Thread: Changing Sub-Frame

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  1. #1 Changing Sub-Frame 
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    I need to change the sub-frame (cradle) in a 2008 Grand Prix I bought wrecked. I have a parts car that i can't get into the shop on the hoist that I am using for a replacement. I need to do it in the driveway on the ground like I used to. Any tips? Been awhile since I have had one all the way out without a hoist. Other posts make it sound like it isn't difficult but wanted to be sure what I was jumping into before i get started.
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  2. #2 Re: Changing Sub-Frame 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Pop the balljoints, unbolt the rack from the sub, chain the drivetrain up top, undo the motor mounts and out it comes.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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  3. #3 Re: Changing Sub-Frame 
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    Can i put the rack bolts back in from the motor side? Originally they come out through the back, had to unbolt the sway bar to get them out to drop the cradle. Thinking if i run them from the motor side i can bolt up the sway bar before installing the new cradle.
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  4. #4 Re: Changing Sub-Frame 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    You can't do the driverside, based on the trans being in the way. If you unbolt the endlinks, you can do the bolts w/o a problem.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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  5. #5 Re: Changing Sub-Frame 
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    If the donors rack, wheel bearings and spindles are good why not just swap as an assembly?
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  6. #6 Re: Changing Sub-Frame 
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    Unfortunately, the donor car has 220,000 miles and mine has 86,000. I don't want to trust wear parts with that many miles. I just unbolted the ends of the sway bar, pushed it to the side and popped the bolts out, just looking for any shortcuts I can find. Reusing my ball joints, lower control arms, motor mounts and sway bar.
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  7. #7 Re: Changing Sub-Frame 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Tricks I've found.

    You can do the sway bushing bolts on the passenger side in the car from above with the coolant tank out of the way and a 30" extension and swivel socket.
    Undoing the sway end links allows you to pull the ps rack bolts
    Balljoints, control arm and sway bar replacement is always easier when the subframe is out of the car.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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