Anti-lift kit fitted over the last couple of weekends, not driving the car for work means I can spread things out a bit. I had intended to complete everything last weekend but things got a bit tricky.
I removed the bolts holding the 'C/U' frame in place under the car only to shear two captive nuts, no issue as access to the nuts was easy and once again the angle grinder was my friend.
Most of the bolts removed had seen better days, extremely crusty and the shanks on each of them had rotten and worn so much 12mm bolts had 8-10mm diameter shanks.
Ryan was ordering some paste from ICP so he grabbed a new set of bolts for me at the same time. Whilst waiting for those I could at least fit the new bushes.
The main bolts holding them to the chassis had to be torqued to 250nm, so a new tool was purchased.
It felt somewhat displeasing having to put so much effort in to tightening a bolt, especially as me and fastenings on this car don't get on too well, thank heavens for ICP stocking so many genuine Subaru fastenings, must have purchased them all now!
Whilst the 'C/U' frame was off the car I gave it a very quick tart up.
I had also had a chance to raid my work for suitable nut and bolt replacements for those I had damaged, fortunately finding some nice fine pitch M12 flanged bolts and matching self locking nuts.
The new ones had arrived in the week from ICP too and I had to organise their positions and match them to the necessary spacers that came with the anti-lift kit.
Lined up the frame under the car to go back in to place
And got to bolting it all back together, torquing to the specs advised by Subaru and everything went smoothly
I had read quite a bit in to the necessity of the frame under the car as many it would seem leave this off, mainly for the 14kg weight saving. Apparently it's reason for being there is crash rigidity in an accident, as far as I'm concerned it ties everything together under the car nicely and should aid stiffness and support to the front subframe, so it stays!
Steering feels heavier as a result of the kit but nothing too drastic, now for an alignment to keep everything in check.
Next project has begun too...
