Aluminum Subframe Bushing Installation

[freqsho91]

I am currently having Al sfb's installed in my virginia SHO and the mechanic says he'll have to remove the recall kit to get them to work. This worries me, can anyone share some wisdom on this subject? He says there is a bar with 3 bolts ran through them and the bushing will not clear the bolts. I wonder if it will be alright to remove the recall kit or on the other hand I'm thinking this guy doesn't like the idea of solid bushings because he's already voiced his opinion as such. Any light shed here will be much appreciated.
P.S. I need some info ASAP The guy is getting ready to do the work now!

 

[NJSHO]

The recall kit does not have "3 bolt" anything. All the recall kit does is provide new bushings and drill a hole in the floor of the car from the inside so that a new nut plate can be installed. As far as the bar with 3 bolts I’m not sure what you are talking about a picture (if you have the time) might be necessary.
On a side note I wouldn't let this guy install the bushings if he has already voiced his opinion against them. From my experience, when a mechanic doesn't want to do something they tend not to do a good job. Then when they screw it or something else up they say see I told you it wouldn't work and blah blah blah... I had a Ford dealership doing the subframe recall on my car and they wouldn't put my new solid bushings in even though it would have saved them some bushings, so I took it home and did it myself. They are not that hard and would afford you some time to figure out what this 3 bolt thing is, not to mention save you some money.

 

[freqsho91]

Thx for the quick reply I just talked to my mech. and before I could say anything he said he got it worked out w/o a hitch. Thanks again.

 

[N3FOL]

Aluminum Subframe bushings Install - problem

I started doing my subframe bushing installation while I am waiting for the right bushing for my front sway bar. I was able to put in the right front bushing with no hitch. Then, as I was unbolting the left front bushing...the bolt started to spin freely. After careful examination, the bolt had a 'nut plate' at the end located inside the frame. The 'plate' appeared to be rusted that is why the bolt would not get out easily. Tomorrow morning, I will try to device a way to stop the 'nut plate' from spinning in order for me to remove the rusted bolt. (***penetrating oil spray has been used liberally all the time)

I am not sure why the left front bolt had a 'nut plate'. My best guess is probably during the time when Ford made the recall job on the subframe bushing, the mechanic working on my car destroyed the thread on the left front side. As a result, he decided to add a 'nut plate' in order for the bolt to anchor unto the frame. Now, there is no way for me to find out if this is true. The recall has been done several years ago.

The recall kit does not have "3 bolt" anything. All the recall kit does is provide new bushings and drill a hole in the floor of the car from the inside so that a new nut plate can be installed. As far as the bar with 3 bolts I’m not sure what you are talking about a picture (if you have the time) might be necessary.
On a side note I wouldn't let this guy install the bushings if he has already voiced his opinion against them. From my experience, when a mechanic doesn't want to do something they tend not to do a good job. Then when they screw it or something else up they say see I told you it wouldn't work and blah blah blah... I had a Ford dealership doing the subframe recall on my car and they wouldn't put my new solid bushings in even though it would have saved them some bushings, so I took it home and did it myself. They are not that hard and would afford you some time to figure out what this 3 bolt thing is, not to mention save you some money.

 

[SHOZ123]

Wasn't the recall just for the rear bushings?

When I did my '93 the right front came out easy but the left front I had to break the bolt and fish out the remains. Then install a new nut and bolt. PITA.

You can get something up in there to jam the nut and keep it from spinning. This is how I held it to beak the bolt.

 

[wood_e]

Cut the bolt head off if its spinning.

 

[N3FOL]

Al Subframe Bushing Install 'Update'

SHOZ123, that is exactly what I did...jam a breaker bar in the frame in order to prevent the nut plate from spinning. The biggest problem that I came across this morning was that the bolt was so corroded that it can no longer spin. In fact, I fought with this stubborn bolt and nut plate all morning long while I was waiting for my front sway bar bushing to arrive. (I am really surprised to see the left front frame with no 'bolt thread' at all) After an hour of no success, I finally decided to cut the head bolt. I even took the time to paint my subframe bushings before I installed it...

All the readings that I did regarding Al Subframe bushing install really paid off. Thank God, I did not forget to take off the cross tube where the DIS is located. I also purchased new bolts for the subframe for peace of mind.

My thanks to all that responded to my questions and to all SHO forum members who talked about Al Subframe install...the 'search function' is great! (Tomorrow, I am going to install my BMR control arms that came in last Monday...then off to have my car aligned)