Question on dropping a subframe

[amblerman]

Hi Folks,

I am about to drop a subframe on a 1998 s70 manual non-turbo parts car.

I looked for a procedure on how to completely drop a subframe but I couldn't find one (I plan on writing up what I do and post it). There are lots of posts about replacing the bushings but in those posts, the subframe is not completely removed.
I also found tutorials about removing the engine and transmission but those pulled them from the top.

I have a few questions about removing a subframe completely. First off, why am I doing this? My 1999 s70 was involved in a minor accident that tweaked my frame so I need to replace it.

I want to remove the frame from the 1998 s70 and put it in my 1999 s70. Both are manuals although I don't think that matters.

Today I went under the donor car and tried to loosen all the bolts that I think I need to remove. Amazingly I was able to do that. I loosened them and then tightened them up. I wanted to try this so I didn't struggle with any bolts when I do the job for real.

Here's my main question. What exactly do I have to remove. My current plan is below. Please review it and correct me where I go astray.

1) support engine and transmission from top.
2) support steering rack from above.
3) unbolt steering rack from frame (5 bolts I think) but do not disconnect steering rack in donor car because I don't need it right away.
4) unbolt any engine/transmission mounts from frame. Engine is supported but I may have to jack up slightly to remove weight.
5) undo control arms at wheel hub only. I'm thinking I can leave them on subframe for time being.
6) undo sway bar linkage from strut but leave connected to sway bar.

7) With jacks supporting subframe, remove 4 bolts + mounting plates so subframe will be free from body.... then lower.

I'm trying to think about what else might be connected to frame but I'm not sure what it would be. I've looked at diagrams of the subframe and the above seem to be the only things bolted to it.

Am I missing something? If I'm not, I plan to do the same procedure to my good s70 with the hopes of just raising the good frame and bolting everything back on.

Any issue with this plan?

Thanks

Andy

[SuperHerman]

I have not done this on your car, but on a couple other Volvos. The basics were all the same. If I recall correctly you will have a wiring harness that is near the radiator with one or two mounting points. You will also have some PS lines and another line that are in plastic clips and one or two may be held on with a clip/bolt. The transmission lines may also be secured to the subframe and/or they are the ones that go into the plastic clips. I also recall a grounding strap or two. I am not sure if the steering column comes into play, but if it does you will have to disconnect this.

You are on the right track. Just do everything really slow when you start to lower the subframe checking for anything you missed or to make sure one of the lines is not getting caught up. I would hang the engine, get the chains a little past tight and support the transmission (just in case). Then work the subframe bolts in a manner that keeps the cradle dropping at an equal rate so you can look for anything you missed.

[tryingbe]

I left the steering rack with the sub frame.

[amblerman]

Tryingbe.

In your case that makes sense since you removed the whole engine/transmission. Leaving the steering rack on the subframe means you didn't have to break any connections at the steering rack when you moved the engine and subframe together.

In my case I want the subframe only so if I left the rack on the frame, I'd have to break the steering fluid connections at the rack .

At least that's how I am currently thinking things through....

Andy

[abscate]

[*]Andy - Pm sent. confirm email via PM or return email so I can send you some help.

[amblerman]

Abscate, I never saw a PM from you but I did just send you one.

-A

[abscate]

I think I sent EM instead. Will respond