Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
09-22-2012, 02:31 PM
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird Base
Engine: SBC 350
Transmission: Borg Warner T-5 World Class
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen Rear with 3.73s
Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
I'm going to put subframe connectors on my 86 firebird but I'm just not sure if I want to go with bolt on or weld on. Any comments from someone with experience would be appreciated. Thanks
09-22-2012, 02:59 PM
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Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
You can get bolt-ons for ease of installation yourself, but weld them in.
Bolt-ins will twist & twist the chassis & eventually loosen them up by the bolt holes enlarging and/or the nuts loosening.
Bolt-ins will twist & twist the chassis & eventually loosen them up by the bolt holes enlarging and/or the nuts loosening.
09-22-2012, 08:04 PM
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Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
The same week I bought my Hotchkis SFC, Camaro Performers put out an issue where they had a full Hotchkis kit put onto their 83 Z28. All work was done at Hotchkis and the tech stressed two points: the fronts weld in and even though the rears bolt in, they should afterward be welded as well. Additionally, make sure the suspension is loaded when welding the SFCs'.
09-22-2012, 09:57 PM
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Car: 91 Camaro
Engine: 3.1...not hardly stock
Transmission: 700r4....not stock either
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
I agree, weld them in. In addition to the above comment about make sure the suspension is loaded, don't jack the car up, put the connectors on then let it back down and call the suspension loaded. If you jack it up to put the subframe connectors in place, then let it back down, you need to roll the car backward then forward (or vice versa) 20 ft or so to let the suspension/chassis settle back to its normal positioning.
09-22-2012, 10:10 PM
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird Base
Engine: SBC 350
Transmission: Borg Warner T-5 World Class
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen Rear with 3.73s
Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
I'm sure I'll just drive up on the drive on rack to put them on
09-24-2012, 01:01 PM
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Car: '91 LS6/T56/9"
Engine: LS6
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Currie 9"/4.11, detroit truetrac
Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
Make sure it's a 4-post drive-on lift, and weld those things on!
09-24-2012, 07:50 PM
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Car: 1984 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: none atm
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 zexel torsen
Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
when you guys say put them on with suspension loaded...what if I'm restoring my car and there is no drive train or suspension to speak of...do I wait to put on sfc?
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09-26-2012, 12:23 PM
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Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
We're of the mindset that weld-on is the only way to go on certain chassis setups - the 3rd and 4th gen being leaders of this idea. Whichever you end up with, I would highly suggest welding them in because a weld will be more effective at connecting chassis parts than a bolt, which can elongate or make the hole oblong.
09-26-2012, 02:14 PM
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird Base
Engine: SBC 350
Transmission: Borg Warner T-5 World Class
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen Rear with 3.73s
Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
Glad BMR commented because I'm going to get BMR subframe connectors either way because my adjustable panhard bar and torque arm are BMR.
09-27-2012, 04:58 PM
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Re: Subframe connectors. Bolt on or Weld on?
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