh just a lot of stuff to remove. Replacement subframe should arrive later this week. hopefully have it sorted by the end of the week.

I hope you atleast have the motor strapped to the jack. I wouldn't feel good about it being there for a few days without it secured somehow.

Glad to hear that you got it done without a fuss.

Yea it's not too bad. Just remove that rear subframe brace and you can support from below and still lower the subframe. Basically what you did it sounds like. Honestly dropping the subframe is one of the easiest jobs. Remove the calipers and you don't even need to disconnect brake lines.

Got it on a jack and then 2 wheels stacked under it with wood on top so if it did somehow slip off the jack it would fall 5mm ish before landing on the wheels.

I removed the rear brace and just dropped it down. Also un bolted the calipers as you said.