Things to do with subframe out

[sleepinsilvia23]

I will be dropping the subframe this weekend to have my differential welded, while the subframe is out of the car is there any bushings that should be replaced or anything else? I have urethane spacers on the way but i was thinking while the subframe was out i could replace the bushings themselves. If you recommend replacing these bushings, what are the exact names or part numbers so i can order them.

Thank you very much

[drftwerks]

solid aluminum moiunts, new arms, powder coat.

[Nikeboy355]

Here is my thread on SPL solid aluminum bushings... I highly recommend it...

http://forums.freshalloy.com/showthread.php?t=160757

[sleepinsilvia23]

I remember reading that thread on FA awhile back and i remember wanting to do that. Im not bitching or nothing and you always hear this "I DD my car" but what do u think about the ride, cuz i didnt see a conclusive answer from you in that thread on how the overall ride was, performance and daily drive opinions.
Thanks

[drftwerks]

best thing i did to my s13, dd and everything, worth it mos def.

[Sir]

you're willing to weld a diff on a daily but cant handle manly sounds of solid bushings?

I swapped in solid subframe and diff bushings. Next is painting the subframe (once weather gets warm) as well as upgrade to Z32 uprights (thanks Russ) and throw some adjustable links on rear. Should get the bigger pan for the 2way, but you're probably not too concerned with that.

[!Zar!]

Uhh. You aren't driving a FC... You don't need to drop your subframe to take the diff out.

But if you insist, burn out the old bushings and install solid alum bushings.

Since you live in the PA, you should thoroughly clean and repaint the subframe to prevent rusting.

[drftwerks]

powderfuckingcoat

[!Zar!]

Originally Posted by drftwerks

powderfuckingcoat

I'll powder coat you with my skeet!

[drftwerks]

score, i was wondering what color i wanted, now its official, man juice whiteish

[drftwerks]

[WagDatto]

Haha, from what I've heard, if you can tolerate a spooled diff, you can tolerate the solid bushings. Honestly, if you're looking for a comfy ride, buy yourself something else, the KA/SR is loud as it is.

Sand/strip the subframe if you have it out, repaint or powdercoat it, do the bushings, weld the diff or get an LSD... You're set!

[CSil80]

Slightly off topic, but where is a good powder coating shop in Socal?
I'm dropping my subframe later this week as well and want it coated before raising it back.

[sleepinsilvia23]

No i can handle the noise, i already drive a sr'd s14 that makes lots of noise so i think im up to the test. I was just more curious then anything.
I will be ordering the solid subframe bushings and also be looking for differential bushings also.

Thanks for your guys help

[IIIXziuR]

You can also check for any rust spots while you have the rear sub-frame out.
Maybe even apply some roast preventive paint.

[shade]

Originally Posted by IIIXziuR

You can also check for any rust spots while you have the rear sub-frame out.
Maybe even apply some roast preventive paint.

^You made me hungry.

Check links, joints, grease, boots, bushings, retorque, diff fluid, 5-lug(if not already), paint, aftermarket suspension parts, etc.

[IIIXziuR]

haha whoops** I mean rust preventive paint.

[breakindrifts]

Wait, why are you dropping the subframe to weld the diff?

[godzillarb]

Here's what I did with mine while it was out:

Before:


After:



I upgraded to solid bushings, tilt spacers, some stronger GTR stuff (axles, hubs, lsd), and 300zx-tt brakes.

The subframe was sanded and painted with some sort of rust-proof paint that I found laying around.

[Aeroscraper326]

Paint that shit pink.

[D1GP]

yes, do subframe bushings and either replace your rear arms or do poly bushings. you might wanna replace the rear ball joints if they are bad.

[Nikeboy355]

Originally Posted by sleepinsilvia23

I remember reading that thread on FA awhile back and i remember wanting to do that. Im not bitching or nothing and you always hear this "I DD my car" but what do u think about the ride, cuz i didnt see a conclusive answer from you in that thread on how the overall ride was, performance and daily drive opinions.
Thanks

I don't think it is even a concern on a daily driven car... It's not that big of a deal... Yes it transmits more noise and vibration into the chassis but only as much as your diff is creating...

When I had the welded diff I felt like the rear of the car was going to break at any time... And my car wasn't faster like that anyways (roadcourse events)...

An HLSD and solid aluminum subframe is the way to go... That coupled with good coilovers and good condition bushings/ball joints all around and the car will handle the road as good as any Porsche...

Spend some time aligning it and playing with the settings to get the car how you like it...

I setup my S13 for mild oversteer and will continue to setup my cars like that...

[fliprayzin240sx]

Whoa man are you gonna be in for a treat...solid bushings and welded diff...

You ever heard of a meat grinder? Thats what your rear ends gonna sound like, specially if you have a hatch...

[godzillarb]

I gotta admit, going to a 2way lsd and solid bushings... wow, I thought something was about to break. It's cool once you get used to it and realize the whole back end isn't going to fall off. The car performs better though, and that's what counts.