Subframe questions

[Shawn_of_the_Dead]

I have a spare subframe...well, entire rearend actually. I wanna dissassemble all of it, get the subframe powdercoated, install alum. bushings from SPL and then stick it in place of my old wearing subframe. I have a few questions.

1. Should I buy my rear suspenion pieces and install all on subframe, then put entire rear in car, or just put em in their piece by piece?

2. If I get the Alum. spacers...do I still need anything else or is this a total replacement for the rubber bushings?

3. It is easier to burn out the stock bushings right? Will any type of torch work, or is one method easier/quicker/hotter?

4. Is there anything else I should do while I have the stock subframe out, other than slap in a LSD?

5. How much does the friggin subframe weigh when stripped down to nothing? I have to ship it to TRG to get it powdered. Just wanted an idea of shipping weight.

I know some questions are injected full of newb juice...thanks for any help.

I figure I will do as much as possible all at once to it, so any feedback will be appreciated. I think I am gonna powdercoat it in black chrome...maybe mirror black.

[dct223]

1) install all the arms and LCA's and the diff and then bolt on the subframe to car...

2) if you use the subframe collars/spacers... you need to use them in addition to some sort of bushing...you indicated that you got the replacement alum bushings.. so u just press out/torch out old ones and press in alum ones in...

3) those propane torches work well that they sell at ACE or what not...

4) um... u could clean the bottom of your car?? or replace all your rear suspension rods while u have it out????

5) subframe stripped to nothing is not TOO heavy.. you can lift it on your own.. i never weighed it when i replaced mine...


also... get an alignment right after u put on your new suspension arms... alignment is going to be super whack.

[the head]

weight will probably not be as big of an issue as size on shipping the subframe but for weight i would say 60 ish totally stripped I can move a fully assembeled one myself with little strain so i am guessing the assembeled would be between 1 and 150

[projectRDM]

45-50 lbs, it's not bad. UPS will ship them unboxed, just tape the label to it somewhere.

With it out you can undercoat the floorboard above it, Nissan doesn't do it since the car is fully assembled when undercoated.

[Jonnie Fraz]

Nice...My buddy has an extra rear end as well I am trying to talk him into powdercoating the parts. Mirrior black is an awesome color, make sure they double coat it though, it is very transparant.

[Shawn_of_the_Dead]

alright guys thanks for the suggestions and ideas. I will keep you posted when I get it finished and in place. Need to see about getting a Weld Loc'd V3 too...something else heavy to ship...haha..oh well, I can't wait!

[Shawn_of_the_Dead]

bah...double post...sorry guys.

[davys13sylvia]

i just did the alum bushings in my subframe i just sandblasted it and then painted it when i installed them i had them sit in the freezer like spl suggested i also heated the subframe with a torch and then imediatly put in the bushing. it wasnt hard but kinda getting the subframe in found that without the give of the rubber bushings it takes a bit to get it lined up nicely but other then that i look forward to seeing how well they perform