Gen 1 R1T Quad Subframe Replacement Results

[DaveA]

I just had this done, subframe retrofit, 2 more dampers, arms and halfshaft. Got the car back, passenger side...all is well but then the passenger door makes a nasty popping sound when it opens. Service claims they have no idea why!?!.....acts like they are doing me a favor for f'ing up my front panel to fix the rub.....now i have ugly gaps and messed up PPF.

I gotta be real, i LOVE my R1T Q/LE and I've visited the service center TOO many times but ive been pretty patient and grateful to have all these things corrected. That being said, for the first time since I've had my truck im scared to what happens when my warranty ends in December. SO many things have been fixed on this <500 VIN R1T and if its out of warranty and the trend continues, this is going to be a nightmare.

Debating on upgrading to Gen2 R1T eventhough the loaners ive used just dont feel as good as mine...or maybe throwing in the towel and getting a R2. Anyone else going though this and wondering how to move forward?

Yep, no way I keep an R1 out of warranty. Great vehicle, but just waay too complicated so I'm trading for a much simpler R2.

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[mroe]

Yep, no way I keep an R1 out of warranty. Great vehicle, but just waay too complicated so I'm trading for a much simpler R2.

This is also my current plan next year, but want to see how R2 insurance/aftermarket part market evolves before ruling out an extended warranty on my truck

 

[zymolysis]

I have a Feb 24 R1T too. How do I what can in inspect to see if I can determine if I have the old or newer subframe?

You've got the cast subframe; the welded ones were phased out by early 2023.

 

[VandalSibs]

I've always wondered if the welded subframe was a Quad only thing, or were there some Dual motor configs with the welded version...... my Dual was built June 2023.

 

[STLGEO]

I took my early ‘22T LE with 67k miles in for a leaking rear damper ($1900) and a popping noise in the front left…SC said it’s the subframe. Wasn’t aware of this issue until now, and just out of warranty. $8k to replace . They said it’s not a safety concern so I’m going to pick it up without replacing, but I have to think it becomes a safety concern at some point, right? The noise has gotten noticeably louder and more regular (happens at the start of pretty much every trip) over the past couple weeks.
Planning to take it to CO for a backpacking trip in a couple weeks and am a bit nervous about a 2k mile road trip…🫤

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I've always wondered if the welded subframe was a Quad only thing, or were there some Dual motor configs with the welded version...... my Dual was built June 2023.

Afaik they switched in February '23. Mine (manufactured Feb '23) has the cast. There's pictures on the forum somewhere of the differences. Should be pretty easy to visually confirm if you crawl underneath your vehicle.

 

[Robot Overlord]

You've got the cast subframe; the welded ones were phased out by early 2023.

Darn small numbers on my iPhone. I meant to type that I have a Feb 23 R1T so maybe I have the welded version. Guess I need to verify which subframe I have on my truck.

 

[HaveBlue]

I took my early ‘22T LE with 67k miles in for a leaking rear damper ($1900) and a popping noise in the front left…SC said it’s the subframe. Wasn’t aware of this issue until now, and just out of warranty. $8k to replace . They said it’s not a safety concern so I’m going to pick it up without replacing, but I have to think it becomes a safety concern at some point, right? The noise has gotten noticeably louder and more regular (happens at the start of pretty much every trip) over the past couple weeks.
Planning to take it to CO for a backpacking trip in a couple weeks and am a bit nervous about a 2k mile road trip…🫤

Might be good to find a welder who can plate the damaged areas on the subframe. That has to be cheaper than 8k.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

I've always wondered if the welded subframe was a Quad only thing, or were there some Dual motor configs with the welded version...... my Dual was built June 2023.

Early/mid February 2023 builds onward had the cast subframe.

Seemed to coincide with the removal of Meridian branded sound system.

 

[Robot Overlord]

Early/mid February 2023 builds onward had the cast subframe.

Seemed to coincide with the removal of Meridian branded sound system.

Now I really want to know which subframe I have. It’s a Feb 23 R1T with Meridian (one of the last ones from info I’ve garnered from others about when the switch to the Rivian sound system began).

 

[tate16t]

Yep, no way I keep an R1 out of warranty. Great vehicle, but just waay too complicated so I'm trading for a much simpler R2.

I’m in the same boat and contemplating putting cash toward an extended warranty for my ‘23 Gen 1 R1S or an R2. I’m leaning toward the R2 and going to test drive Friday.

Did you trade-in or sell separately? What are your thoughts coming from an R1T?

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Now I really want to know which subframe I have. It’s a Feb 23 R1T with Meridian (one of the last ones from info I’ve garnered from others about when the switch to the Rivian sound system began).

Easiest way to tell, is turn your front wheels to the side (full lock) and look past the wheel liner at the frame, you'll see indicative cross marks from the casting process. If not there, you'll see a bunch of welded components.

 

[Robot Overlord]

Easiest way to tell, is turn your front wheels to the side (full lock) and look past the wheel liner at the frame, you'll see indicative cross marks from the casting process. If not there, you'll see a bunch of welded components.

Thanks for the tip. I’ll check it out with this.

 

[DaveA]

I’m in the same boat and contemplating putting cash toward an extended warranty for my ‘23 Gen 1 R1S or an R2. I’m leaning toward the R2 and going to test drive Friday.

Did you trade-in or sell separately? What are your thoughts coming from an R1T?

I traded in due to the sales tax benefit in Texas. It was basically a wash between selling outright or the sales tax benefit. The R2 is just much more refined. I'm hoping they make similar refinements to the R1 line in the future, as I really did enjoy the utility of my R1T and would be interested to see what they do with a Gen 3 version.

 

[Robot Overlord]

Easiest way to tell, is turn your front wheels to the side (full lock) and look past the wheel liner at the frame, you'll see indicative cross marks from the casting process. If not there, you'll see a bunch of welded components.

Ok, just checked after running an errand. Again, Feb 23 R1T. I’ve got the meridian sound system along with the cast subframe. I guess that’s a cool overlap as Rivian updated both - one old and one new in this case (along with my recently new H version front axles while I still have the original D versions in the rear).

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