I just got this wagon! It's stock through and through as far as I know, aside from the roof rack of course.



Found this huge crack in the subframe :-(
It's just behind the transmission, passengers side next to where the LCA mounts to the subframe.



I'm wondering if it's worth trying to weld? Or just replace it? I really don't want to drop the power steering rack, cat, drive shaft, transmission mount and sway bar to get the subframe out. The camber is excessive on the passenger side, also caster is negative on driver's side (possibly related?)

This thing had eaten the previous tires it had on the front, worn the inside to the belts...
What should I do?

 

where are you located? i may have a minty subframe for sale soon.

id just replace it if i were you. no way to tell if welding will do it. probably will throw all the caster/camber/alignment off regardless.

nice wagon!

 

X2 for replace.
If it were the onset of a crack then welding might work well, but this one is nearly broken and already has taken on a new shape.

 

Thanks. Yeah my mechanic said replacing it is the only way to go.
Question: is the subframe unique to rt4wd or same for all wagons 88-92? I assume hatch and sedan are different.

Edit: I'm in Northern AZ.