Rear Suspension Overhaul (Part Duece)

[m3f_PurduinaM3_5769f9ad51]

I did the whole "drop it as one unit" thing a couple months ago to install AKG subframe bushings. I have a 6 bolt driveshaft since I have a 6/94 build car. It was impossible for me and a helper to drop the entire suspension unit without removing the diff, as the driveshaft studs would get bound up in the diff holes, and there wasn't enough wiggle room to make it happen.



YMMV. Just thought I'd throw this out there since I haven't seen it written down on any forums but it DEFINITELY can't be done as easily on a 6 bolt d/s as on a 4 bolt d/s.



Matt



Good point. We had to wiggle it a little bit, but eventually we were able to get it out at the correct angle. Joe dropped his entire suspension as one on his 95 however I believe he removed the driveshaft as he was doing some other work also.



It is possible to snake the caliper and line between the LCA and axle shaft if you try a few combinations. This may save time as well.



Matt



I don't think this is possible the way we were trying it - we tried many different ways and couldn't get it to go. With air tools we had that bolt out for the LCA in 10 seconds or less, so you'll probably spend more time wiggling or trying to get the perfect angle.



Looks like a good winter project to undertake. Just out of curiousity how many miles are on your car? Is this the sort of work that should be done based on age or mileage?



I have 135k miles on my car, but I would be doing the same job regardless even if I had only 90k. A lot of these parts fail/wear with age, and I just like knowing that everything is perfect. I never want to have to do this job ever again, so I'm making sure that I'm doing EVERYTHING while I'm in there.



Man that sucks you had to tear all this out again so soon. Good luck this time!



Thanks man, it's no big deal though... The car isn't going anywhere anytime soon anyway :rofl3:

[m3f_M3n00b_e01f72a830]

Nice. Mine is a DD(for now) so I've been putting things like this off.

[m3f_nucci]

I don't think this is possible the way we were trying it - we tried many different ways and couldn't get it to go. With air tools we had that bolt out for the LCA in 10 seconds or less, so you'll probably spend more time wiggling or trying to get the perfect angle.



It definitely is possible because I did it. You must unbolt the short hardline section from the trailing arm (2 10mm bolts) first. Granted, I don't have a real air ratchet yet, so I can't remove big bolts in 10sec like you can.



Matt

[m3f_PurduinaM3_5769f9ad51]

Fair enough - either method should suffice :thumbsup2:



Oh, I also had the caliper brackets attached at the time, so perhaps removing those would have given more room. :hmm:

[m3f_ckk0721]

Quick question. Would you say that everyone needs to install beefier washers when using the powerflex subframe bushings?


Kevin

[m3f_das borgen_362acec4fe]

Quick question. Would you say that everyone needs to install beefier washers when using the powerflex subframe bushings?


Kevin


yup

they need them

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1408487

This huge project was started because I was running the Powerflex purple rear subframe bushings and knew there were issues with the washers cupping. I ran into this thread and this issue was discussed and this is where I got the info for the Mcmaster washers and e90 front suspension bolt


http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1285203&highlight=best+subframe+b ushings

[m3f_JPoland_e17b491a3d]

AKGs don't have that problem. Just FYI for people that haven't purchased new subframe bushings yet.

[m3f_ronan1]

AKGs don't have that problem. Just FYI for people that haven't purchased new subframe bushings yet.



How does the ride differ with the AKG's based on the stock bushings, based on your experience? I'm still doing my homework in prepping for my rear suspension install.

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

If I didn't already have PF bushings, id have AKGs in my car right now

[m3f_Roland H_da3d16ded4]

^This.

[m3f_Leviathan_a48369329a]

i can't remember and don't feel like crawling under my car, atm, to look: do i need to remove the exhaust rear section in order to remove 1 of the diff. carrier bolts (driver side)? need to do the mcmaster washer/e9x bolt upgrade on my PF's...

[m3f_PurduinaM3_5769f9ad51]

i can't remember and don't feel like crawling under my car, atm, to look: do i need to remove the exhaust rear section in order to remove 1 of the diff. carrier bolts (driver side)? need to do the mcmaster washer/e9x bolt upgrade on my PF's...



Unfortunately you need to drop the entire subframe in order to install all of the mcmaster washers since the fronts use studs rather than bolts.

[m3f_Leviathan_a48369329a]

f' me--that's right......

[m3f_thedood_4515c3f8d6]

I did the whole "drop it as one unit" thing a couple months ago to install AKG subframe bushings. I have a 6 bolt driveshaft since I have a 6/94 build car. It was impossible for me and a helper to drop the entire suspension unit without removing the diff, as the driveshaft studs would get bound up in the diff holes, and there wasn't enough wiggle room to make it happen.



YMMV. Just thought I'd throw this out there since I haven't seen it written down on any forums but it DEFINITELY can't be done as easily on a 6 bolt d/s as on a 4 bolt d/s.



Matt



Did you use the factory torque spec with the AKG bushings? I installed mine this weekend, but I just kept turning the nuts & bolts & the bushings were just mushrooming, so I stopped. Do you know what your bushings looked like once you got them torqued?

[m3f_PurduinaM3_5769f9ad51]

Yup, it sucks Roy...


I just got back from a weekend getaway, but my subframe is completely stripped down (thanks Joe!) and my diff is rebuilt with new clutch packs (thanks Cal!)... should have some new pictures up in here soon!