Figured out how much subframe rust is too much

[madpogue]

Originally Posted by saturnsctwo

sheeeeit! if my car's subframe was that rusty i would just scrap the car. the rest can't be much better...

Yes it can. About the only other structural thing that's rust-prone on our cars is the rear door rocker panels on the sedans and wagons. Other than that, our cars can get some seriously cancerous subframes, with otherwise rock-solid spaceframes. It's a bolt-on part, remember.

Originally Posted by MoparNut

What...you didn't fix the transaxle leak while the subframe was out? LOL

The leaking tranny fluid will continually coat the new subframe, preventing it from rusting like its predecessor did. He could leave the oil filter a tad loose for the same purpose.

[eljefino]

Originally Posted by MoparNut

What...you didn't fix the transaxle leak while the subframe was out? LOL

Haha, it's motor oil, not leaving spots or anything & not bad, and while I *could* pull the pan and reseal it there is something about letting sleeping dogs lie on a $200 car. (Oil drips on that "girdle" brace over the exhaust then finds its way to the differential on the tranny.)

Though it's tight getting the oil pan crank-side lip around the motor mount/ subframe I would much rather do that job with the engine solidly fastened, and not hanging from a scrap 2x4 across the fenders with a dollar tree nylon strap. And incredibly, the lower timing cover/crank area is practically dry, a rarity.

The rear door sills and window frames look pretty good too, about where my same-year SW1 was three years ago. I think the cracked radiator kept the cradle damp on the drivers side, accellerating damage. BTW this is a southern car, from Massachusetts.

[Corvettemustang]

The subframe on my 2002 L100 rusted through and was just replaced a few days ago.

[davorocks]

My best friend brings me stuff that looks like that ranting me to weld something to it. The last one: an 82 s10 4x4 with rotten mounts. Um... Sorry.