Changing the rear subframe/k frame YAY!

[CommodoreAdict]

Hi, I have purchased a VT clubby recently and after sticking my head under the back of her iv come accross some not so wanted expensive damage to the subframe!! 2 nice big cracks and a collapsed bush! anyways what i would like to know is:

1. Has anyone done this themselves and if so how long did it take you? any tips you can provide me with? ie, to remove bushes etc

and 2. what parts are needed? I already have a new camber kit to go in and will probably do the CV's whilst im at it.

I know its a big job as I was quoted well over $2k for the labour alone! but in saying that I am quite mechanically minded and able and have worked on commodores my whole life, just cant say iv ever had to do a subframe before!

any info would be much apreciated

[chargedvx6]

It's not as hard as it may seem to swap k frames. You are on the right track with replacing bushes as it's 10 times easier to unbolt the trailing arms off the frame n fit the bushes before fittong it all up to the car.

Throw a 4 point camber/ toe kit in it, subframe to body mount bushes, diff mount insert and sway bar link bushes if you can be assed.

Key points to this job are to renew the 2 subframe to body mount bolts as they are torque to yield and the highest torqued bolts on the whole car. 180N/m from memory plus some degrees too lol.

I'd just suggest to have a good long hard look at how it will unbolt as it all comes out before undoing the main bolts as it's quite heavy and could crush a leg if you get stick underneath. Once you suss it all will be plain sailing.

[Dayvo]

Have a look at this write up that was posted by glowworm . VY irs into a VT

[Sladdo]

Changed the K-frame in my VT cause it cracked & pulled the RH drive shaft out of the diff (click link in sig to see pics). I was surpised how it easy it was. Do you have access to a hoist & air tools? If so theres no reason why you & a couple of mates couldnt do it.

$2000 seems waayy to steep to me..perhaps your workshop hasnt done one before & is a bit skeptical?? I would suggest asking around workshops & get more quotes...or bring it to my work XD hahahaha

[CommodoreAdict]

Thanks for the replies guys,

After running it up on ramps and having a better look i do see that it shouldnt be too hard at all, just take a bit of time. I dont have a hoist but i do have all the gear needed ie. good rattle gun, impact sockets etc. does anyone know where i might be able to get torque settings from?

Just after a bit more info too:
how much should i strip it down before i drop the whole subframe?
do i just set the camber kit to 0 degrees to drive and get an alignment done?
Iv read i need to set up the 'diff float' anyone have specs or details on this? I will be putting in a new mount/bush

cheers in advance