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Subframe/engine removal as one unit
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=91055
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Author:  Jenk [ Wed Nov 18, 2015 7:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Many years ago I owned a Clubman and at the time I wanted to replace the subframe and engine with that of a cooper, because I wanted disc brakes and cooper engine, I was able to remove two bolts from each strut tower and I think another four bolts from the underside of subframe which then enabled me to lift the car away from the subframe and engine in one complete unit. Question is I now need to do the same to my deluxe, so is it possible to lift the car away from the subframe/engine of the older cars as one unit as I did with the Cluby all those years ago, I'm guessing yes but just want to be sure??

cheers.

Author:  frednutz&co [ Wed Nov 18, 2015 7:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

don't forget the 2 bolts at the front
also make sure the car is level as the sub frame needs to come out square .
as they will jam and cause all sorts of bad words to come out :)

Author:  drmini in aust [ Wed Nov 18, 2015 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Being a Deluxe, you need to let the hydro down first. But yes, it comes out the same.

Author:  Jenk [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 6:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

thanks for the tip frednutz.

Doc how exactly do I let the hydro down is it just a matter or depressing the schrader and letting it ooze into something?

Author:  drmini in aust [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Jenk wrote:
thanks for the tip frednutz.

Doc how exactly do I let the hydro down is it just a matter or depressing the schrader and letting it ooze into something?


Yeah that's how I do it. I let it go on the driveway then hose it off. Not worth saving it, refill with fresh stuff.
Once the fluid is out, hydro suspension is easier to work on than rubber cones are.
I love my hydro. :mrgreen:

Author:  DavidE [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 9:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

frednutz&co wrote:
don't forget the 2 bolts at the front
also make sure the car is level as the sub frame needs to come out square .
as they will jam and cause all sorts of bad words to come out :)


Don't forget that you have to decide what to do with the steering rack. Either disconnect the rod ends to leave the rack in position or undo the u-bolts and the steering column to have the rack accompany the subframe.

Cheers

Author:  simon k [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 11:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

I've done it plenty of times, a jack under the front of the subframe keeps it straight, they're front heavy so it'll sit on there. Leave the wheels on it and you can push it out from under the car

DavidE wrote:
frednutz&co wrote:
don't forget the 2 bolts at the front
also make sure the car is level as the sub frame needs to come out square .
as they will jam and cause all sorts of bad words to come out :)


Don't forget that you have to decide what to do with the steering rack. Either disconnect the rod ends to leave the rack in position or undo the u-bolts and the steering column to have the rack accompany the subframe.

Cheers


good one - clean and reco the rack while it's accessible!

Author:  Jenk [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 12:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

drmini in aust wrote:
Jenk wrote:
thanks for the tip frednutz.

Doc how exactly do I let the hydro down is it just a matter or depressing the schrader and letting it ooze into something?


Yeah that's how I do it. I let it go on the driveway then hose it off. Not worth saving it, refill with fresh stuff.
Once the fluid is out, hydro suspension is easier to work on than rubber cones are.
I love my hydro. :mrgreen:


Thanks Doc, I was looking to get rid of the hydro set up and go with coil overs set up... maybe, im undecided we'll see what happens once I have it out.

Author:  Jenk [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Thanks DavidE... good point

Will do SimonK... thanks

Just need to find me a Rotisserie now... I thought about making one but I cant weld, don't know why I was thinking that :?

Author:  DavidE [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 1:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Jenk wrote:
Thanks DavidE... good point

Will do SimonK... thanks

Just need to find me a Rotisserie now... I thought about making one but I cant weld, don't know why I was thinking that :?


I should have said that if you do remove the steering rack with the subframe, from my experience if is far easier to put it back in advance of the subframe (separated at the rod ends).

Cheers

Author:  simon k [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Jenk wrote:
I thought about making one but I cant weld, don't know why I was thinking that :?


1/ great way to learn
2/ nothing to stop you bolting one together

Author:  Alj [ Thu Nov 19, 2015 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Not that hard to make one. Here one I'm almost finished. Made from two engine stands and a few solid lengths of box.

Image
Image
Image

Author:  Jenk [ Fri Nov 20, 2015 4:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Thanks Alj, your obviously handy with a welder mate... care to knock one up for me too :)

Author:  MiniBrad [ Sat Nov 21, 2015 11:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

Jenk wrote:

Just need to find me a Rotisserie now... I thought about making one but I cant weld, don't know why I was thinking that :?


Or you could use a pallet with castor wheels attached to move the body around & if you are in the early stages of restoration you could get some old tyres & tip the bare shell on its side resting on the tyres so you don't damage anything?

Cheers Brad

Author:  Jenk [ Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Subframe/engine removal as one unit

MiniBrad wrote:
Jenk wrote:

Just need to find me a Rotisserie now... I thought about making one but I cant weld, don't know why I was thinking that :?


Or you could use a pallet with castor wheels attached to move the body around & if you are in the early stages of restoration you could get some old tyres & tip the bare shell on its side resting on the tyres so you don't damage anything?

Cheers Brad


Thanks Brad I did consider that, This is what I might have to do as a last resort.
cheers

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