Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: jgonza2 on December 06, 2006, 07:03:11 PM

Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: jgonza2 on December 06, 2006, 07:03:11 PM
I want to put subframe connectors on my 85 Tbird.  I purchased subframe connectors that are said to be for a 86 - 93 mustang, with seat braces.  When I put them under the car to check for fitment, those braces don't line up with anything...are they supposed to on our birds?

I've read others have cut the braces off and just welded the straight bar?  Is that enough, or do I need some lateral support on the subframe connectors?

Thanks.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: the_intimidator03 on December 06, 2006, 07:33:40 PM
the fox body mustang subframe connectors will NOT work with the cougar/thunderbirds... i cant remember who makes them that will work with our cars...s omeone will pipe up im sure.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: 88turbo on December 06, 2006, 07:45:17 PM
doesnt Chuck make SFC's?
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: gumby on December 06, 2006, 08:05:18 PM
chuck doesnt make SFCs, he does occasionally make the braces. the bottom mount style SFC for birds/cougars are jus straight pieces of 1x1.5x.120 steel.

bob makes some. 40bob.com
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Chuck W on December 06, 2006, 08:20:16 PM
1"x2"x.120" rect tubing is what I used.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Beau on December 06, 2006, 09:04:45 PM
I've got a question about the Tbird/Cougar SFC's.
Do they protrude through the floor all that much, and would they be noticeable with seats/carpet installed?
I've seen 5.8Fastcat's with them installed on his rotissirie, but not with interior stuff over them.
I'd like to have some on my car someday, and am curious as to how they look.
:sorry: to hijack..
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Chuck W on December 06, 2006, 09:11:47 PM
Quote from: FordTruckFreeek;117299
I've got a question about the Tbird/Cougar SFC's.
Do they protrude through the floor all that much, and would they be noticeable with seats/carpet installed?
I've seen 5.8Fastcat's with them installed on his rotissirie, but not with interior stuff over them.
I'd like to have some on my car someday, and am curious as to how they look.
:sorry: to hijack..


Well unless you're installing through-the-floor SFCs, there is nothing protruding through the floor. ; )
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Beau on December 06, 2006, 09:22:49 PM
lol, yeah, i kinda worded that a bit silly :cool:

just wondered what it's look like carpeted up afterwards, if it was exceptionally noticeable.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Red_LX on December 06, 2006, 10:02:40 PM
I got the subframes off 40bob's site, they're actually made by a guy here in WV....but they're nice for $65, have caps on both ends, and reinforcing plates.

Welding them in just takes forever, and I went through 2 spools of wire on my welder doing mine.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Chuck W on December 06, 2006, 10:25:11 PM
Quote from: Red_LX;117308
I got the subframes off 40bob's site, they're actually made by a guy here in WV....but they're nice for $65, have caps on both ends, and reinforcing plates.

Welding them in just takes forever, and I went through 2 spools of wire on my welder doing mine.


Yeah.....I couldn't sell mine with seat braces and hardware for that price......thus I gave up on them.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: jgonza2 on December 07, 2006, 12:34:38 AM
Quote from: gumby;117291
...the bottom mount style SFC for birds/cougars are jus straight pieces of 1x1.5x.120 steel.


If that's the case, why couldn't I just cut/torch the seat braces off and weld the straight pieces on?

Given the notorious flex in these fox bodies, I'm surprised we don't have a sticky with all this info (instructions & pics) already.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Chuck W on December 07, 2006, 08:59:03 AM
Quote from: jgonza2;117323
If that's the case, why couldn't I just cut/torch the seat braces off and weld the straight pieces on?



What are you talking about?  Using Mustang SFCs?  Well for one, the Mustang ones aren't straight, they are usually kinked.  The kinks are not needed for the Tbirds.  Also, the extra length in the Tbird wb would require a bit more material.  I like to use at least 5' lengths myself for "std" bottom-mount SFCs.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: CougarCoupe88 on December 07, 2006, 01:13:24 PM
maximum motorsports dont sell them for cougars or birds? i may be confused with caster camber plates but i thought they did.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: Chuck W on December 07, 2006, 01:21:37 PM
The MM pieces are just straight with no seat braces.  KB used to make them and whoever has what's left of their inventory may still have them.

Aside from the KB ones, mine were the only Tbird/Cougar ones with the seat braces.
Title: What subframe connectors? How install?
Post by: JeremyB on December 07, 2006, 01:22:28 PM
MM sells std. length SFCs for our cars. I haven't a clue why they don't add another foot of straight steel to make the full length. :confused:

IMO, if you are going to put SFCs on your vehicle...do it right and use full length SFCs (such as Chuck's [which are no longer available]).