11 replies to this topic

[Scoobyfanatic]

I know this is probably a silly question but unless i ask i wont know.

Im attempting to strip my car down to a shell and noticed the front sub frame has seen better days so is there any way i can lift the car up and unbolt the sub frame and remove the front end leaving just the nose and wings on ?

Hope that kinda makes sense

[nicklouse]

Yes undo the bolts.

Dropping the subframe with engine in is a common way to get the engine out.

[andrewmini67]

Yes you can do this, I have never done it but some people prefer this method. 

[driftz]

I did it when removing my engine. Make sure the get the car nice and high on jack stands and then its a really easy job to lower the whole front end. In my case I used my engine lift to lift the whole subframe and engine onto a workbench for easy access. Here is a video of how I refit the engine to give you an idea

 

 

Edited by driftz, 31 March 2016 - 01:13 AM.

[andrewmini67]

It may be worth just undoing both hub nuts before you start. A lot easier using the cars weight than afterwards when its out? 

[ukcooper]

Make sure you have the roof height if you do it in the garage.

[Daveq]

I did it when removing my engine. Make sure the get the car nice and high on jack stands and then its a really easy job to lower the whole front end. In my case I used my engine lift to lift the whole subframe and engine onto a workbench for easy access. Here is a video of how I refit the engine to give you an idea

 

cool video....... and now subscribed!

[Scoobyfanatic]

I did it when removing my engine. Make sure the get the car nice and high on jack stands and then its a really easy job to lower the whole front end. In my case I used my engine lift to lift the whole subframe and engine onto a workbench for easy access. Here is a video of how I refit the engine to give you an idea
 
 

Great video, looks like it saves a huge amount of time !

Edited by Scoobyfanatic, 31 March 2016 - 09:46 PM.

[Scoobyfanatic]

Does anyone have a link of this procedure done with pics so I can see exactly how it's done ?

Tried the search option but didn't come up with what I was hoping for ?

Thanks

I've noticed people commenting that this is by far the harder way to do it, what's your opinions ?

Edited by Scoobyfanatic, 31 March 2016 - 09:50 PM.

[nicklouse]

Remove lots of bits. Disconnect fuel. Disconnect electrics. Disconnect brake pipe to sun frame. Disconnect accelerator cable and choke cable. Should have been done with the removal of the manifold anyway.

Gear lever can just be removed without the full linkage.

The just undo the subframe mounts with the subframe supported. Wheels on or off it up to you.

Lift body off subframe and either roll it back or the engine and subframe forward.


It is all covered in your Haynes manual for engine and subframe removal.

[Scoobyfanatic]

Ok thank you sounds reasonably straight forward (hoping to have not tempted fate!)

Will see how I get on.

[driftz]

 

I did it when removing my engine. Make sure the get the car nice and high on jack stands and then its a really easy job to lower the whole front end. In my case I used my engine lift to lift the whole subframe and engine onto a workbench for easy access. Here is a video of how I refit the engine to give you an idea

 

cool video....... and now subscribed!

 

 

 

Thanks for that, we are hoping to make a few more videos in the near future.

 

The removal is very simple, took maybe 45 min to an hour to get the engine out. just make sure to triple check that everything is disconnected fully and be sure to label any electrical connections for a stress free re install.  As you can see in the video, I used a motorcycle jack to lift the engine, if you have one it makes for a nice stable way to lift the engine/sub frame back into the car.