Subframe Bushing

Complete replacement of front subframe mounting bushings to restore chassis rigidity and eliminate clunking or vibration from worn rubber isolators.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe mounting bushings (complete set) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog K6611 equivalent
• Subframe mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level concrete surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Apply penetrating oil to all subframe mounting bolt threads and allow to soak for 24 hours if possible
4. Raise front of vehicle and support frame rails securely on jack stands (do not support by suspension components)
5. Remove front wheels
6. Mark steering wheel center position with tape for alignment reference
7. Disconnect negative battery cable

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect steering shaft
   Locate the steering shaft coupler at the base of the steering column where it connects to the steering box input shaft. Mark the relative position of the coupler halves with paint or a scribe for reassembly alignment. Remove the coupler pinch bolt and slide the upper steering shaft upward off the steering box input shaft. Secure the shaft to prevent it from hanging on the column.
2. 2

   Disconnect drag link and tie rod ends
   Remove the cotter pins and castellated nuts from the drag link at the pitman arm and from both outer tie rod ends at the steering knuckles. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tapered connections. If reusing components, avoid damaging rubber boots.
3. 3

   Position subframe support
   Position a hydraulic transmission jack or heavy-duty floor jack directly under the center of the front subframe/crossmember. Raise the jack until it just makes contact with the subframe but does not support weight. Place a block of wood between the jack and subframe to distribute load and prevent damage.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side subframe mounting bolts
   Locate the 2 subframe mounting bolts on the passenger side of the vehicle connecting the subframe to the main frame rails. These are large bolts that pass through the rubber bushings. Using a breaker bar and socket, remove both passenger side mounting bolts completely. The subframe will now pivot on the driver side mounts, supported by the jack underneath.
5. 5

   Remove driver side subframe mounting bolts
   Locate the 2 subframe mounting bolts on the driver side. Slowly remove the front driver side bolt first, then carefully remove the rear driver side bolt while ensuring the subframe is fully supported by the jack below. As the final bolt is removed, carefully lower the jack to bring the subframe down approximately 6-8 inches, maintaining control at all times.
6. 6

   Remove old bushings from subframe
   With the subframe lowered and accessible, inspect the bushing mounting locations on the subframe ears. The old rubber bushings will be pressed into the subframe mounting points. Using a bushing press kit or appropriately sized sockets and a C-clamp, press the old bushings out of the subframe. If bushings are severely deteriorated, they may need to be cut out with a reciprocating saw or die grinder. Take care not to damage the subframe mounting holes.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings from frame mounts
   Inspect the mounting points on the main frame rails where the subframe attaches. If bushing sleeves or remnants remain bonded in the frame brackets, remove them using the same pressing or cutting technique. Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent to remove rust, old rubber, and debris.
8. 8

   Install new bushings in subframe
   Apply a light coating of dish soap or rubber lubricant (not petroleum-based) to the new bushings and mounting holes. Using the bushing press kit or C-clamp with appropriate sized sockets, press the new bushings squarely into all 4 subframe mounting points. Ensure bushings are fully seated and flush with the subframe ears. The metal sleeve should be centered in the rubber bushing.
9. 9

   Install new bushings in frame brackets
   If the design includes separate bushings in the frame-side brackets, install them now using the same pressing technique. Ensure all bushings are oriented correctly with any voids or flats aligned per manufacturer specifications.
10. 10

    Raise and align subframe
    Carefully raise the subframe using the jack, aligning the mounting holes with the frame rail brackets. This may require prying with a pry bar and adjusting the jack position. Align all 4 mounting points before installing any bolts. The steering box input shaft should align approximately with the steering column for proper geometry.
11. 11

    Install subframe mounting bolts
    Install all 4 subframe mounting bolts finger-tight, ensuring each bolt passes cleanly through the new bushings without forcing. Install washers as per original configuration. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a cross-pattern (front driver, rear passenger, rear driver, front passenger) to draw the subframe up evenly. Torque all mounting bolts to 70.0 lb-ft (95.0 Nm) in the same cross-pattern. Remove the support jack once all bolts are torqued.
12. 12

    Reconnect steering linkage
    Reconnect the drag link to the pitman arm and both outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Install castellated nuts and tighten to 50 ft-lbs. Install new cotter pins, advancing the nut as necessary to align the castle slots with the stud hole. Do not back off the nut to install the cotter pin.
13. 13

    Reconnect steering shaft
    Align the steering shaft coupler marks made during disassembly and slide the upper steering shaft onto the steering box input shaft. Ensure the flat on the shaft aligns with the flat in the coupler. Install the pinch bolt and tighten to 35 ft-lbs. Verify the steering wheel is still centered with the front wheels pointed straight ahead.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to factory specification (typically 85-95 ft-lbs for this era)
2. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times to verify proper operation and no binding
5. Inspect all connections for proper installation before test drive

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify elimination of clunking, excessive movement, or vibration from the front suspension during acceleration and braking
• Verify steering response is normal with no binding or unusual effort required
• Check steering wheel returns to center after turns
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle after test drive to confirm all mounting bolts remain tight and no components are loose
• Schedule front end alignment within the next few days as subframe position may have shifted slightly with new bushings

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