Help please, in the middle of replacing my alternator bracket gasket and in a pickle
 

2005 4.8

I'm at the point where I need to loosen my top motor mount nut, then loosen the differential and i'll have access to remove the bracket

But I can't for the life of me get a good angle with my ratchet and extensions to properly seat the socket on that top nut. All the posts I've found in regards to this DIY say "remove top nut" as if it's easy so i'm feeling like an idiot haha

I found this very short video which kinda helps, but I have a question because dropping the sub frame is unfamiliar territory for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4NvXw5iS_I

Looks like in the video he has the subframe dropped which gives him all the space he needs and then some. I want to do this too but I have a couple questions i'm hoping someone can answer.

1. I've loosened the 6 E18 bolts on the subframe, the only two left that I can tell are two on each end of the steering rack that connect to the sub frame. If i loosen those two plus the others what will happen? Will the motor drop if i don't support it?

2. If I remove all those bolts but support the motor/subframe with a jack can I slowly lower it until I have the needed clearance or will something else stop it from going down?

3. Any other tips or advice for dealing with this subframe? Basically my main concern is unbolting everything and then not being able to get that subframe bolted back in


As always, thanks for your knowledge and help

Hopefully that all makes sense. So I guess in short how do I get my undercarriage to look like it does in that video?

Yes do not losen the subframe bolts with out supporting the engine somehow.

Either with a cherry picker, those support stands that go over the engine bay/shock tower or last scenario by the oil pan with a phone book and a floor jack.

Thank you

Does anyone know if I should remove the two bolts holding the subframe to the steering rack? Will that allow more give for the subframe to lower or do those bolts not make any difference?

I've done the trick of using jack under the motor for doing motor mounts on a Volvo. I used and "would" [six] recommend using a piece of 2x6 vs a phone book. The book idea is to prevent high pressure points but it won't spread the force much. Lumber can do both.


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