SFB Recall Kit

[Izzmo]

Do we need to install the recall kit to gain access to the subframe bushings? I was thinking about replacing a lot of things on my suspension soon and SFB came into mind.

If so, will not installing the recall kit stop me from lowering the subframe to get to the ac compressor?

 

[HotRodKid]

recall kits are needed if the nuts for your subframe bolts break free of the frame, the dont NEED to be done to swap the subframe bushings, and doing the recall jits wont ever stop you from lowing the subframe again

 

[Izzmo]

Ahh, I see. Well I guess I will have to get under there and see if I need it or not.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Daedalus]

There's a SFB recall kit for the Gen 3? I thought those were Gen I and II exclusive...

 

[Izzmo]

I've been doing a lot of searching and as far as I could tell there was... I dunno.

I haven't personally got under the car and tried anything yet, so I'm pretty clueless as of right now.

 

[SHOZ123]

There is a TSB for replacing the nuts. Fronts would be fairly easy the rears would be similar to the Gen 1-2 setup.

If they come out then I would use new bolts and be sure to use never seize on them.

 

[Izzmo]

So, to be clear,

The only reason you need the recall kit is if the bolts are messed up? (On a GenIII)

 

[SHOZ123]

The recall kit is not for the Gen 3s. Just get new bolts and nuts if the nuts spin. TSB Article No. 97-25-2 SUBFRAME - FRONT AND REAR RETENTION NUTS SPIN DURING REMOVAL

F8DZ-54200A40-AA Subframe Nut Service Kit, Right Side, Rear Only
F8DZ-54200A41-AA Subframe Nut Service Kit, Left Side, Rear Only
F7DZ-5410158-A Plate Nut
N804442-S426 M12x1.75x112 Hex Bolt (Taurus/Sable)

 

[Izzmo]

So, if the nuts spin out, how are you supposed to remove them?

Excuse my ignorance.. still new at this!

 

[SHOZ123]

Use a wrench.

 

[Izzmo]

oh okay, did not know if when you said "spin out" that meant they were stripped.

Thanks for the info Paul.

 

[SHOZ123]

The come unlocked from the channel. Then nut and bolt spin together. Never had it happen to me though.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

To clear-up the confusion . . . .


SHOZ123 is correct. There are two different subframe "kits" - the Gen I/II recall kit, and the Gen III service kit. They are different "kits", that have different parts which are not interchangeable.


Gen I/II

The Gen I/II subframe recall kits are the result of a SAFETY recall. The kit is designed to replace the subframe bolt nut plate, which is simply a stamped-steel "nut" that is held in place with two tabs. Corrosion causes that stamped OEM nut to split, and results in the subframe bolt pulling-through the unibody frame-rail in the floor-pan below your feet.

The kit includes a much thicker steel plate and much larger nut welded to that plate, in place of the stamped-steel nut, that prevents this failure from occuring. The nut plate is kinda similar to the Gen III nut plate shown in Paul's image above.

Neither the subframe bolt nor the nut plate are part of the frame. The there are two locking "tabs" that are small tabs stamped into the unibody frame, which hold the subframe bolt nut plate in place and prevent it from spinning.

The recall kit SHOULD be done for all Gen I/II SHOs, especially given their age. The recall was directed at the "rust-belt" states, as corrosion from winter road-salt rapidly accelerates the corrosion and failure of the nut. But over time, most of these will eventually fail in the Gen I/II SHOs given the added torque of the SHO engine.

Installing the Gen I/II recall kit will not affect being able to lower the subframe, once done.


Gen III

The Gen III subframe service kits are designed to replace the subframe bolt nut plate, if it has broken free inside the nut plate. Unlike the Gen I/II recall kit, this is NOT a safety recall item, but simply a service kit if the nut for the subframe bolt begins to spin inside the nut plate assembly.

recall kits are needed if the nuts for your subframe bolts break free of the frame, the dont NEED to be done to swap the subframe bushings, and doing the recall jits wont ever stop you from lowing the subframe again