Sway bar bushing/subframe

[bobinkski]

I am trying to replace the sway bar bushing on my 96, 3.8. The drivers side I tried to lower the subframe and only was able to move it about a 1/2 inch, what do I need to do to lower it more? The pass. side I replaced and didnt need to lower the subframe. On the drivers side as I was loosening the subframe bolt it started to spin. I looked up over the frame with a mirror and found the odd shape nut, and it was spinning with the bolt, so I took a "c" clamp and clamped the flange on the nut and was able to remove it, but unable to lower the subframe. Any help.

[mark_gober]

This is a pretty straight forward deal. I'd put a jack under the subframe on the side that you need to replace. Elevate the jack to make contact with the subframe. Loosen both of the rear bolts on the subframe and slowly lower the jack. If that doesn't get it far enough, you could jack it back up and then loosen the front bolts and then re-lower the rear of the subframe. The subframe is only held in place by the four bolts. It should be pretty easy. Keep me posted.

Mark

P.S. I HATE that changing the rack/pinion and the sway bar bushings on these cars because of the stupid location.

[bobinkski]

I only tried the one side, drivers side. I need to remove both left and right sides together and then lower the sub? I really dont what to do both but it sounds like I have to. Thanks.

[mark_gober]

Originally Posted by bobinkski

I only tried the one side, drivers side. I need to remove both left and right sides together and then lower the sub? I really dont what to do both but it sounds like I have to. Thanks.

You'll get much more clearance by removing both of the rears at the same time. It's a piece of cake if you have a hydraulic floor jack. Don't remove all four, just both the left and right rear bolts. As long as you keep the fronts in place, you shouldn't have to worry about your alignment.

Good luck.

Mark