Getting ready to replace my subframe 95 MTX What else to do?

[rockingchairmotors]

Hello all

I am finally getting ready to replace my subframe. It has rusted through (see picture). I have looked at most of the threads but I do have some questions.

1. I would like to replace all of the rubber bushings. Can I still get the recall kit? If not what/where do I get a kit?
2. Anyone have a step by step procedure to replace the subframe?
3. Is there anything else I should do while I have it apart?

Any help and guidance would be appreciated.

Jeff

 

[NoSlo]

The most helpful thing will be to get a three-arm engine support, but about the cheapest you can get away with is the harbor freight version:



Get a one-foot length of 2x12 pressure-treated lumber, and jack the engine to get it as high as the give of the mounts allow, and then chain it up by the support and tighten. Then if you trust it, the car can be hoisted or jacked by the body in a way that you can safely work under and get the subframe out. The support should allow you to raise or lower the engine a few inches as needed.

The subframe recall kit is long gone. There is one on eBay right now, ending in 10 hours, XF1Z-5A364-AA. So get in on that fast! It includes the sure-to-be rusted out nut plates, washers, and bolts for the rear. Expect trouble getting the old nut plates out (broken, they just spin), dose them in rust-blaster, wire brush if you drill recall holes, and unbolt after taking the load off the bolts.

The G3 bushings are firmer and just need a little grinding to fit. You can get them on rockauto or elsewhere.

The steering rack is attached to the subframe, you could try wiring it up and supporting it so you don't have to disconnect hoses and steering wheel, etc.

There are alignment holes in the front you stick a long extension through to straighten up the subframe before you do a final tightening.

Here's a guide to just the bushings: https://web.archive.org/web/20110506214048/http://www.shophoenixproject.com/sfb/sfb.htm

 

[rockingchairmotors]

Thanks for the help NoSlo.

I won the ebay auction but it is missing one of the rubbers. Any idea of where or what else I can use?

 

[NoSlo]

Just some other grommet plug that size, or even just seal the hole with peel-n-seal (cheap Dynamat) and a heat gun.

 

[SHOdded]

Gen 3 SLO subframe will get rid of the darned strut rods. G3 knuckles will allow bolton bearings IIRC. Upgrade the trans cooler lines. 26mm rear swaybar. Those were the mods I did. Not because I had to, but I wanted to improve handling primarily.

 

[BaySHO Performance]

You could always make your own engine support beam:

http://wiki.wikisho.com/wiki/Engine_Support_Beam