Author Topic: Do i need toruqe boxs??  (Read 2253 times)

Offline METAL BEE 68

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Do i need toruqe boxs??
« on: July 21, 2016 - 04:53:55 PM »
Im putting frame connectors on the challenger. I was wondering if I need TQ boxs as well? Im aming for a 500-550hp 440. Do i really need them or can i get by with just the connectors?




Offline moprr

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2016 - 06:57:00 PM »
I say the more reinforcement the better.  I  put both in my car and when you go to jack it up now it all goes straight no flexing.
« Last Edit: July 21, 2016 - 10:47:12 PM by moprr »

Offline dakota

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2016 - 07:16:49 PM »
I'm running a mostly stock 340 in my Challenger and I'm putting them in to stiffen the frame.   If you're considering them at all, put them in before your car is painted.   There are a couple of spots that ideally would be welded but I'm leaving it off because I'm afraid I'll end up burning my new paint job.   This is particularly true on the rear torque boxes where they tuck near the rear quarter panels.   I haven't done the front yet but I think I can create an air gap by loosening up the front fenders.

Offline BIGSHCLUNK

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2016 - 07:46:00 PM »
 :iagree:  :iagree:  :iagree:
70 Chally R/T Convertible- Yes she's really got a HEMI, no she's not a Charger!
                                             [o o o o]
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                                              [o o o o]
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Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2016 - 07:54:19 PM »
Im putting frame connectors on the challenger. I was wondering if I need TQ boxs as well? Im aming for a 500-550hp 440. Do i really need them or can i get by with just the connectors?


Chassis rigidity is not necessarily something you can discretely call good or bad. You could do nothing and it'd probably "get by" just fine, but it's all in what you are after.

If you want to cut down on creaks, pops, have your body gaps remain more constant and have your unibody stop acting like a suspension component, then adding stiffening components is always a benefit. That being said, if you're working under the car and have things torn up, then torque boxes are generally considered a good idea.
Build Page: Goody's 'Cuda Build Page
1976 Dodge Warlock
1972 Barracuda - 5.7 Hemi + T56 Magnum

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Offline METAL BEE 68

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2016 - 08:05:20 PM »
I guess it would make sense to put them on. I'll have the car on its side anyway to do the connectors. Might as well go all out. Thanks

Offline brads70

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2016 - 08:07:39 PM »
I in addition to the already mentioned suggestions added the US Cartool cowl support brace. Nice addition IMO!
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
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http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2016 - 09:07:39 PM »
I in addition to the already mentioned suggestions added the US Cartool cowl support brace. Nice addition IMO!

Having installed a US Cartool radiator brace, I'd have to say that I would actually buy an XV one next time...and I don't particularly care for XV stuff much.
Build Page: Goody's 'Cuda Build Page
1976 Dodge Warlock
1972 Barracuda - 5.7 Hemi + T56 Magnum

Wheel & Tire Specs:Link

Offline dakota

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2016 - 10:32:55 PM »
Having installed a US Cartool radiator brace, I'd have to say that I would actually buy an XV one next time...and I don't particularly care for XV stuff much.

Pardon the momentary hijack of this thread, but what's the concern with the US Cartool radiator brace?  I was considering buying one when I get to cleaning up my engine compartment.
« Last Edit: July 22, 2016 - 05:38:24 AM by dakota »

Offline METAL BEE 68

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2016 - 10:34:51 PM »
And whats better for frame connectors, us car tool or XV?

Offline moprr

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2016 - 10:53:15 PM »
I wasn't crazy about the us cartool rad support either, I boxesd it  in as I had room with the rad I am running.  That strengthened it up lots.  The part itself doesn't seem that strong but that is just my opinion. If I was to do the rad support again I would make my own from scratch for what it takes. (I have no complaints for the quality of the other U.S cartool stuff I used and the rad support was as advertised).  As far as frame connectors I think the xv and uscar tool appear to be about the same and you should expect to have to do some grinding to get them to fit nice before welding. 
« Last Edit: July 21, 2016 - 11:02:18 PM by moprr »

Offline dakota

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #11 on: July 22, 2016 - 05:49:08 AM »
Even the TQ boxes needed Mark to apply some "artistic" modifications.   :2cents:

I had to add a filler piece to both the passenger and driver side rear torque boxes to get the to match the profile of the floor pan.  Each piece ranged from about 1/4" to almost 1" wide.   Not a huge deal - just a little more work.

The subframe connectors (also US Cartool) were a better fit out of the box.   They mostly needed a little bit of grinding to get the profile right.

Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #12 on: July 22, 2016 - 07:31:13 AM »
Pardon the momentary hijack of this thread, but what's the concern with the US Cartool radiator brace?  I was considering buying one when I get to cleaning up my engine compartment.

Having installed it, it will work fine, but the design could be improved by using a square tube and getting a better handle on the frame rails.
Build Page: Goody's 'Cuda Build Page
1976 Dodge Warlock
1972 Barracuda - 5.7 Hemi + T56 Magnum

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Offline cudabob496

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #13 on: July 26, 2016 - 09:33:04 PM »
whats a torque box?
72 Cuda, owned 25 years. 496, with ported Stage VI heads, .625 in solid roller, 254/258 at .050, 3500 stall, 3.91 rear. 850 Holley DP, Reverse manual valve body.

1999 Trans Am, LS1, heads, cam, headers, stall, etc! Love to surprise the rice rockets with this one. They seem so confident, then it's "what the heck just happened?"

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Offline GoodysGotaCuda

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Re: Do i need toruqe boxs??
« Reply #14 on: July 26, 2016 - 09:38:57 PM »
Build Page: Goody's 'Cuda Build Page
1976 Dodge Warlock
1972 Barracuda - 5.7 Hemi + T56 Magnum

Wheel & Tire Specs:Link