Sub Frame Connectors

Topic: Sub Frame Connectors (Read 2551 times) previous topic - next topic

Sub Frame Connectors

January 11, 2009, 07:26:57 PM

Does it matter if I build my sub frame connectors with the engine and tranny in or out of the car? Thanks.

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #1 – January 11, 2009, 07:39:06 PM

no
What kind you buildin?

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #2 – January 11, 2009, 07:53:01 PM

I would recommend installing them with the weight of the car on the wheels, though, especially the front. These cars bend quite a bit when you jack 'em up under the frame (to freak yourself out, watch the front door-to-fender gap grow while jacking under the front subframe), and you wouldn't want to make that bend permanent by installing SFC's while it's bent. Having the front wheels on ramps and the rear axle on jackstands should suffice...

The nice thing is, with SFC's in it won't bend anymore when you jack it :D

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #3 – January 11, 2009, 07:53:07 PM

I did a search and I really like how Gumby did his. So I'm thinking about copying his.

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #4 – January 11, 2009, 07:53:16 PM

Just ensure that you have the car resting on the wheels(suspion)sp

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #5 – January 11, 2009, 07:54:19 PM

3 post in the same minute???

That is strange????

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #6 – January 11, 2009, 07:55:10 PM

Yea, I knew do build them with the car on the ground. I'm just not sure if it matters or not to have the engine and tranny in the car.

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #7 – January 11, 2009, 08:01:38 PM

I agree, you should have the car sitting in it's normal position. so the body isn't flexed when installing them.
make sure all your door gaps are good before you start as a double check.

thru-floor frames will be stronger with all the welding to the floor pans

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #8 – January 11, 2009, 08:05:39 PM

I don't think having the motor in or out will flex the body, as the weight is still over the wheels.
I could be wrong though.

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #9 – January 11, 2009, 08:17:53 PM

engine will sit, but the trans will be over the crossmember. Not sure if it'll be much difference, though. I'm doing Gumby's version of SFC's too. Fitting the drivetrain, getting everything where it's supposed to go, weld in SFC's, remove everything again, and put on rotiserrie for paint, and stuff. Simple, right? :hick:

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #10 – January 11, 2009, 08:33:53 PM

did all mine on a drive on 4-post hoist. with out engine and trannys never had any problems yet.

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #11 – January 11, 2009, 09:14:44 PM

Sounds like you have it figured out.
Keep us posted with pic

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #12 – January 11, 2009, 09:54:55 PM

i did mine w/o motor or tranny installed. i also had the car up on 4 leveled jackstands under the front and rear subframe rails, no suspension installed. methods can vary from car to car. ive seen some cars sagged so badly in the middle i wouldnt even think about installing SFC's with the car sittin on its own suspension.

how ever you do it, just make sure everything is level and square before, during, and after the install.

[SIZE="1"]and thanks for the compliments![/SIZE]

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #13 – January 11, 2009, 10:05:30 PM

The car is in excellent shape. So I shouldn't have to worry too much about body droop. But I do plan on measuring anyway.
My door close real nice too. Just a flip of the wrist.

Gumby did you ever get a cage built for your car?

Sub Frame Connectors

Reply #14 – January 11, 2009, 10:07:44 PM

Quote from: ottoparts;251290

Gumby did you ever get a cage built for your car?

currently still runnin a 6pt bolt in roll bar. full cage is likely in the future.