"do it or do not do it - you will regret both"

 The tap arrived today and I promptly put it to work.  After a handful of cleaning sessions and running the tap through the threads with lubricant - I was able to get the bolts into the subframe without incident.  This is good news - I don't have to drill out threads or drop the subframe. 

Now just waiting on getting the spring plates re-plated so I can put this thing back together.

In the meantime - I'll work on finishing up the wiring and getting the things I took apart back together, installing the engine, etc.  I can run the engine without the rear suspension fully installed.