Front Subframe Replacement


I tore my front subframe mount with stock bars so I decided to install a new subframe. A few weeks later I installed Suspension Techniques sway bars

May 25, 2002

Here is the procedure.
1) jack up front end.
2) remove front wheels
3) remove nuts from inner control arm ball joint. If it spins, then place a jack under the ball joint to put pressure on it.
4) Shove inner ball joint through subframe. This was the hardest part. The best thing to do is take a HUGE prybar and put downward pressure on the control arm, then bang on the subframe around the ball joint. I used both a sledge hammer and a regular nail hammer. This worked on one side, I had to use a pickle fork on the other. Pickle forks work great but may tear the boot, mine didn't (lucky me since they were new)

5) remove the 15mm bolts that hold the steering rack in.
6) remove the control arm bushing bracket where it connects to the frame. This is necessary to fully pull the inner ball joint through the subframe.
6a) remove the sway bar.
7) I supported the engine with a cherry picker at the front lift point and with a a concrete block covered with 2x4"s under the oil pan. The engine was never lifted or moved.
8) Remove the lower nuts from the engine mounts.
9) make sure the engine is well supported.
10) Remove the four bolts that hold the subframe in (do not use an impact gun as you have a higher chance of snaping the bolts. Make sure the steering rack and control arms are out of the way.
11) pull the subframe down.
12) put the new subframe in, easier said then done. You just have to play with it.
13) Tighten everything back up and you should be good to go.