ALSFB in Rustbelt?

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MD Ever

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Hey guys. I need to replace my SFB and I'm thinking of going with the aluminium ones but I'm not sure if that's a good idea seeing as how I'm in MI and all. As of now the underside of the car is in pretty good shape but since it is a daily driver (winter included :eek: ), well you know how that goes. Anyone in the rustbelt had any problems with this?
 

SASHO91

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As far as the actual bushings themselve go, you wont have any problems (they are aluminum)...
However, if the recall has not been done yet, it would be a good idea to get it done. (try a search for it)

This is all based on, if your subframe is in good shape.
 

93rev2sev

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SASHO, Because you are in Texas, you might not realize what cars in Michigan are up against. The roads here would make ANYONE leary about removing the shock absorbing capabilities of rubber subframe bushings.

I just replaced my SFBs in August. I used the Gen3 subframe bushings and 2 new recall kits. I was/am very happy with them. I see no reason to lose any "teef" over a little bit better turn in... LOLs
 

SASHO91

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We have our FAIR share of bad roads.... but for the most part they are pretty dam nice... which they better be for the price per mile we pay for roads/highways.. :oogle:
 

RAYJAY

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paint the aluminum bushings before you install them, I cleared them with duplacolor wheel clear and painted the sub frame area where the bushings sit in with rustoleum hammered paint never had a problem yet. and we live in upper northeast Pa and yes our roads are really bad

Jeff
 

Eric VerValin

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Yea, I havent had an issue with mine in the 3 years i've had them on. I did my recall years ago, and remember it being pretty clean under neath, (no rust) so i touched it up with a rattle can, then put them on, but if it was a little rusty, I think i would be leary too. Just a random thought.

Did you guys use any washers / lock nuts on yours? I had to use both because I couldnt get it to 'settle' They always wanted to back out without locknuts. I kept torquign them in 5 lb increments until it went away.
 

MD Ever

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Thanks for the input guys. I'm not worried about the bushings corroding. I'm worried about what the additional shock will do to the subframe. As of now it looks pretty good (just surface rust) but who knows. I saw a thread here where someone's subframe had completely rusted through at the bushing mount and it got me thinkin.

Hey 93rev2sev, where did you get your bushings...dealer?
 

93rev2sev

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www.shonutperformance.com.
at the top of the page, hit the 'suspension' link. The bushings are 3/4 of the way down labeled:
"96 Rear-style subframe bushings (4) (fits 86-99, possible performance gain for 86-95, better than ANY OEM 86-95 bushing. Requires slight notching of the 86-95 subframe with a hand file or similar"

Dont worry about the "notching" ... it's a breeze. In the same area, is the recall kits. You need 2 recall kits.

If you decide to remove your subframe and have it mediablasted(about $100), I have an engine support you can borrow. I was VERRRY happy with the results of sandblasting and painting with self etching primer, then with heavy duty industrial rust-o-leum, still looks like a new subframe well into the winter.

That was MY SUBFRAME(probably among others) that rusted through at the passenger rear mount. The engine dropped far enough to knock my DIS module loose, causing intermittent stalling.

While the subframe is out, you can replace all the suspension bushings for another hundred bucks.

So for about $400 you can have a completely new feeling/looking suspension. Once I decided to tackle that project, It went a lot easier than I thought.

PM me if you want more info or encouragement.
 

SASHO91

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When i was running GIII bushings, all i did was dremel off the material from the bushings, instead of notching the subframe... no problems....
 

MD Ever

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93rev2sev If you decide to remove your subframe and have it mediablasted(about $100) said:
Thanks! I might just take you up on that. I work in Dearborn so it would be real easy to come by and pick it up. I'll pm you when I'm ready (should be soon if that's ok) :thumb:

By the way...where did you have it blasted?
 

93rev2sev

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Some place downriver...I think it was j&r sandblasting or something like that. He charged me $75. It's on pennsylvania - east of telegraph.

When (if) you get blasted, let me know, I'll go with and bring all teh bracketry for my 3.2.
 

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