Subframe Drop = Damage?

[rfiltz]

As I was replacing my rear SF bushings, the frame seemed to drop a bit even though I had jacks on the SF in front of the bushings. Maybe dropped and inch or so (made it easier to get at the bushings!) Now I'm wondering if there's any damage that could do. Thought I read someone say to wireup something when dropping the rear. Now my steering wheel is a little off-center (could have been my 3-yr old playing with the wheel when the SF was lowered!). I was careful to torque the frame back up in stages to keep it aligned. Could I have bent the tie rods or something? Doesn't seem to pull noticeably, just the off-center steering wheel.

 

[AutoXSHO]

The off-center steering wheel indicates that you didn't align the subframe exactly when you put it back up. This is why I replaced one corner at a time when I did my bushings. That way you are less likely to screw up the alignment of the subframe.

Basically you need to get the car aligned now. Not a huge deal.

John V

 

[projectSHO89]

Check the alignment of the subframe to body first. There are alignment holes in the front of the subframe that have to line up with the corresponding holes in the body.

Steve

 

[rfiltz]

I didn't loosen the fronts at all. I did have the rears completely off at the same time though. Any way to re-align the subframe without doing a wheel alignment?