So i got started on my new j body project today, a 96 chevy cavalier convertible to discover that my engine cradle is cracked. It is a 2.4L automatic. How long should it take for me to replace the cradle and has anyone ever fabricated one or should i just go to the junkyard and get one?


thanks
mike

Its not as bad as it looks.

-Seperate the lower ball joints
-remove the lower engine mount and "ski" thats on the drivers side
-remove the rack and pinion bolts and pry it up a bit
-remover the bolts holding the subframe to the body

Once its out remove the swaybar and the control arms, great time to replace them with poly bushings if you havent already. FYI the MOOG sway bar parts from Oreilly are poly, the blue ones.

does anyone know if a 2.2l automatic cradle from a 97 will fit my 96 2.4l car?

IIRC all the cradles are the same except the 2.2 cradles have hooks in the middle to carry the exhaust pipe. Someone correct me when im wrong.

ok well hopefully those hooks dont cause a problem. also it shouldnt matter what type of tranny was in the car because i found a cradle for a stick car that is cheaper and in much better condition.

All have the hooks, even my 98 with a 2.4 03+ had an aluminum subframe, probably lighter.

^^ um, no, 03 up did NOT have aluminum sub-frames....

any cradle will work in in your 97, 03 up wont work for you tho because its a 2.2

ok well right now i found a cradle out of a 99 z24 and its in great shape and cheap (never thought i would here those words in the same sentence). so in reality all i would have to do is swap mounts and i should be okay right?

Gary Frank wrote:^^ um, no, 03 up did NOT have aluminum sub-frames....

any cradle will work in in your 97, 03 up wont work for you tho because its a 2.2

You're right, but something seemed different about the 03+, just can't remember.

I believe the 03+ has an extra brace on it?

-Chris-



-Sweetness-
-Turbocharged-
Slowly but surely may some day win this race...