engine cradle/ cross member

gtxtreme19 · Post by **gtxtreme19** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:37 pm

I didn't know if this belongs here or in the suspension thread but I think here will suffice

OK so I was driving a few days ago heard a very loud clunk rattle then seen a bolt drop into the road. Well I pulled over walked back and got my bolt to find out it was one attaching the engine cradle to the car. Well I crawled underneath and HOLY RUST BATMAN! The entire cradle is almost gone in most areas, I assume the fella that changed my tranny didn't tighten this bolt back down. Driving back home everytime I hit the breaks I heard again a loud clunk and the car has a nasty pull to the right now.
I dont want to put the bolt back in until I get a new cradle because the one I have really really scares me.
I'm considering building a new tubular engine cradle has anyone tried this or does anyone build and sell them for our cars?
Also I have one from a front end wrecked car but the frame is way twisted so im sure the cradle is too.
Any ideas or is a j/y gem my best option?
Thanks in advance

fixitmattman · Post by **fixitmattman** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:18 pm

Put that bolt back in right now!!!!

There's a whole thread on engine cradles/subframe/k-members, whatever you want to call it and prices and options for replacing them. As far as I'm aware there are no tubular steel parts for sale, you would need to custom fab one for yourself or have it made for you, which is $$$.

gtxtreme19 · Post by **gtxtreme19** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 2:23 pm

Well I have the equipment and supplies as I've been making tubular parts for my 1gn s10 to prep it for air ride. I tried getting the bolt in but can't seem to get it lined up with me prying the wheel area forward and my brother trying to thread the bolt. Ill hunt for that thread thanks

hybrid-Srt2001 · Post by **hybrid-Srt2001** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 6:10 pm

I have a k frame in good shape if you are interested...

gtxtreme19 · Post by **gtxtreme19** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 6:22 pm

I'm interested, pming now

Post by **occasional demons** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 6:56 pm

You may have to loosen the remaining bolts to get it to line back up.
If it is the rear bolt, you have a death wish, if you continue driving it. The rear partly holds the LCA on also. If the horizontal LCA bolt rips from the rusted crossmember, your LCA/knuckle/wheel, etc will become a handy parking brake underneath the car. Or worse.

Could be why there is a nasty pull, the LCA is bending backwards.

Pic of LCA in the crossmember.

Edit: viewtopic.php?t=47398

Oh yeah, There should be no reason to drop the crossmember to pull the trans. That would be just plain retarded.

gtxtreme19 · Post by **gtxtreme19** » Fri Feb 26, 2010 7:30 pm

occasional demons wrote: Oh yeah, There should be no reason to drop the crossmember to pull the trans. That would be just plain retarded.

Well I did end up firing the Guy and for good reason he dropped the whole front end I.e. suspension motor wheels ALL of it. Then halfassed the rear breaks. I ended up losing my job and having time to finish reconnecting everything myself. I'm pretty sure it is not an lca bolt but if it is its the vertical one but ill put it back tomorrow after we get my garage cleaned out