I need to change the sump gasket on my 74 xj6 but am not in a state of pulling the whole engine, I am wanting some information on hot to drop the front subframe as I also need to paint it and other rusted suspension components, and or if there’s anyone in Sydney Australia that can assist me

 

There was a special engine support tool that held the engine from above, so the subframe could be removed. It's like a girder across the engine bay with two extensions at the end that fit in the left and right drain channels. the engine lifting brackets are used to take either cable, or good quality lifting straps. I made up my own.Somebody on here will have a photo, no doubt.
Here is a typical one: -
https://www.buildingsuppliesdirect.c...waAtHuEALw_wcB

 

Here are some photos of a typical engine support. Using this you can drop the front suspension out...
For what you need to do, you can support the engine like this, then disconnect everything except the front bolts going through the subframe, and let the front end swing down on the front bolts rather than removing the entire front end....
Best of luck in your repair...
David
shop.EverydayXJ.com

 

Here is a photo of the IFS hanging by the front supports. A friend had done this, and it looks like he removed more than he needed to in this photo. He was likely doing a soft rebuild of the front end while it was hanging.
This was a Series 2 XJ12 Coupe from what I remember....
Cheers
David
shop.EverydayXJ.com

 

I found one of these at our local Harbor Freight, but it wasn't on display and I have no idea why.
One had to ask for it. Great tool! Someone stayed up all night figuring this out.

Intuitive to use, it's *Very* stable when used properly (keep support and chains at right angles to load), and I wouldn't have got my front suspension rejuvenated without it.
(';')

 

I everyone just to update I have dropped the subframe

 

Yash Swami,

Do your engine support bar chains pass under the engine, or are they connected independently on either side of the block?

 

Yash, well done,
I have to do exactly the same job and thank you for you photos,
It gives me a head start on the job, off to buy a support bar like yours tomorrow
Bob

 

I tried to put the chains around the front engine mounts but on the drivers side it wouldn’t go around as the oil filter housing is in the way, as a result I put it around the power steering bracket and the alternator bracket

 

Hi bob,





Here are some photos you might find helpful

 

Thank you Yash

 

There's something entirely appropriate about using custom-made oaken body supports to hold a Jaguar XJ Series II. Well done!