dropping subframe

[Jakegday]

hello all. i just want to see if im understanding this correctly.... to remove the subframe, all i need to do is support the engine from above, remove the control arms, remove the 2 bolts on the bottom of the motor mount and 2 bolts on bottom of tranny mount, and then the 4 main bolts holding it to the body?

also, i understand it may not be necessary to remove the control arms. i simply have that in there for weight purposes...

 

[kfish]

just pop the ball joints out, and pop your tie rod ends out, and leave the control arms on. you'll also need to unbolt the steering rack from the cradle.

 

[Jakegday]

well ill have 0 assistance in removing this, so i thought i'd shed as much weight as possible.
how much does the subframe weigh, anyways?? would i even be able to do this by myself?

i did not consider the steering rack.... with in unbolted from the frame, is there something else support it from above, or will it want to come down with the frame?

 

[TheOtherNick]

It will hang from the steering shaft. When you lower the cradle just have a jack under one side and hold the other. They do not weigh too much.

 

[BlackGS]

Do you have a way to support the engine/trans from above? If not, this works great:
1000 Lb. Capacity Engine Support Bar

I run a wire from the engine support down around the steering shaft to keep it it place. There is also one or two screws you have to remove that hold the power steering lines to the cradle.

The cradle is not that heavy, but it helps to lower it easier with a jack or two. A rolling transmission jack works great. Put a big rug, like a moving rug, under the cradle, and after it is on the ground, you can drag it out from under the car with the rug.