4 replies to this topic

[dstevens]

After some paint I'll be ready to install both sub frames and finish the suspension. I've stripped them completely but didn't remove them as a whole as indicated in the FSM. I just took it apart as I went. All the arms and hubs have been reconditioned, other than that it's all new, hardware as well.

Is there any advantage to assembling the suspension on the subframe then installing the completed assembly as called for in the FSM?

[Mike Collins]

I have done it both ways. It really does not matter. The easiest way is get it all sort of hand tight and then put the car on a four post and tighten all the suspension bolts with the load of car on the tires, otherwise you can bind the bushings, ect...

[Alberto]

I have done it both ways. It really does not matter. The easiest way is get it all sort of hand tight and then put the car on a four post and tighten all the suspension bolts with the load of car on the tires, otherwise you can bind the bushings, ect...

I've done it both ways too and agree that it doesn't matter. I painted my rear subframe off the car with a brush and some POR 15. I think spray works better than brush on the subframes fwiw.

I'm glad I didn't paint the front subframe since I have to replace it again...

[Keith Novak]

I've done the front but not the rear. Somewhere here, there's a thread about it.

With a bare subframe and a jack supporting the engine, the subframe is light enough that you don't really need a second jack to lift it into position if you placed the first jack somewhere inconvinient.

[dstevens]

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. A big +1 on the POR 15. I'm using it on the internal dash frame as it's mega rusted and with as much time as I have in the blast cab just cleaning the suspension and other parts, I'm included not to blast any more than I have to at this point. I've knocked it off the sub frames, rear was the worst, front didn't really have any. Probably all that oil from the leak saved it and it looks like it was another junk yard piece. Looks like I'm the poster child for getting a cheap donor and having it soak up not so much cash, but time. And that's with me having a pretty good assortment of tools. I don't regret it as I haven't spent a bunch of extra cash, but the time sink has been killer. With a clean donor I'd be a few grand more out of pocket but the car would be done by now.