When I removed the rear subframe I took off the axles, trailing arms, and diff before dropping it.. less of an issue especially when working on the floor with minimal clearance. I'll be brush painting mine this weekend.
Be prepared for a LOT of additional vibration and noise with those poly bushings, particularly with the transmission mount. I'm actually switching back to a (new) OEM mount (still readily available, around $45) because I'm fed up with the excessive noise and vibration. I'm leaving the other poly bushings in place for now until I see how much of a reduction I get from the trans mount alone.
Yes! Since this video, I've realized how buzzy that transmission mount is. Likely going to swap back to stock. I don't think the diff and rtabs are going to cause much NVH on their own.
It's funny to see those Kumho Solus TA 11 tires on just about all daily-driver E21s. I just replaced my 15-year old Yokohama Avid T4s with the Kumhos from Tire Rack (Discount Tire has them as well for the same price). They are about the only tire choice available if you want to avoid the Chinese brands or made in China tires.
Definitely hard to find tires for smaller wheel sizes now! Even 10+ years ago, it was hard to find good performance tires for a 14" wheel, which was common to Miatas, E30s, Civics, etc. We're glad the Kumho tires are available!
When I removed the rear subframe I took off the axles, trailing arms, and diff before dropping it.. less of an issue especially when working on the floor with minimal clearance. I'll be brush painting mine this weekend.
I've pull trailing arms, diff, and axles with the subframe still in the car and I'd say it's a lot more work than just dropping the subframe.
Be prepared for a LOT of additional vibration and noise with those poly bushings, particularly with the transmission mount. I'm actually switching back to a (new) OEM mount (still readily available, around $45) because I'm fed up with the excessive noise and vibration. I'm leaving the other poly bushings in place for now until I see how much of a reduction I get from the trans mount alone.
Yes! Since this video, I've realized how buzzy that transmission mount is. Likely going to swap back to stock. I don't think the diff and rtabs are going to cause much NVH on their own.
It's funny to see those Kumho Solus TA 11 tires on just about all daily-driver E21s. I just replaced my 15-year old Yokohama Avid T4s with the Kumhos from Tire Rack (Discount Tire has them as well for the same price). They are about the only tire choice available if you want to avoid the Chinese brands or made in China tires.
Definitely hard to find tires for smaller wheel sizes now! Even 10+ years ago, it was hard to find good performance tires for a 14" wheel, which was common to Miatas, E30s, Civics, etc. We're glad the Kumho tires are available!
How did you source the E21 323i rear trailing arms with the disc brakes? Your video is great... would like to do the same with my 1978 E21.
This sucked a lot more than I make it look. Still a lot easier than dropping an E30 subframe as those always seem to be welded to the chassis.