[ctjfb]

Hi,

I need to replace the front subframe, and left hand side suspension, driveshaft etc. on a '96 AWD. I can get hold of the complete assembly from an earlier year, not sure exactly when, but pre-facelift. Am I going to have any compatibility issues, or are all the components the same regardless of year ?

Also, has anyone ever tried leaving the engine and transmission in-situ whilist removing the frame ? From what I can see, I should be able to suitably strap it up, disconnect the mountings etc., and just drop the frame off below it - but maybe I've missed something ...

Thanks for any help you can provide,

Chris.

 

[Matrixx]

Hi ctjfb
You really need to know what your putting in their first before you start pulling things apart and find out it isn't going to fit. There has been a lot of changes to the Sub-Frame and front end parts in the 96+ as apposed to the earlier years. The best thing to do is measure both frames and parts you plan on replacing first to see if they will match up.

With a big job like this, I would try to stay as close to the year as possible if you can, It might be better to just wait and look around for a direct swap with the same year or newer. As for leaving the transmission and engine in to drop the sub-frame, this is going to create more work than it's worth. It would be much easier and safer for you to drop everything and swap things over out in the open.

I don't like the word "straps" when it comes to suspending something as heavy as the transmission and engine together in the air, but that's just me. Hope this helps. Any more questions just fire away and we will do our best to answer them.

 

[tnhillbilly]

Hi Chris, I don't know where you live but I posted a link in vehicles for sale that I found on craigslist for a 1997 awd with a bad engine thanks to a rock the ad reads. They have it listed for 700.00 and it is in Virginia. If you are close enough maybe that one will work. You never know, you may be able to get it cheap.

 

[ctjfb]

For anyone contemplating removal & refitting of the subframe assembly whilst leaving engine & box in the vehicle, I can confirm that it's not only possible, but really very simple. Supporting the engine is very easy, and can be done very safely by using heavy duty ratched strap(s) that hook over the lip onto the floor pan when the engine cover is removed (with a small section of angle-iron to spead the load), and then just run under the oil pan. The rear of the box can be either strapped up to the chassis rails, or as I did on a two post ramp, simply supported with a transmission jack.

It means that to remove the subframe, all that needs really disconnecting (on the AWD) are a couple of hoses to the steering box, three brake pipes at the ABS module, 3 or four electrical connections to same, the airbag sensor, engine & box mounting bolts, 4 front driveshaft bolts, and a few cable clips etc. Everything else stays in place. (i've probably forgotten something, but that's the gist of it).

Chris.

 

[LT4 Astro]

Removing the engine from the subframe and then dropping the subframe out sounds like a ton of work. I'd rather drop the engine out with the subframe and do whatever repair or freshening is required with front powertrain out of the vehicle. The front driveshaft is a PITA to R&R. It's a PITA either way. Most astute mechanics will remove a front subrfame with an engine in about 4 hours. I cannot imagine removing the engine from the subframe in less time....?
The driveshaft fitment changed design about '96. Later halfshafts pushed into the front diff and retained by circlips. The earlier units have a flange that the front halfshafts bolted to.
The only reason I'm aware of this change is that I bought a 97 front S10 4WD diff to install in my AWD to 4WD conversion. Had to buy another earlier S10 blazer diff to get a flange style for my 94.
My vote would go to removing the body off the engine and subframe assembly. Seems much safer too...? Probably less work since your radiator crossmember doesn't unbolt.
Various year subframes interchange....AWD to AWD. The 94 and down year models don't have the front end reinforcement bars. They could be welded on.
Most of the front suspension can be replaced with the subframe in the van...unless you have wreck damage...
Saw where a 97 Astro with a blown engine was listed on Craigslist in Va....I just bought a 97 2WD Astro that was listed for $700 bucks that was in North Carolina. Just brought it home yesterday. Maybe the same van? I ended up with it for $500 bucks. The PO drove it after the serpentine belt broke and toasted the engine.
Had RV style windows. Ugly windows. I'd give you a subframe, but the 2WD isn't going to help you. I'm going to strip most of the good stuff (doing a '94 to '97 front end conversion) and I'll be scrapping out some stuff that may have value to Astro owners. Probably not much. The interior is screwed.
Re the early and late front diffs, just look under there and see if you have flanges that your halfshafts are bolted to, or 'push in' CVs similar to a Jap car transaxle.
The earlier models have flanges.
While you're under there, may as well install an NP231 and a shifting front differential.
Good luck on your project! JR