Bought an awesome driving rx300 that as you all know, is so smooth.
well 1st time I went to get new tires, the shop informed that the rear suspension had rust rot, especially the subframe. to for-go all the emotional rhetoric....ugh... I am still planning to revive this girl and make her safe. Can anyone lead me to what removing/replacing the subframe entails?
I bought a good used one, and the studs look ok on my frame. the tierod sway bars all look fairly new, but do not truly know what im in for or a guideline as to how to go about removing the old subframe. in the words of Ferris' economics teacher "anyone , anyone"? thanks in advance for your help.

 

Welcome to CL.

Although a drive test is very important, but a thorough visual (crawling under or raising the vehicle on lift) is a must.

In fact I would say as a owner one must do that every year.

Post some pics and that would prompt some response.

Salim

 

4 major points to hold the rear subframe. If AWD, disconnect the driveshaft from the rear differential. You need to unsecure the parking brake cable, disconnect brake lines, get the rear section of exhaust out of the way, and un bolt your rear struts. The whole rear subframe can drop out with the rear axles, hubs, brakes in place.

If you dont have access to a lift, ramps under the fronts and tall 3 ton or greater rating stands for the rear should give you clearance.

Here is a pic of a gs300 rear subframe which is pretty much identical to give you an idea.

 

rear wheel steering .. that would not qualify for 'pretty much identical'

I know what you are trying to convey but the steering linkage ...

Salim

 

pretty much identical except for the steering linkage

i've corrected my earlier post to 4 major "points" that hold the rear subframe.

Though not exactly identical the gs300 rear subframe pic shows the concept of how a subframe and its bolt on components fixate themselves to the car. Don't overcomplicate the concept by thinking about the steering mechanism. Its all bolts and parts at the end of the day.

Here is a picture of a rx300 rear subframe, as finding one complete with components was hard to find.

 

Here's most of the components you'll be taking out. I'm assuming its a 4wd. If I see an RX at the shop tomorrow Ill try to remember to take a picture of the rear.

 

You guys rock. I will probably tackle this after thanksgiving. I truly appreciate the help. I will keep you all in the loop once I start the surgical restructuring of a great driving rx. Sad that someone up north didn't take better care of her on those salty stretches. I hope to revive her and put another 150k on the south Ga roads with the sunroof open and radio up.

 

WTF! Mine has never missed a NE Ohio salt bath winter and looks a million times better than that! Was it close to the ocean or something like that? Looks like fried chicken under there.

 

Hahah, my thoughts exactly! NE NJ winter in my case.

 

P.s. if anyone has any tips or tricks they would like to offer a 1st timer on removing this vital heavy subframe & all that has to be removed/replaced with it, please feel free to post. I will need all the help and advice I can get.

 

Lol on fried chicken. I think it looks like that due to sunlight on day I took it and also this was after I sprayed a rust killer/converter on it. I beat around and prodded the whole subframe and was only 2 spots where there was no meat/strength. I have those areas welded until I replace the whole subframe.

 

That is beautiful car and kudos to you for keeping it safely on the road!

 

wow that looks really bad. looks like fried chicken dipped in a septic tank. does it still feel okay? yeah id change that soon as you can, remember, rust is cancer, it never sleeps and it will spread. beautiful RX otherwise. don't see that color much down here and when I do it looks pretty bleached. yours looks new!

 

Likewise, my 99 spent the first 11 years in Pittsburgh and looks pretty good underneath...