ok, so i have dropped the subframe.

i had to drop it nearly all the way down undo bottom suspension to get the old one out, i'm finding it really hard to line it all back up again & jack it into place.

i cant get them U bolts back in either.

it is just sitting on Jacks at the moment is there a trick to lining it all up?

just lots of Mucking about?

is there a how to with few tricks to it?

maybe i'm doing it the hard way?

get the steering wheel lug in through the firewall first, then attack the U bolts, they can be a bitch to get in, but with some manouvering youll get it, a second pair of hands to nip them off on the inside can help heaps.

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Aussie Leyland, Aussie Factory, Aussie Mini S.

yeh i have been trying to do this myself.

been a real pain, i just can't line anything up one side up one down lol.

just a real pain.

The u-bolts get distorted through the rigors of pulling the rack out with the subframe still in. They are very easy to bend.

Trial fit the u-bolts from inside the cabin first pushing them through the holes and bending them to suit until they offer no resistance. Then have another go.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

ok i cant line up the top 4 bolts ( Top 2each side) where the fire wall is.

the frame seems to be sitting maybe a smidge forward?

could i use a screwdriver and maybe wiggle i around a tiny bit to line it up?

You might need to loosen off the front mounting bolts to give yourself some room to move. Once the top four have taken to the threads, you can tighten them back up.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Use a big screwdriver or a small pinch bar beyween the towers and the inner guard and pry the towers around. Leave all the other bolts loose until you get these 4 started.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

i have taken all the bolts off so i drop the jacks it drops lower etc.

the subfarme is just sitting on jacks at the moment.

but it has moved i cant seem to jack it back into place but yes having problems with the UBOLTS also.

seems really fiddly, might need to get a mate over to help me.

I had the same trouble with the u bolts.
Put them in a vice and squash the bolt ends together
without damaging the thread.
Keep trying to fit them as Mick said until they fall in.
They do have a tendency to spring apart.
As for the subframe you will need 2 people to help align the bolts
Felix

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1967 Morris mini Deluxe
1968 Buick Riviera
1979 HZ Kingswood
1979 CM Valiant
1982 Jaguar XJ6 series 3
2002 VX HSV
2013 Mazda 6
2018 Gt Mustang

Make sure the front 2 bolts are in first, and not tight.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Took me several goes - getting frustrated - I had made my own dust/moisture seal washer to go over the steering spline bit and it was a bit thick so the U bolt wasn't going in far enough. Switch my attention to the passenger side - got that in which then held up the rack and then the drivers side just slipped in. _ You have got the seal washer bit that goes around the stearing spline between the rack and the body haven't you

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

I still use the stubby cooler I cut mine out from. It just has a round hole in it

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I cut a slice off one of those swimming pool spagetti floaties and drilled a hole in it The packing pieces in a stack of CD/DVDs is just the right size if you can find one thick enough (needs to be approx 1/2")

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

yeh! i bought one with the rack

got it in, what a crap of a job.. easy but such a fiddle.

thanks for tips, helped me work it all out today