Question on subframes

[WhiteSHO91]

I just bought a 1990 SHO that has a bent subframe. I don't have pictures of the damage but it has thrown the alignment off pretty badly and I don't think its worth trying to bend back. My question is are all Taurus subframes the same? I'm looking for a direct bolt on and go replacement. Any help is much appreciated!

 

[sperold]

You need the original subframe that came in the car. In this case you need any 89 to 95 manual transmission SHO subframe.
The regular Taurus, and the automatic SHO subframes fit the structure of the car, but do not mount the engine properly.
Other subframes can be altered to work, like the generation 3 Taurus subframe which gives you certain improvements like better handling and improved front wheel bearings. There are some threads on this forum on that topic.

 

[luigisho]

and you should be able to find one for sale on ebay, in the classifieds on this forum, or a good local junk yard should be linked into a used parts system that can locate one for you. Also there are salvage yard search engines on the internet that can find them.

 

[rubydist]

this is the perfect opportunity to swap in a Gen3 subframe. while a little more work, it will get you a lot better suspension, handling, braking, etc. search for threads on that topic.

 

[sperold]

http://www.shoforum.com/index.php?threads/just-joined-the-broken-subframe-club.56503/

There is a picture in post #1 in the above thread (subframe sitting alone, nicely painted).
Tell us what part is bent.

Subframes are expensive to ship, so you will be looking locally. And that makes the generation 3 subframe attractive, as there are probably some around your area, no matter where your area is. The motor mounting bits can be cleaned-off your subframe and mounted on the GenIII subframe, but there are some areas where metal has to be removed to allow something to fit.

I am not disappointed with how these cars drive and handle, so I would not be a candidate to get the GenIII conversion.

Unless it is hopeless, I would fix the original subframe at the same shop you would need to swap over the engine mounting parts on the Gen3 subframe.

The subframe is the strongest part on your entire car. If it is badly damaged, take a close look at the mounting points on the body, as they are much less likely to take the abuse that bent the subframe.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

If you email us at SHO Source we can get you a good rust free one.

 

[WhiteSHO91]

thanks guys. I think I'm going to go to a local collision shop to get an estimate on getting my subframe straightened. If it ends up not being cost effective I will look at a new one. I'm just trying to avoid as much suspension work as I can because it's a pain on these cars lol.

 

[WhiteSHO91]

Heres the bend

 

[rubydist]

I would not be trying to straighten that - I don't think you'll ever get it right and you'll kick yourself for not fixing it right...

 

[kevinspann]

For sure that won't be straight. I'd be looking for other damage too. Control arm, strut rod, axle, knuckle, engine mount etc.

 

[WhiteSHO91]

I wouldn't do it myself. Id take it to a frame shop. This is bent right where the control arm mounts so i would think it would be an easy pull. As long as the alignment is good I dont care if its not 100%.

 

[sperold]

What state do you live in?

The subframe can be straitened to the point it is useable by a true frame shop with a good alignment guy on staff.

I have seen sub frames for sale for around $100.00, so that route is not exceptionally costly.

What caused the subframe to bend? Was it a hit on the side?

I would worry that there is more things ready to go wrong. like your control arm accuracy and maybe the hub and bearing, but that situation is the same if you fix your old one or install a different one.

 

[WhiteSHO91]

I live in Kentucky. I realize that the suspension components on that corner are probably damaged but I don't really care because this car is a project and I will eventually replace them anyway. My theory on what happened is a previous owner slid into a ditch in the rain or snow because the tow hooks behind the rear bumper are bent like it was winched out from the back.