Sub-Frame WIN! :( "custom"! new pics, can someone explain?! Options

[mgnt232]

Soo i decided to replace my almost shot subframe today with the one I bought from Jims 95 ST (mines a 94, but i didnt think it would mattterrrr )

So every single! bolt lines up fine, with the exception of 2....fairly important bolts
The bolt on the top, to hold the rack and pinion in place do not line up. I measured with a piece of string (after I spent many rust filled hours in the hot sun, and took out and put in the new one) and discovered (pic shows details) that the new k-frame is bout 1 1/2" - 2" longer than my original. They are generally in the same place, like if my rack was 2 inches longer it would work perfect...but its not

I think I have an idea, as I am just going to get a piece of metal (like 1/4" thick) and cut it to be able to extend the piece the steering bolts to. Then drill out holes to bolt to the holes on it now, and drill out holes to where the rack can actually bolt on. I feel like if i get it sturdy it should be fine, as it just has to hold it in place. And once its in I will bring it to my uncles to try and weld the extended pieces on there, so my steering doesnt just break

Why would this be though? i just 100% do not understand, is the steering from a 94 really that much different than a 95? I mean my engine is from a 95! Keep in mind absolutely every other bolt is, on and perfectly fine...

any thoughts would be great as i have given up for the day (took me alone like 8 hourrrsssss, mainly cause i didt really know what i was doing) .
ugh this suckkkss..



This post has been edited by mgnt232: Aug 2, 2010 - 7:31 PM

[njccmd2002]

Well for one point, i will say wow, for such amazing dedication. thats how we learn. I remember when i swapped, i forgot to change the fuel filter before dropping the engine, as afterwards i sustained several cuts in 3 -4 hours because of less space, as the bolt was stuck.

you are comparing 2 different suspensions. superstrut and normal and RHD and LHD.

that may be the difference.

How good are your welding skills. Cant you transplant the pieces.

Which one is yours? the new one or the rusted one...

if you decide to keep yours, why not sandblast it and powdercoat it now that is outside.

remember that simply adding plates, may just not be safe. But it all depends on your skills.

[Spider77]

Yeah, its hard to tell form the pics (as the are at diff angles) but the "clean" one does look slightly different than the rusty one. But then again that could just be the pics. What are the exact differences?

[mgnt232]

yeah sorry bout the pic i just snapped it quick when I got the old rusted one (you cant see the bottom, its litterally not there, like at least a 6x4" hole and many cracks right through).
The only bolts that are not the same are those where the rack goes, but after 2 more hours of work last night I got the drivers side in, and bolted it Very tight, and the steering works (its still on jacks) but the other (passengers side) is still about 2" too long, but I have some confidence in making a metal piece, as it only has to keep it in place ya know, there is no real "support" of that bolt as long as the other is in there well

The frame came off of Jim's car originally ya know thats why i figured it's be the same

Pic of old one- (the very rusted through piece fell out and the other side cracked through just from moving it out of the way lol)

[njccmd2002]

you left the finger there... ha ha.

yes i agree that support is messed up.

swap the colums from one support to the other...

[mgnt232]

right! its messed up, i was gonna take off the brackets and get them welded closer together, but I am going to make put some extensions first, instead of taking the whole thing out again (ive lost ambition for today at least lol) wish me luck ill post up if i finish the extensions today

[mgnt232]

WOO got it to work, heres some pics its the first thing ive ever done like this, and i dont have a welder so i think it turned out pretty good, only went around the parkinglot a few times, but it helld together and steered great

Pics are a little confusing, tried to take from a bunch of different angles

[njccmd2002]

make sure, you put loctite or something to keep those screws in there tight.

[mgnt232]

I actually just found my loctite like 2 mins ago (it was all hiding under my old rear seats lol) but yeah theres lock washers on there too, so i dont think its goin any where
sooooooooo happy it freakin worked lol, can not STAND not being able to drive! just gotta bolt the sway bar on, and its all done

[Spider77]

If your going to use loctite, prime it first! It'll help it hold alot better (sat through a whole presentation from loctite). I guess welding the brackets over would of been the optimal solution, but way to get creative and make it work.

[mgnt232]

i wish i read that before lol, i sat through a presentation at school a couple years ago, and now i remember that lol.

But the whole idea has worked. Stared driving around my parking lot first, then on a 30mph twisty road (was sooooooo nervous lol) but then onto a 55mph curvy road and she handles pretty well. I think it may turn one way easier? but nothing too noticeable.

Oh and....my steering wheel (wheels straight) lol

[Spider77]

Wow, gotta fix that!

[lagos]

Why would this be though? i just 100% do not understand, is the steering from a 94 really that much different than a 95? I mean my engine is from a 95! Keep in mind absolutely every other bolt is, on and perfectly fine...

I work for the parts department at a toyota dealerhsip and I can tell you that there are MANY part revisions that happen from production year to production year within the same generation of a car.

[mgnt232]

haha i see that now , but my idea worked just need to figure out how to get the wheel straight... although i should really just get an alignment now lol

[HectortheRican]

HOLY *** DUDE!!! hahaha. But very resourceful on the fix, nice!

[mgnt232]

haha yeah its a little annoying but at least my frame wont fall out any more