Has anyone removed the Front subframe on a TD6?

Hi,

First post and I'm asking for help I'm afraid. I've lurked on this forum for many years and always found my answer - but drawn a blank with this one!

I've just bought a 2004 TD6 Range Rover with issues - which was very brave! It needs new front air suspension, new front brake pipes and a new tail gate only because I can't bear to see it looking as rusty as it is! Otherwise, a pretty sound truck - for now!

The big unexpected problem I've come across the amount of corrosion on the front subframe. What I've done is buy a good (better than my one anyway) subframe and will clean/hammerite etc. The problem I've got is just how involved is removing the subframe? Obviously steering rack, support engine and engine mounts, and then suspension - a lot of work, but do able. My question is do I also need to remove the driveshafts? Really wanted to avoid that if I could, so wanted to see if anyone else has taken the job on?

Any advice gratefully received. Hopefully after I've finished restoring this Range Rover I will learn more and be able to offer back to the forum. I have an AllComms Mkiii on its way to me, so any members in South Cumbria need help with Diags, then let me know.

yes you need to remove the drive shafts as they pass through the subframe.

might as well do the cv boots then

Thanks for the reply. I've been searching the 'net' for days on this one, and can only find two write ups - and neither mention drive shafts. Looking at the car, it seems obvious that the drive shafts need to be removed - just wanted reassurance I hadn't missed anything obvious. Talking to the breaker that is supplying my subframe, he say he sells a lot of them, so must be a common thing. Just surprised no-one has done a write up?

I will take the job on and will report back. I have the front struts already off the car while I wait for the new front air bags, so I'm half way there already. I plan on disconnecting the lower arms - and keeping the driveshaft attached to the hub. Then, remove the whole assembly from the diff. Watch this space and will keep the forum posted.

I think the corrosion is purposefully built-in to the models from the noughties as a nod to the Classic design.

Ha - think you could be right there. My past Land Rovers have all been TD5 discos, and all suffered chassis corrosion - infact the reason all three got moved on over time. I hoped the L322 Range Rover would be better given the positive history of the P38. I guess progress is a little bit there as the chassis can be removed in 'bits'!!

Engine support beam ordered, so hopefully get this done this week. I'll take plenty of photos as I go. Hope to make this thread useful for people in the future.

So - I just wanted to follow up with this. The engine support beam arrived from Machine Mart, and ... it's too small for a Range Rover by about 6 inches!! So, if your taking on this job - or any other that require the engine supported, make sure you buy a long beam! The Clarke one is definately too short.

The instructions for subframe removal are actually in Rave under steering rack change. The hardest part of the job would be disconnecting the steering rack - otherwise it is a doable job. In the end I stripped as much off the subframe as I could, then cleaned and waxoxiled in place. Mine wasn't anywhere near as bad as I had thought once I could see it properly.

To remove the subframe, you need to remove all the front suspension (the anti-roll bar stays attached to the subframe). I left the drive shaft attached to the hubs, so just popped them out of the front diff - that way the driveshafts nut/hub etc doesn't get disturbed. The steering rack pipes are disconnected from the engine and then that also stays attached. Once the engine is supported, then you can undo the engine mounts (making sure the mount vacuum pipes are disconnected).
Then its a case of very carefully undoing the 6 (from memory) large bolts that hold the subframe in place and slowly lowering it down - it's quite heavy!

Hope that helps someone else researching this job in the future.