t-fitting above the rear subframe

[Ceeker]

ok. I've done this job before but for some reason it seemed easier on my 325is then it is going to be on my 87 vert.

Is there any other way besides busting my knuckles to remove that fitting more easily. Could I drop the sub frame partially to give me room to get in there. Or is the sub frame drop all or nothing issue?

[E30_fiend]

yes, you can partially drop the subframe to gain access. Thats what Ive always done. And youre right, the verts are harder than the coupes/sedans because of the added body and reinforcement.


Taylor

[jlevie]

As E30_fiend says, you can lower the subframe to gain access without dropping it all the way. Dismount the muffler, lower it almost as low as it wants to go, and support it with a jackstand or whatever. Then remove the subframe nuts and plates and see if you can pry the bushing sleeve out of the body. It being a northern car, the bushing sleeves may be corrosion locked in place. In which case you aren't going to get the subframe down.

[Ceeker]

As E30_fiend says, you can lower the subframe to gain access without dropping it all the way. Dismount the muffler, lower it almost as low as it wants to go, and support it with a jackstand or whatever. Then remove the subframe nuts and plates and see if you can pry the bushing sleeve out of the body. It being a northern car, the bushing sleeves may be corrosion locked in place. In which case you aren't going to get the subframe down.

oh you're right about that...I've seen many a car up here with problems getting the bushing to release let along the bolt out. Should be an interesting adventure. are you saying that even though I unbolt the subframe it still may not drop due to the seized subframe bushings? therefore pry down on it to try and get it loose? If I get that far wouldn't I just go one step further and replace the sub frame bushings?

Are the carrier bolts accessible without dropping the diff?

thanks for your help.

e.

[E30_fiend]

That's exactly what he's saying. They might be seized up in there. You might get lucky though. But a good pry on the subframe might just be enough. It's a longer procedure to replace the bushings too but its worth it.

And yes, the bolts are accessible with the diff still installed. They are in front of the rear wheels. They have two allen head bolts holding the plates to the body and one 22mm nut holding the plate to the subframe.


Taylor

[jlevie]

I forgot to mention that you have to remove the differential mount bolt to be able to lower the subframe.

[Ceeker]

thanks guys...now I just need to pick at day to tackle this!!

[quickervicar]

I had to deal with this last fall. Unfortunately, my T started leaking just 3 days after I rebuilt the whole rear end/subframe. Lots of cursing and PB Blaster and heat to get that bugger loose. At least the subframe dropped easily this time.