subframe question

[turbo2nr]

well i look at my rear sub frame and i see it has lot of play. when the car is in park with the e-brake up and i rock it back and front i see the sub frame move badly, the bushing are shot.

the car's rear feels loose now on the turns and makes noises.. i think its about that time for a change.

now i heard that the sub frame job is a hard one. so i was wondering could i just use the solid collars and insert them on. would that fix my problem. or am i better off just getting new bushings

also should i get the solid bushings or go with the poly ones?

any advice would be appericated thanks

[DJButton]

Well you're bushings definitely sound shot! If they are indeed that bad, don't spend the money on collars you're gonna want new bushings, it really isn't that hard of a job, but it will take some time.

As far as what type to get, it's a matter of preference, I am a big fan of the solid aluminum bushings from SPL; however in the average street driven car if your main concern is comfort then go with the poly bushings they are certainly less aggresive. My personal preference would be the aluminum bushings though as stated, my car is already too firm to keep the ladies happy.

Now for subfram removal, there are a couple different ways to go about that, I'll explain my prefered route though if it helps. Prepare to not have your car for a day though:

Jack the car off the ground a few feet if possible (or use a lift if it is available)

Second take off the rear wheels

Third remove the exhaust (from the cat back is easiest)

Next disconnect the brake lines and unbolt the driveshaft

Next onbolt the two metal tabs that go from the forward subframe nuts to the frame rails, on the frame rail end loosen them off

Now you will need to support the subframe to lower it off the car (wait it's still bolted up! Yes I know!) If the car is supported by jackstands then place a jack under the differential, just as a support not to raise it any. If it's on a lift then lower until it's close enough to the ground to place a jack under

Finally unbolt the four subframe bolts (make sure the jack is holding the subframe securely as it's loosened) You may want a friend with you at this point to steady the subframe as it may tend to wobble with only one support in the center

Lower the jack and slide the subframe out the back of the car

Now the real fun begins! There are a couple ways to get out the old bushings, but the easiest route is to burn them out. Yes, exactly as that sounds , soak them with some lighter fluid and burn them. They will take most of the day to burn, but keep an eye on them!

Depending on which bushing you decide to go with the steps to putting them in will vary. However the one thing to do when going with aluminum is to put them in the freezer for a few hours prior to install as this will shrink them a little and make them eaiser to press in. Using a ball joiint press or other press may be the best way to put them in place as well. I used a hammer but wouldn't recomend it.

Now repeat the steps backwards to put it all back on the car and best of luck! Feel free to ask if you have anymore questions. Or shoot me and IM - JDMcarsalltheway on AOL.

[turbo2nr]

thanks this helps alot. some questions...

how harsh is the aluminum bushings? i do 60m a day hi way so i want something a little comfortable... but i dont mind a harsh ride... noise is ight with me.. my car isnt made to be comfortable lol

also when dropping the rear sub frame do i need to loosen the axles form the diff or can i drop the diff/axles/ hubs ect. as one assembly?

when installing the bushings lets say i do aluminum should i get them pressed in by a shop or is this some thing that can be done by me?

thanks for the help