Author Topic: sub frame connector install question  (Read 2648 times)

Offline 72hemi

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sub frame connector install question
« on: February 19, 2010 - 10:34:33 AM »
I am going to be installing home made sub frame connectors this weekend and I have a question, when I jack the car up to weld in the subframe connectors should I place the jack stands under the front and rear frame rails or under the lower control arms and rear axle?
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe




Offline 72cudamaan

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2010 - 11:22:42 AM »
Either way should be fine, but I would probably put the stands under the lca's and rear axle. That way the car is sitting just like it would at rest on the ground. :2cents:
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Offline Topcat

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2010 - 11:35:37 AM »

Either way should be fine, but I would probably put the stands under the lca's and rear axle. That way the car is sitting just like it would at rest on the ground. :2cents:

 :iagree:
When I did mine, I put a third set of jacks all the way at the end near the rear valence. I used shims to offset any uneven pavement.
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Offline HP2

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2010 - 02:14:11 PM »
There's two schools of thought on this;

on a complete car, support it by the suspension points to simulate loads the car is used to seeing on the road and this prevents creating any problems with panel alignment. Downside is any wedge or uni-body deformation that has settled in to the chassis is now locked in to place.

Other thought is to support the uni-body in multiple locations creating a square and plumb situation, then lock it in to place with conenctors. Downside to this is your going to find it tough to square and now some panels may interfere with each other.

Offline 72hemi

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2010 - 08:48:15 PM »
Thanks everyone for there input. Sounds like my best bet is to put the stands under the suspension and then check the panels (especially the doors) before I move forward and make adjustments if necessary. I will let you all know tomorrow night how it goes.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline 72hemi

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2010 - 09:38:19 PM »
Well, I got the car in the air today and didn't feel comfortable about the way it was sitting and welding in the subframe connectors, so I am going to wait until I can use my friends drive on lift to do them so that way I don't have to worry about the body being tweaked.
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline IMNCARN82

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2010 - 10:15:04 PM »
I like to make sure the frame is square first.  :2cents:
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Offline BIGSHCLUNK

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2010 - 11:31:52 PM »
I am going to wait until I can use my friends drive on lift to do them so that way I don't have to worry about the body being tweaked.

I was gonna throw this in earlier...  :grinyes:   :thumbsup: Thats the way I did it.. no problem mon!
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Offline JoltinJoe

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Re: sub frame connector install question
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2010 - 05:42:06 AM »
I like to make sure the frame is square first.  :2cents:


Yes the drive-on lift and making sure the frame is square is the way to go.  I would also follow imncarn82's suggestion to make sure the frame is still square.

There is the other option of connecting them through the floor.  It's not for everybody, but this link provides a great overview:

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=54896.msg567943#msg567943
HIS: '68 GMC 3/4 ton pick-up truck, '73 Barracuda, '87 Firebird, '01 Jeep Cherokee and finally a '70 Barracuda Convertible!
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