02civilx

So my 02 lx subframe is in fact bent. I know 01 to 05 2 and 4 door is the Sam subframe. My car is manual transmission. Can a automatic transmission subframe work? All the salvage yards only have automatic cars

mac25

The torque mounts are different for the manual subframe.

I can't remember if it's the bracket position on the frame, or the mounts, but they are different.

Perhaps check to see if the two frames have different part numbers.

ezone

Honda parts catalog gives different part numbers for subframe regarding auto and cvt trans vs. manual trans, but it does not tell what the differences are. (I only looked up a 2002 with 4 doors)

Any salvage yard should have access to an interchange guide (Hollander is a popular company for that guide), I would hope someone can check it and tell you if the auto subframe can be used on a manual car

02civilx

do I need to remove the engine and trans to replace the subframe or can I just support them with a brace that goes across the fenders?

BrotatoChip

The subframe only has two of the four engine/trans mounts. If you drop the subframe the engine may want to lean forward or back some but it will not come out. I've never done it but I wouldn't be pulling the engine to replace the subframe unless absolutely necessary.

mac25

Enginge/trans sit on the engine mounts which are bolted to the frame, so no, you don't need to remove them.

Its really easy to remove the subframe, even though the list looks long


-jack up car
-place on stand
-remove skid plate
-removing front end may help
-unclip O2 sensors
-unbolt header
-unplug the exhaust from the rubber hangers (wd40 helps)
-pull exhaust back (no need to compleatly remove)
-remove ball joint castle nut pins and nuts

-buy/rent ball joint extraction clamp!!!!
You can try using a jack but it's a pain in the *** sometimes.

(you can try a hammer but it usually goes bad and destroys the threading, and a ball joint fork rips the grease boot; then you have to buy new ball joints and have them pressed in)

-unbolt the small retaining brackets from subframe to frame (black, about 1"x3")

-have something ready to catch the sub frame like wood blocks, sand bags, jacks...

-unbolt the main four bolts that secure the subframe to the frame.

You're done!

-when reinstalling the frame I like to support one end of the subframe with blocks, as close to the frame as possible, then use a jack to lift the other side. This let's you be able to roll the subframe around a bit to line up the bolt holes.

02civilx

if I buy a automatic subframe, the mount that's in the wrong spot, could I cut it off and relocate it to the proper spot and re weld it?

Colin42

Potentially, how good are your welding skills?

02civilx

my co worker is a beast at welding. im gonna give him a Benjamin and he said he will hook me up

mac25

...its going to be a pain in the *** that way. It needs to sit perfectly, which means you're going to have to place the mount on the transmission, lift the subframe up, mark the location, and try to weld it in after taking the subframe back down.

The subframe is also bent at odd angles. So you'll probably have to use custom splints of metal/custom cutting, to get the mount to seat properly for welding.

You're probably looking at 8-10 hours of work.

02civilx

I just ordered a manual transmission subframe ill have it Monday. probally take what 4 hours of my time? im highly mechanically inclined just never done a subframe on my personal car and wanna make sure I do it perfect lol

mac25

1-2 hours for straight swap if nothing goes wrong like the ball joints being fussed in, or snapping an exhaust bolt.

02civilx

sounds like a fun night

ezone

Maybe you'll find the yard left the LCAs on the frame you get and they still have good bushings ....that could save a little bit of time

If you have to use your original LCAs make sure you don't tighten the bolts for the rear bushings with the wheels in the air.......the bolts need to be tightened with the cars weight on the suspension so the arms are at normal ride position


wheel alignment should be done after the new subframe is installed too

02civilx

so just snug the rear bushings bolts down than torque them with the wheels on the ground

ezone

Then set the car on the ground and roll it back and forth a few feet to settle the suspension