How to drop fropnt suspension subframe on a my 2000 cavalier I-4

Hey Mary Jo,
Seems like this is a common problem, here are a couple sites that might help:
2007 Jeep Compass Rusted Out Subframe And Spring
2007 Jeep Compass Suspension Cross Member Subframe OEM Suspension Cross...

I really don't think this is a project you will undertake. The subframe is the frame that is attached to the front under part of your car. It holds all front suspension, steering, and mounts engine and transmission. The sub frame is held in place with at least 4 big bolts. GOOD LUCK FRIEND.

In order to pull the transmission on a honda pilot it all comes out from the bottom. You must remove the front suspension all the engine harness, pipes and hoses unbolt the suspension subframe bolts and drop the whole thing at one time. Use a suspension lift designed for this or you could drop it and loose it.

The subframe is fine. It must be a solid not moving part of subframe.

The Subframe is a metal frame like enclosure that surrounds the Engine /Transmission. The Engine/ Trans drops into the Subframe and in turn is bolted to it via Engine Mounts and the Subframe is in turn bolted to the uni-body of your car via Subframe Mounts.

The subframe or Engine Cradle for your car is compatible for Vhevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire, and goes for years 1997 up tu 2002. You can buy a 2002 engine cradle for your car $250 plus shipping at:
http://www.car-part.com/
If you are happy with my answer, please rate me.

Unfortunately most of these cars require the subframe to be dropped down in order to remove the transmission.

In my opinion, removing the front subframe makes this job much easier.

Jack up and suitably support the front of the car so it is in a wheels free state.
With wheels removed;

• Remove the anti-roll bar drop links from the anti-roll bar
  
• Free off the lower arm ball joints off
  
• Remove the track rod ends from the swivel hubs
  
• Remove the nut and bolt and special clip on the lower steering column universal joint
• loosen off and disconnect the feed and return pipes to the power ram (beware stinking power steering fluid pouring everywhere!)

Steering and suspension wise, the subframe should be free!

• Remove the nut and bolt that secures the lower engine mounting to its bracket (the bolt that goes through the big round rubber mount at the back of the engine)
• Disconnect all relevant gear linkage rods (this will be clear when you are under there!)
• Support the subframe with a jack or somesuch and free off the 6, 18mm bolts that secure the subframe to the body shell.
• remove all subframe mounting bolts.
• lower the jack that is supporting the subframe, it should all drop quite nicely and then get stuck on the steering column universal joint! A good old college shove frees this and then you should be able to remove your subframe assembly from under the car.

The racks are a bit tough on these cars since theyre on the subframe. a lot of extensions and a swivel will help it come off the subframe but hate to break it to you : you will need to drop the entire subframe to pull off the steering rack. The subframe holds the motor and suspension. Its odd though that you need to remove the rack. Perhaps the rack isnt an issue. Can you post up what your issue is?

Good luck.  It sits on top of the fuel tank.  You have to drop the fuel tank, which involves removing the rear subframe and most of the AWD suspension and driveline components.  A very good mechanic with the right tools and that has done it before will be able to do it in around 8 hours of labor.  It is an expensive part and very labor intensive to replace.