Dropping the sub frame

**apierce1289** · 05-08-2013

Okay so I'm doing my passenger side front brake line and I have sd headers which is probably why I'm having trouble with clearance with the new brake line I want to be able to drop the subframe a few inches so that way I can wiggle the new one up in there and do it correctly. What's the easiest way to drop the subframe on the car? I do not want to disconnect the exhaust if I don't have to all I need is a couple inches for clearance above the downpipe. When I stick my hand up in there I've got like half an inch for clearance which doesn't seem like very much.

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**BillBoost37** · 05-08-2013

Jack and support the car by it's drip edge (aka where the manual says to jack it from)
Put a board across the subframe (I prefer a 4x4) in the back with jack under it.
Remove the two 18mm bolts at the rear of the subframe.
Lower it 2 inches.
The only thing that can happen by doing this is the steering linkage coudl come undone. It's usually nto an issue with 2 inches or less. Heck..I've got nearly 3-4 before.

**AjL227** · 05-08-2013

^ What Bill said.
Here is how I did it.
I was installing cradle spacers/junkyard trans.
Mind you my cradle was a lot lighter being unloaded and all.
Prior to the spacer install, I let it hang off the front two bolts.

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**91parkave** · 05-08-2013

What these guys said....but if you need more room just unbolt the steering rack from the subframe via 18 mm bolts x2 use a bungee cord to hold the outer tie rods to the body and you can do what you need to do then

**dsmuts** · 05-08-2013

I just grab the impact and run one bolt out and the put it back in a few threads the take the other one out and do the same thing

**h0wl0ngcanitbe** · 06-24-2013

How far (inches) can you drop the subframe without unbolting the steering rack?

**Scottydoggs** · 06-24-2013

your safe in the 2 two 3 inch range, if you leave the bolts in, hold the frame up with a jack, then back the bolts to the end, then lower the jack to the bolts. but dont let it hang on the bolts, let the jack hold it up.

**h0wl0ngcanitbe** · 06-25-2013

Ive got it out about 2-3" is that about as far as it should go for safety?

**Scottydoggs** · 06-25-2013

i wouldn't go much further.

**mkyota1** · 06-26-2013

Originally Posted by h0wl0ngcanitbe

Ive got it out about 2-3" is that about as far as it should go for safety?

Im not sure exactly how far I dropped it when installing my cam but I know it was more than 2-3". Just take it slow and only go far enough to get done what you need to do.