The Japanese really do build their subframes like they anticipate them surviving a war, even if the rest of the car doesn't. Got to respect their efforts to ensure reliability.
Diff and hub carriers are raw metal and were not painted when stock, so seemed a little pointless to strip & paint. Not going for perfection, I want it to be usable without worrying about keeping it immaculate.
Glad I found your video! Assembling the control arms and subframe then lifting to install didn't cross my mind haha (i'll still put the diff in after since im waiting on parts) :) Good video!
I tend to go with the good-n-tight rule of thumb for torque, unless it's something with a really high torque rating (like hub nuts or crank bolts) or a really low torque rating (like valve cover bolts)
Re: using Persil is great as a lubricant for the installing bushes but it contains salts (for cleaning purposes). Probably best using another form of lube given this will be in direct contact with bare metal once wirebrushed.
Thanks I really enjoyed watching. I though I might to have given this a try but it is beyond by reach for now. Could you have taken off the rear sub frame in one like you put it back on ??
Thanks Graham. If the subframe rusts, it can start casing structural issues after a while, but if the diff rusts, it makes no difference. Paint would flake off after a while, so I don't see the point.
@@Jazda for sure your videos will be helpfull on some points :) And so will be my 950nm impact gun for working on the suspension 😅 Can't wait to see your v6 miata running.
@@paulaner4514 You got a DeWalt DCF899? Same torque rating so I imagine so. I got one two and was just thinking how great it'd be for (most of) the removal of many of these bolts.
@@leejk3926 Yes that's the one i have ! I just bought it at the time of my previous comment, and so far nothing never got stronger than it on any of the work i've done in my cars ;) Very good impact gun
Great video. I am just about to get started in my 91. I have read that the wishbones etc must be torqued with the car on its wheels when using rubber bushings (oem or MS) did you do this?
Very informative video can I ask what's the best way to set up the suspension arm when you put them back on ? Before I can drive it to get the tracking done thanks Alastair
Just take note of where the camber bolts and track rod ends are set up before you take everything off, and put it back the same. That way you won't be far off and it'll be safe to drive to an alignment shop.
As far as I remember, I paid €500 for a full set of powder coated wishbones (x8), rear subframe (I didn't need the front sunframe), 2 anti roll bars, 4 new balljoints, and most of the bolts required to fit (newly anodised)
Did you buy the reconditioned subframe parts as a kit, or send someone a set of bits you collected yourself to be done? Would you mind saying who did the reconditioning please?
I thought it was odd that you bothered to get all the wishbones and subframes blasted and painted and didn't even bother giving the half-shafts and diff a quick spray paint. It would have really complimented the job, could have been done while waiting for the parts. Also missed opportunity to underseal the car without the subframe there. Anyway, excited to see the end result.
I guess I was more interested in sprucing up the parts that can get rusted through and causing structural problems. The diff, halfshafts and uprights can get as rusty/grubby as they want and will always be strong.
Thanks for the great vids on your project. Have you considered or talked to others about what diff ratio might best suit the AJ30? Presume that’s an LSD or one is planned ;). Cheers from Oz
I upgraded my open diff to a torsen LSD a couple of years ago, so using this with the V6. I checked with Bruce at Rocketeer that it would be OK, and he gave me the go ahead. I guess I won't know for sure until it's back on the road!
I took my time and enjoyed the process, so wasn't in a rush. I also changed all the bushings, so it would depend what exactly you're changing. If you just removing and refitting, it would only take half a day I guess.
@@Jazda Thanks, I just bought a mk3 with the big ends gone so need to rebuild the engine but when I got it on a ramp the front and rear subframe are badly rusted and can’t find anywhere online that you can buy replacements.
Priorities I guess. Rusty subframes or suspension arms will eventually cause issues if you leave them rot long enough, but corrosion on the outside of the diff casing doesn't cause problems. The coilovers are only a year or 2 old so just gave the anodised surfaces a reoil to keep them clean.