type 44 86 5ktq subframe bushings - BTDT

[Livolsi, Stephane]

Finally did the front subframe bushings on my 86 5ktq.
Read the archives and most posts strongly recommended having a shop press
old ones out and new ones in.
My experience was actually very different.
to get the old front bushings out, I used a large razor knife to cut off the
rubber ridge holding them in.  Then some love taps with a BFH and done like
dinner.
For the rear bushings, I used a hammer and screwdriver to bend the outer
metal ring inwards in 3 or 4 places. this reduced the diameter of the
bushing and then it hammered out easily.

Putting the new bushings in was incredibly easy.
1. First I lightly sanded inside the holes where the bushings go.
2. Then applied a good amount of Palmolive (tm) dishwashing detergent inside
the hole and all over the bushings.
3. Knocking them in with a hammer doesn't work (I knew this but had to try
anyway) The hammer just bounces off.  I got a bolt slightly longer than the
original subframe bolt and put it through the bushing, and through the hole
in the subframe.  Now you need VAG 84/partscar (also known as the strut cap
from an 84 parts type 44) on the other side, put on a big washer, a nut and
start tightening and the bushing just gets pulled in.  It was incredibly
easy, never even broke a sweat tightening it.  This goes for both the front
and rear subframe bushings. There was 'slight' distortion of the front
bushings, but they were ok.
4.  I have to admit, I didn't even try the control arm bushings as I could
see that this definitely needs a press.  I did install the control arms in
the subframe (not tightened yet) before putting the subframe back on the
car.  the control arm ball joints when into the struts first, and then the
subframe bolts went in easily.
5.  To get the swaybar back in, I used a ratcheting tiedown to pull the 2
ends together.  Pretty scary actually, you have to put a lot of tension to
get it to fit and if it ever broke loose I think body (human body) parts
would be flying....  In retrospect, I think next time (next time? ya right!)
I would try putting the sway bar in the control arms before putting the
subframe back on the car.  As it was, I had to jack each strut up to get the
swaybar to line up enough to get all the bushings and end nuts on.

Now the front end is nice and tight, and handles noticeably better.  all in
all , I would say that this is one of the jobs on my car that has gone the
smoothest, with no broken parts or problems at all.

Today's job is replacing all the coolant hoses and rear diff seals.  Wish me
luck.

Stephane