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  #1  
Old 10-12-2013, 06:13 PM
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83 380sl busted subframe replacing

I bought a subframe from a 74 450sl that had the upgraded model used on 560sl's. Now I need to remove replace the busted one.
Does anyone have a written down process to follow. Best mode to follow.
I have 4 stands where I can lift the car onto after removing the front wheels.
From there on is all new to me. I have replaced the heads but have not worked on suspension /frame stuff.

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Old 10-12-2013, 07:00 PM
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I'm going to take a bit of a different tack to the project than likely most would. This is partly due to the fact that I've got the tools and equipment and have done the project this way several times.

My approach is to pull the engine/transmission first and then drop the subframe. Once the engine is out of the way, supporting the car on a couple of jack stands while dropping the subframe is easy. I also found it very easy to use the engine hoist to support the subframe and then drop it onto a couple of moving dollys to slide out of the way.

Most will suggest supporting the engine with bracing on the fenders and then dropping the subframe, and I agree that this takes less tools and would be considered the default methodology. I just don't like the load on the fenders and the engine is really heavy if it lets go while your underneath wrestling with the subframe.

With the engine out, there are many other benefits like getting the engine really cleaned up and also the engine bay. With the engine out, it's very easy to replace things like the steering coupler that are horrible projects with the engine in.
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Old 10-13-2013, 02:01 PM
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I am wondering whats the best way to support the engine in order to remove the subframe. Any ideas? The subframe removal appears pretty simple but hard work. Holding the engine is the tricky part I guess.
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Old 10-14-2013, 08:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deportes View Post
I am wondering whats the best way to support the engine in order to remove the subframe. Any ideas? The subframe removal appears pretty simple but hard work. Holding the engine is the tricky part I guess.

Source all the tools you are going to need (including spring compressor or a threaded rod bar and plate to secure the springs). A trolley will be ideal to lower the subframe onto and roll in the new assembled subframe. A scissors jack and a trolley jack plus several blocks of wood to support and lift the engine. There are several ways to go about removing the springs and control arms: a) remove them while the subframe is on the car before removal of the subframe or b) after removal of the subframe. Reassembly of LCAs and springs can be done as well both ways.

Obtain two sets of ratchet tie down straps 35mm wide as in the pic and remove the short straps from the shackle so you have 4 short straps to hook on the chassis and attach to the engine support brackets. These straps would support safely up 1.5 tons each.


1. Reverse the car onto 8”-10”ramps and lift the front of the car with a trolley jack to level off with rear wheels and support the front on axle stands on the chassis runners. This will give you the height to remove the subframe.

2. Empty the brake fluid reservoir and vacate all fluid from the front callipers.

3. Remove the viscofan and fan shroud together. You will need to empty the coolant reservoir to remove the top hose from the radiator to allow removal of the shroud and fan.

4. Disconnect the front brake hoses from the metal pipes under the fender and brake pads warning light wires. Remove the steering track rod end balljoints from the steering knuckles and shock absorbers. Progress to remove sway bar links and sway bar brackets and remove the bar.

5. Remove the engine mount bolts and push to one side the engine shocks from the engine support brackets together with the heat shields of the mounts.

6. Place a block of wood under the oil pan and with a scissors jack raised on blocks lift gently the engine just about 3/4”. Keep an eye at the rear of the engine while lifting so that no damage is caused to pipes etc.

7. Insert a bolt through the holes of the engine support brackets to act as a stopper for the straps. Hook the straps to each side of the engine shocks and secure the bottom loops of the straps under the engine support brackets. You can do this in several ways by way of a shackle or passing the loops over the end of the bracket and then inserting the bolts (safest way). Using your imagination you can shorten the straps if needed in several ways by re-looping, depending on the type of straps you source, they are about 300mm long.

8. With the straps tight and secure lower the scissors jack supporting the engine very gently until the weight of the engine is supported by the straps. When you are satisfied the engine is secure and supported by the straps, leave the scissor jack just a couple of mm from the oil pan and loosen the subframe bolts from the butterfly nuts but not completely.

9. Pass the long straps from the sets under the front cross-member of the subframe and secure the ends to the front bumper to allow you to lower the subframe simultaneously from the rear and the front (a helper to handle the front of the subframe with the straps comes very handy but I did it on my own). The scissors jack can now be removed and a trolley jack placed under the rear of the subframe once a trolley or wood planks are placed to receive the subframe so that the dust shields of the disks and hubs do not rest on the floor. Lower gently the subframe with the trolley jack and the straps at the same time until the subframe rests on the trolley/planks. Withdraw the subframe from under the car and replace the scissors jack under the oil pan and lift a few mm so that the engine is not only supported by the straps but the jack acts to relieve tension on the straps while you work on the new subframe attachments in readiness to install. (reverse procedure of the above).

This is a great opportunity to replace all bushings and mounts for the subframe and engine.










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Last edited by Deltacom; 10-15-2013 at 06:20 AM.
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  #6  
Old 10-14-2013, 07:20 PM
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Thank you for your replies, Deltacom you outdid yourself with the best response ever. Much appreciated. Your pics are a great help. If you have any more please email them to me. at: echevje@yahoo.com
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  #7  
Old 10-16-2013, 07:13 AM
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Juan

Good luck , and let us know how YOU did it. I eventually will be pulling mine out to replace all the rubber (mine is already the later 560 type)

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