Sub frame

[B@fink]

Anyone got any handy dandy tips for dropping a front sub frame on a 2.8 without removing the engine? Would an engine support bar be sufficient to hold everything up whilst I drop the big metal bit?

[MikkiJayne]

On most cars you would use an engine support beam across the inner wings, but unfortunately that isn't suitable for the D2 as the inner wings have very little structure and can't support the weight of the engine. There is actually a special support bar which goes between the suspension top mounts, but I've never seen or used one.

I've done the subframe from underneath instead using a couple of transmission jacks - one under the sump, and one under the gearbox which worked fine. If you're working on the ground, a couple of axle stands and a piece of wood under the sump, and a 3rd under the tail of the gearbox would also do the job.

[B@fink]

No to the support bar option then! Thanks for confirming. Lots of axle stands under the heavy bit and cross my fingers then. I’m hoping the bolts are reusable, is the torque required beyond the strength of a mortal like the hub nuts?

[MikkiJayne]

The bolts are supposedly one-use but I only learned that recently I do them to 2-3 white knuckles with the breaker bar.