Replacing subfram info needed

[Warren]

Hey guys, Im going to be getting a subframe this weekend and I need to know what is involved? Its a mtx subframe for my 1994 mtx. From what I can think of, I will have to remove the sway bar endlinks, the balljoints from the knuckles, the engine and transmission mounts, exhaust has to be disconnected.. what am I missing? any pics? What is the best way to support the engine/trans? I dont have the cash to shell out for the engine support thing sold in stores. Ill be using jackstands as I dont have a lift and will be doing it in my yard. Any helpful hints or tricks about taking it apart and installing the new one would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

You will not be able to swap the subframe without an engine rig or cherry picker.

It simply wont happen.



I built my own engine rig years ago. And to date have done more than a dozen clutch jobs. A proper engine rig is worth its weight in gold IMO.

 

[pjtoledo]

you're in N Y, a rust belt state. depending on how much rust you have, it can easily add many hours or even days to repair broken subframe bolts and exhaust manifold studs. don't expect the stabilizer bar end links to give up without a fight either.
supporting the engine & tranny with jackstands is not going to work, even if you take one stand out at a time to slide the subframe out, the engine may tip and really screw things up.
engine supports can be made from heavy lumber, like a 4 x 4.

 

[Warren]

Thanks I was going to use the jack stands to hold the car up, not the engine. Luckily theres not much rust under my car at all. The only thing that might be tough is the exhaust bolts. Which bolts would I be removing? My exhaust isnt welded in. The person i bought it from put and aftermarket Y pipe in with mandrel beds and its all just clamped together. Worst comes to worse ill cute the clamps off and buy new ones.

 

[jelloslug]

How do you plan on separating the engine from the subframe?

 

[pjtoledo]

the subframe supports the engine/trranny. when you drop the subframe the engine drops with it. Unless you have a support holding the engine up. Most look like a short fat swingset, and the engine litterally swings on a couple of chains.
the nuts on the Y pipe to manifold studs are usually rusted, yours may not be so bad because the "recent" work.

 

[rubydist]

well, technically, he could support the engine and transmission with jackstands while dropping the subframe. however, at that point he will be stuck, because there is no way to remove the old subframe and put the new subframe under the car if the engine is supported by jackstands.

you need to rent/buy/borrow an engine support or cherry picker to make it actually happen.

 

[digeronimo34]

http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...000-lb-capacity-engine-support-bar-96524.html. 59.99 on sale. It worked well on the windstar $6.99 shiping

Now that you own a sho it is something that will probability get a lot of use.

 

[Warren]

How do you plan on separating the engine from the subframe?

Not sure what you mean. If I unbolt everything that I mentioned, and I have the engine supported from above, wont the subframe just come off?

is the power steering rack attached to the subframe also? What else needs to be unbolted from the subframe?

since my old subframe was bent after the prevoius accident when someone crashed into the passenger side when it was parked, I would need a new wheel alignment after the new subframe is installed? Could I do that myself or do I need to take it to the shop that does it by laser?

 

[digeronimo34]

Not sure what you mean. If I unbolt everything that I mentioned, and I have the engine supported from above, wont the subframe just come off?

is the power steering rack attached to the subframe also? What else needs to be unbolted from the subframe?

since my old subframe was bent after the prevoius accident when someone crashed into the passenger side when it was parked, I would need a new wheel alignment after the new subframe is installed? Could I do that myself or do I need to take it to the shop that does it by laser?

Power stearing rack part of the cruse controle is bolted on the driverside front part of the sub .... how do you plan on holding the engine up? Yes i would take it to have an alignment. Also money allowing i would change bushings controle arms and what ever else you need wile the sub is out.

 

[jelloslug]

Not sure what you mean. If I unbolt everything that I mentioned, and I have the engine supported from above, wont the subframe just come off?

is the power steering rack attached to the subframe also? What else needs to be unbolted from the subframe?

since my old subframe was bent after the prevoius accident when someone crashed into the passenger side when it was parked, I would need a new wheel alignment after the new subframe is installed? Could I do that myself or do I need to take it to the shop that does it by laser?

You just said that you don't have the tools and you don't want to buy them

 

[Art5]

HOw much are you paying for subframe?

 

[Warren]

HOw much are you paying for subframe?

$200 for a subframe, the bushings, control arms / ball joints that are in good condition and strut rods.

 

[Art5]

the reason I asked is because it makes me think that you're going far for it. Me and my friend a swapping ours and will have two interesting subframes for gen2. My friend has Gen2 subframe with Gen3 spindles on it. Mine is just 95 with everything new on it and drilled to 5x114.3.