Dropped my subframe too far!!!

[Star711]

Long story short, I hamfistedly dropped the height of the floor jack supporting the subframe all the way during the installation of the front bushing of the Steeda differential bushings inserts. Fortunately, the rear subframe bolts were still secured and I had managed to fasten the front differential bolt on the passenger side. However, I still have to install the front differential bolt on the drivers side and it's not lining up with the front of the subframe being all the way down. At this point, I just want to raise the subframe back to its normal height so I can install the front subframe bolts and the subframe support bracket. Do I just need to lift the subframe with the floor jack to do this?

Thanks.

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[jbailer]

Yes and you may have to muscle it around a bit to get it lined up, don't force the bolt, just be patient and get it lined up right. Make sure the other bolts aren't tight as you align it.

 

[Star711]

So just loosen the rear subframe bolts before lifting the subframe or do I also need to loosen the passenger side front differential bolt too?

Yes and you may have to muscle it around a bit to get it lined up, don't force the bolt, just be patient and get it lined up right. Make sure the other bolts aren't tight as you align it.

 

[jbailer]

So just loosen the rear subframe bolts before lifting the subframe or do I also need to loosen the passenger side front differential bolt too?

If it isn't aligned, I found it easier to have all of them loose to get it aligned. Use the jack to raise and support the front, rears just a little loose so it can move.

 

[Star711]

If it isn't aligned, I found it easier to have all of them loose to get it aligned. Use the jack to raise and support the front, rears just a little loose so it can move.

Will give it a try. Thanks

 

[Doctor Fishtail]

Yes and you may have to muscle it around a bit to get it lined up, don't force the bolt, just be patient and get it lined up right. Make sure the other bolts aren't tight as you align it.

^^^This^^^ You will need a pry bar.

 

[Chameleon]

If you don't have Hulk strength, yes jack it up.

 

[ManBearPig]

It took me much more effort than I care to admit getting the subframe lined up and bolted in with the Steeda inserts. I had to get creative with several jacks, a ratchet strap, and a pry bar. If at all possible, get the front bolts in before the rear. The rear of the subframe has an alignment hole in it and there is a matching hole in the body you can use to align the cradle. Much easier to move the rear of the cradle around than it is the front.

 

[Star711]

The good news is I managed to get the subframe back aligned (sort of). The bad news is, the reason the front differential bolt on the driver side would not go in is that the bushing is threaded and it's probably beyond tapping. I didn't think I tried to force it in but I guess I may have Hulk strength after all (maybe removing the original bolt after the subframe dropped caused it). Anyways lesson learned. Now to order a replacement bushing. Be careful guys.

 

[IvanCRF]

The good news is I managed to get the subframe back aligned (sort of). The bad news is, the reason the front differential bolt on the driver side would not go in is that the bushing is threaded and it's probably beyond tapping. I didn't think I tried to force it in but I guess I may have Hulk strength after all (maybe removing the original bolt after the subframe dropped caused it). Anyways lesson learned. Now to order a replacement bushing. Be careful guys.

I don't believe Ford sells replacement bushings, but the entire subframe with bushings already installed. Ford Racing sells solid aluminum bushings. I guess you could consider pressing in BMR differential bushings as well.

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