Hey guys...How do you drop the whole sub-frame?? I really need to remove the transmission...Does anyone have a write-up on how to drop the sub-frame? I have looked, but can't get any clear answers...Not to long ago I replaced the engine..but it really looks difficult to remove and replace a tranny........Ryan

It IS possible to drop the trans through the bottom, but it is a PITA!! Believe me. Not worth the trouble.

I have seen it many times in the junkyard where people will drop the whole frame assembly to facilitate removing things easier. But it'* more of a "do I have enough equipment to do this task" type of question.

So, here are the questions...
1. Do you have a means of dropping the sub-frame onto something that will allow you to move it about with little effort/damage to the assy?
2. Are you able to lift the front of the car enough to clear the entire assy when pulling it out from underneath?

To get the sub frame down far enough you would need to get the car very high. You may be better off pulling the engine from the top, and then pull the trans.

I do have the equipment to move the subframe once lowered......How far are we talking about lifting it up??? I have a cherry picker....If that would work.....Thanks for responding so quick!!!

I agree with Dan...better to pull them both out at the same time. I have done it...

Mike.

That is some engine lift. I am studying it trying to understand how it distributes weight, etc. Looks like you used floor jacks to move the Bonny back after engine was pulled?

Hey...Thank you everyone....I have indeed replaced my old 3800 with a used one.so it shouldn't be that much difficult to remove the engine again with the tranny??? Am i correct.??? Thanks again

Yep, I used 2 floor jacks to push the car back once the assembly was out. Only thing supporting the weight is the top 4x4 and the 2 vertical 4x4'*. And that is a trailer boat winch. Rated for 1100 lbs. Walmart about $40.

Not much more to pulling everything out at once. Just remove the drive shafts, 2 more brackets, and its out. You don't have to remove the struts like you see in my picture. I yanked them for the hell of it.

From 92 to at least 97 and maybe through 99 GM put bolts in the subframe to split off the front driverside corner. That way the trans could sneak out easily.

You don't have to jack the car ridiculously high, but high enough to slide the trans out the wheel well. Look at the front passenger side corner and rear driverside for the bolts to split the subframe.

If you don't have them..the support the motor from above, pop the balljoints, unhook the ps rack from teh subframe and check for anything else connected to it. (unbolt motor mounts from subframe) then undo the 6 subframe bolts and it'* out.

Doing a trans is much easier out the bottom if you have a garage with a decent floor jack/jack stands.