SubFrame connectors

CtownRunner · Post by **CtownRunner** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 9:33 am

My 71 RR will be going in the shop in a few weeks. Some frame work it to be done and I want the subframe tied in then.

Does anybody have recommendations for weld in subframe connectors.
Not looking for anything fancy like the ones contoured to every crease and dimple.
Just solid, easy to install, servicable hardware.

I guess I should ask if anone has used bolt in subframe connectors and if they like them or not. My gut says welded would be preferred over bolt in connectors.

Any thoughts, let's hear them.

Thanks

Post by **Eric** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 12:58 pm

I believe Bruce will have a recommendation

Post by **bruce** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 2:21 pm

Well, I would, but he said he didn't want the kind that followed every nook and cranny in the floor. Plus, the US Car Tool frame connectors we used in my Runner had to be modified--they were E-body connectors and the rear frames on our cars are different than the E-body's rear frames.

Ignore the nasty looking exhaust system in this shot.

road chicken · Post by **road chicken** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:11 pm

I used the Mopar bolt in units- then welded them in later.

The only "mod" that was needed was to cut a hole in each of the rear floor pans to clear the connector. The connector intrudes about 5/8" above the floor. you never see it when the carpet is laid back down.

The difference is very notable. It really stiffened the car substantialy. A mod I think was definately worth it.

CtownRunner · Post by **CtownRunner** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:27 pm

Bruce, point me in the direction of those custom contoured connectors. I want to compare price to the Mopar ones I can easily find.

ffej · Post by **ffej** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:59 pm

i used competition engineering bolt in ones and welded them in worked good

72RoadRunnerGTX · Post by **72RoadRunnerGTX** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:08 am

Bruce,
Do you have any shots of the completed installation of those US Car Tools connectors? I am currently fitting a pair their E-body connectors to a 72â€™ RR. Have found so far they require quite a bit of re-working to fit correctly.

Post by **bruce** » Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:41 am

Here's a thread on the US Car Tool site about installing them on my Runner. You'll see we actually had to cut the connectors toward the back in order to get the angle to match the angle of the car's subframes. These connectors are MADE for e-bodies and the angle of the rear subframes is different than on a b-body.

http://www.uscartool.com/img/71RR/index.html

www.uscartool.com is where you'll find info about their subframe connectors. They also make a wicked cool bolt-in driveshaft loop.

1bluegtx · Post by **1bluegtx** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:27 am

I used the bolt in ones and welded them.If you dont have a welder you can bolt them in and run it down to the muffler shop to be welded.Plus you dont have to remove the carpet for fear of a fire from welding on the floor pan.

BRIAN

JimF · Post by **JimF** » Sun May 06, 2007 9:12 pm

I have a set of the 90's era Direct Connection frame connectors. They were bolt in but I had them welded in instead. They did wonders for me on the autocross Solo II tracks.

- Jim

CtownRunner · Post by **CtownRunner** » Sun May 06, 2007 9:59 pm

I was about ready to pull the triger on the weld in ones like Bruce used and cut to fit a B body. Haveing second thoughts again.

Need to know if I'm on the right track. From what is being said here and what I can find on the net my other choices are these.

Bolt in conectores that weld to the subframe rails at both ends.
One set I find needs the floor pans cut. This requires more welding.

Does anyone make a bolt/weld in set that DOES NOT CUT INTO THE FLOOR PANS?

Just want to keep it simple.

Road Runner Nest

SubFrame connectors

SubFrame connectors

Old direct connection