Subframe connectors

[CFMopar]

When you guys welded them in did u do it while the car was on jack stands or on the floor does it matter?

[greenrt_se]

my Charger was in stands when I weldet

[Jon Smith]

Its best to have it sat on its suspension so that there wont be any flex on the body when you weld them in, you dont want to make it bent all the time. So if you have it on stands put them under the rear axle and the front suspension

[CFMopar]

Well Didnt finish doing that today cause my extra set of hands had to run off with his gf to oogle the damn bird she bought....

I did get the hole in my floor patched.... Hopefully Ill finish these subframe conectors by my birthday this friday... 

[RallyeMike]

[quoteIts best to have it sat on its suspension so that there wont be any flex on the body when you weld them in, you dont want to make it bent all the time. So if you have it on stands put them under the rear axle and the front suspension]

Gotta disagree. Old cars are likely not to be squared and level  while sitting sprung... whether its because theyre worn or because the factory built them that way......    If the torsion bar adjustment is uneven, the rear springs are worn or sagging different left to right, or there are any other things that cause uneven weight distribution, you will end up building any resulting body flex into the chassis permanently when you weld in the connectors (unless, of course, you are a crappy welder!). Not to mention any previous fender benders that may have bent things.

Support the frame with jack stands near the suspension points and level the car in all directions by shimming the jack stands, then install connectors. Support near the suspension point is important. Don't just pick any point to support the frame.

The bottoms of the rocker panels make good initial reference points for leveling the car.

Double check your doors for alignment before you weld things up. If you are trying to level up a chassis that is tweaked, but everything has been adjusted to it, you could be in for a suprise.

[CFMopar]

How do u level it when every surface isnt plane flat. You got curves everywhere. No where to place a level or anything......

[CFMopar]

ok sorry. read it again so i can get the front to rear level via the rocker pannel (its the spot under the door right?) what bout left to right

[CFMopar]

bump

[RallyeMike]

Same reference point - the bottom of the rockers.

Set a straight 2x4 on the garage floor long enough to go accross the car, level it up, and measure from the 2x4 to the bottom of the rockers. Adjust the jack shims until you get everything level on both the front to back and left to right directions (four ways all together - left side, right side, behind the fornt tires, in front of the back tires). 

When you think its right, use the same 2x4 set up to check at the rear frame rails and front frame rails (unibody rails?!). You'll soon find out how square or tweaked things are. Again: Old car and not great production or quality control 30-40 years ago. Nothing will be perfect.... Do the best you can.

[CFMopar]

I almost had it roll off my front jackstands trying to get it level. Damn slanted drive way isnt helping....

I think Im just going to take it in and get them welded on Im at the point where I just want it done.

[sandmbmx88]

Same reference point - the bottom of the rockers.

Set a straight 2x4 on the garage floor long enough to go accross the car, level it up, and measure from the 2x4 to the bottom of the rockers. Adjust the jack shims until you get everything level on both the front to back and left to right directions (four ways all together - left side, right side, behind the fornt tires, in front of the back tires).  

When you think its right, use the same 2x4 set up to check at the rear frame rails and front frame rails (unibody rails?!). You'll soon find out how square or tweaked things are. Again: Old car and not great production or quality control 30-40 years ago. Nothing will be perfect.... Do the best you can.

I saw your car in hotrod i think!  Way to go!  I think it was hotrod atleast....I dont really remember.


Im doing my subframe connectors on my garage floor and to level the car i thought either maybe the big bolts for the body bushings or to the line under the rocker panels.  Do you know a shop that would put the correct time and effort into doing that correctly?

[RallyeMike]

I saw your car in hotrod i think!  Way to go!  I think it was hotrod atleast....I dont really remember.


Im doing my subframe connectors on my garage floor and to level the car i thought either maybe the big bolts for the body bushings or to the line under the rocker panels.  Do you know a shop that would put the correct time and effort into doing that correctly?

Thanks - after reading rod mags for 25 years, it was pretty cool to see my car in Pop Hot Rodding, but it sure AIN'T a magazine car - It only looks good at speed from 20 feet away!

I do everything myself, so I can't give a good reference for a shop. If you are somewhat handy and think it out, it's not a difficult project with the right tools.

[The70RT]

[quoteIts best to have it sat on its suspension so that there wont be any flex on the body when you weld them in, you dont want to make it bent all the time. So if you have it on stands put them under the rear axle and the front suspension]

Gotta disagree. Old cars are likely not to be squared and level  while sitting sprung... whether its because theyre worn or because the factory built them that way......    If the torsion bar adjustment is uneven, the rear springs are worn or sagging different left to right, or there are any other things that cause uneven weight distribution, you will end up building any resulting body flex into the chassis permanently when you weld in the connectors (unless, of course, you are a crappy welder!). Not to mention any previous fender benders that may have bent things.

Support the frame with jack stands near the suspension points and level the car in all directions by shimming the jack stands, then install connectors. Support near the suspension point is important. Don't just pick any point to support the frame.

The bottoms of the rocker panels make good initial reference points for leveling the car.

Double check your doors for alignment before you weld things up. If you are trying to level up a chassis that is tweaked, but everything has been adjusted to it, you could be in for a suprise.

I know this is an old thread but I am at the point to install some subframe connectors. I guess i will have to take the car off of the rotissorie to install them? I want to paint them along with the bottom at the same time. Where is the best place to buy them besides just making them youirself?

[Charger74]

THis is probably the best besides XV,   http://www.uscartool.com/ .  hope this helps.

Brent