PF / FL Subframe Differences?
 

Have got the opportunity to get my hands on a pair of good subframes, only potential issue being that they are from a Pre-Facelift whereas my 3.7QS is a 2000 Facelift.

I'd be transplanting all of my own components over onto the new frames - any idea anyone if the PF subframes will fit okay. Any small or any significant differences anyone is aware of please?

Thanks!

The front is the same apart from the mounting holes for the subframe brace between the gearbox mounts which the FL has.

The PF rear subframe is the same part as the FL A8 which will be fine for you.

Thank you!

Is it possible to simply drill the holes for the 'subframe brace between the gearbox mounts' you mention?

Yeah you could do. There are welded nuts on the FL version which you could either replicate or just use a nut & bolt, although access would be tricky since they are behind the gearbox mounts.

Have done a bit of looking into this. But can't quite picture it all. Is this the brace/support of which you speak?

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1617042741

And in the exploded diagram:

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1617042741

If I am right, I can't picture what holes might be missing on the subframe. Which means I'm looking at it wrong, of course. To me it appears that the rearmost 3 holes must go into the bodyshell/floorpan, the middle large one must be there for the main mounting bolt through the rear bush and the frontmost 2 (bolts #42) are part of the brace itself.

Can you correct my vision, please? :o

Just trying to judge the difference in jobs between tarting up a rusty FL subframe vs drilling and welding a PF.

Part 43. The captive nuts are hidden between the gearbox mount (4) and the subframe, in the flange where #5 goes

"Encyclopaedia MikkiJaynnica"....:D

That's making much more sense now, thanks. So, this brace (fotunately available at Audi Tradition for just £40 for a bit of bi-colour metal should you ever need such a piece of bi-colour metal :mad:):

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1617055359

With the subframe off the car it should be fairly straightforward to remove the existing brace from the car, line it up on the PF one, drill the holes and weld the new captive nuts on the upperside behind the gearbox mount?

Yes +++

Excellent, thanks!

Now trying to persuade the seller that he can 'post' them to me. (His usual courier has said 'no chance')

Eyeballing them, I reckon the pair could fit on a 100cm x 120cm standard pallet and be about 50-60cm high. Total weight <75kg I reckon.

Any thoughts?

Yeah they should fit on a standard pallet no problem.

Thanks.

Appreciate your confirmation that they'll fit on a standard pallet. Means I can keep badgering him knowing that I'm not wrong :)

A bit annoying trying to persuade someone to take your money!

You could arrange the pickup yourself, as long as the seller secures them onto a pallet. Inter UK shipping of a pallet could come in under £50

When I was looking to ship a small pallet it was over £100 including £20 for the pallet itself.

Depending on locations, worth trying Shiply. Last year I got a huge (1100x2100mm) bath collected and delivered form Essex to Manchester. It wasn't packaged and they carried it up two flights of stairs on delivery for a very reasonable sum +++

When I bought my front subframe from prestige, i paid 52.99 shipped! no idea how they can do it so cheap.

I've shipped a lot of single pallets all over the UK. You just need the right carrier. I found the independent local companies best, they work together with other companies and between them they can get things pretty much anywhere.
£20 for a pallet LOL

I think my subframe was even less than that, from memory. I asked them how they manage to do this and make a profit, & it was down to the deal they have with their carrier (Royal Mail, I think) - volume discounts, etc, etc - so a bit like Nick/Tonupkid said.

Appreciate the suggestions, folks. Thanks!